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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  Love it - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kristen Thorsen - March 15 - 5:31 am

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  Very classy car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DesertDweller - March 14 - 1:50 pm

  Amazing job on this new Civic. This is a better car than my old Accord, and it costs less money. Its a knockout in looks and looks very classy in the driveway. I traded in a high performance car for this coupe, and I miss the adrenaline rush sometimes, but all in all, this car is superior in every way.

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  My Experience with 2010 Honda Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jeff - March 14 - 1:26 am

  I got a 2010 Honda Insight two weeks ago. I was considering an equivalently optioned Honda Civic non-Hybrid but my Insight was only $1,500. In addition, it gave me more space, split seats, and better interior along with the higher MPG. Sleeker modern look. Drives tighter than the Prius I test drove and more peppy. Prius rolled more in turns. More HP than the Civic gas I test drove since electric motor augments gas motor. Ive been averaging 48 MPG without much effort so I am puzzled by the EPA rating. Some reported Prius was actually getting less but Insight more than the EPA MPG. My experience confirmed this, at least for the Insight. Therefore, Prius is worth the thousands more.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By StuckoND - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This may not be the most exciting car or truck Ive ever bought, but there is no question it is the smartest. Fuel economy, ROOM, 6 disk changer, moonroof, ability to handle adverse weather with AWD, and the pricetag on top. My wife and I have grown to like it more each month. This is a great small SUV for the price. Oh... Honda reputation gives us added confidence.

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  2004 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BillW55 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most economical and fun car to drive. The IMA system smokes some of the fancier cars like the BMW, Jetta, Ford ponies right at the light. I made a trip from NJ to South Carolina (800 miles one way) on 17 gallons of gas. It cost more for the tolls than it did for the fuel!The road pep is surprising. Great sound system as well. Plenty of room for the passengers and the trunk is very roomy.The engine is extremely quiet. Interior cooling and heating are super. BUY this car!

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  Thank Gd for Hybrids - 2004 Honda Civic
  By David G. - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great performance. Never a problem and great mileage. What more can you ask? Comfort? Yup, its got that too as well as creature comforts and features like CD player, Climate control, cruise control, etc. Try it. You wont like it... Youll love it. D.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rex Nelsen - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Driving around Phoenix,AZ I average 47MPG. Took a 4,000mile trip back to the midwest with a lot of mountain driving. Loaded with luggage,two adults and AC running continuously, we averaged 43MPG. Had NO problem going thru mountains. Had lots of power and pep.

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  Great car with great price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rodcleve - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car to replace a Nissan truck because I needed more space. I purchased the Accord over the Altima due to price. The dealer included free A/C, tinted windows, and alarm with electric door. Took it out of town and the ride was wonderful. In town it handles well and gets good gas mileage. The back seat is very large and aldults can sit without the front passengers moving seat up. Great buy at a great price.

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  Pilot Is Great - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HN - March 12 - 11:33 pm

  Love the Pilot. Researched like crazy and this one just came coming up. Do not regret it for one minute. The Nav system is great - definitely recommend it. The voice recognition can be eccentric and take some getting used to. It took me over a week to figure it how to delete items in the address book. Go to the Nav system Web help by way of the Honda page. The Accord NAV system has trip info - a standard in what is a higher end car. Honda should include it here as well. The Gear shift column is in a cumbersome area. Every once in a while I turn the wipers on. I had read this in reviews so no surprise. Gas mileage is about 15-16 mostly city; expected 17-18 with the 2WD model.

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  Update After Month Of Ownership - 2009 Honda Fit
  By David - March 12 - 3:53 am

  I had to update my initial review because I was amazed at the gas mileage after my most recent fill-up. I set the trip meter to zero at my last fill-up and filled up again last night with 237 miles on the trip meter. It took 6.29 gallons to fill up completely which means I got 37.7 mpg! That is with a 40/60 mix of city and hwy driving at average hwy speeds of 65 to 70 mph. I generally shift at between 3,000 rpms and 4,500 rpms, so Im not babying the car either. What is even more amazing is I just broke 1,000 miles today and Im getting that kind of mileage. Imagine how much better the mileage will be after the engine if fully broken in. I love this car!