Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Sweet ride - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Laura - March 29 - 11:56 am

  This is a great little car. Handles well and very good on gas. So glad we bought it.

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Civic
  By susanne - March 29 - 3:50 am

  I drove this for the first time and just had the time of my life. Yes it is a 4 cyl however it is extremely peepy and great gas mileage. I fill up 1 a week and I drive 25 miles one way to work and it is the primary car that my husband and I drive for errands. It could easily be souped up and there are so many things you can do to this car to make it look better. So all in all it is a great car.

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  Bike Riders Value Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bike Rider - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I chose this type of vehicle because I wanted my bicycle to fit inside, standing upright. It was important to me to keep both the outside dimensions and price as small as possible. The CRV was my best choice after looking at the Escape and RAV 4. The list price was $19,260 and I was able to get $560 off. I wonder if buyers will get better deals as time goes by. This is my first foreign vehicle and am looking forward to the "legendary" Honda quality and durablity. So far so good except for intermittant light on dash board for engine emissions problem.

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  dealer mark up - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By stuned - March 28 - 10:00 am

  honda corperation,needs to communicate with there dealers and let them know not to mark up the price,$5,000 sometimes more... some dealers quote me as much as a $100.00 more on the monthly than what i finally got.. i think the manufacture is at fault too by limiting production,and creating a high demand,shame on you honda!!!shape up,this is america competition is fierce!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  KS - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Khalid Shahzad - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gregory Herz - March 28 - 9:53 am

  So far no problems other than a drivers side sunshade breaking. Wonderful daily driver. Looks great, handles great, extremely comfortable even on long drives. Great standard transmission. I look forward to many more years of blissful ownership. For an econobox vehicle I dont think you could do any better.

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  Gas Mileage Update: 17k miles on vehicle - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hallsc - March 27 - 9:09 pm

  On average I get between 38 and 45 mpg combined. I will say it depends heavily on your coasting vs. using the throttle and brakes heavily. During the summer months I got closer to 45-55 mpg but during the winter months it appears as though the 38-42 is more accurate hence my 38-45 range.

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  One of the best cars I have ever owned - 2007 Honda Accord
  By John - March 27 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased this car (NON CERTIFIED) From a Honda Dealer in 2010, The car was a trade in (1st ownder purchased it and put 75k on it) The car had some ball joint issues after I bought it, but I took it to my local mechanic who fixed them up and this car has been amazing since then. This is seriously been one of if not the best car I have ever owned. Engine is so nice and quiet even after 10 years of use. The car now has 159k on it, and its a solid runner. Transmission is good too, no hard shifting or problems. I use michelins (nitrogen inflated) and the ride is smooth and solid. I did replace the front struts a few months ago for ride comfort. (dont go to dealer they will rip you off, go to local mechanic) I highly recommed this car, very very dependable..unlike my ford Taurus that was in the shop ever other week.

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  Surprisingly good - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By rcr5 - March 27 - 12:44 pm

  I had originally planned to buy a CRV but I also drove the Crosstour and was surprised at how nice the car is because it has not received very good ratings from the various industry reviewers. I find it to be comfortable, very smooth, extremely quiet on the highway, and reasonably economical to drive; I have been getting 27-28 MPG in mixed city and highway driving. Many of the reviewer criticisms have related to styling and appearance and those are of course individual choices but to me the car looks very much like a 4DR version of the Accord coupe and I have received many admiring comments about the appearance.

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  Solid All Around - 2005 Honda Element
  By Billr - March 27 - 12:10 pm

  Like many, did not like the style until I test drove one. Our family now loves the car we bought since it is as much fun for our 6 year old as it is for us. The stereo is superb along with the handling, quality, etc. The headroom and rear room is great but the driver could use about 1-2" more legroom. A carpeted trough to hold small items in the rear cargo area would be nice. The center console tray could be higher to be able to reach drinks etc. easier and there could be an out-of-sight (covered) area for change, phone, etc. These are minor things. The car is fantastic and a joy to drive. Our first Honda and definitely not our last.