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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  A Good Fuel Efficient Vehicle - 2005 Honda Civic
  By M.Satterfield - February 24 - 2:16 pm

  I like this car for the gas mileage and the cost of ownership. The car is rated 36/44 city/hwy; I am getting 40- 42 mpg in suburban driving. The 5spd stick shift is very smooth and is fine as long as youre not dealing with bumper to bumper type driving. Get the CVT model if you deal with gridlock! This is a great little run- about suburban type car. Plenty of power on the low end if you need it; it has a VTEC engine. I like the fact this car is giving me 40-42 mpg with proven "old" technology. The car is noisy. It could use some better sound proofing. The front seats could be a bit wider as well and also raise up a bit. The gear shift knob is a bit too small for me.

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  Tried and true! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hondaman31 - February 24 - 8:56 am

  I looked at the Hyundai, and Altima but I went for the better quality Honda. Every three years my lease is up and I try hard to stray away but fortunately every 3 years I make the right choice. This Honda is bigger than the Altima, Camry, Hyundai and just about as big as the BMW 5 series sedan. There is just enough of what you need here, and still remains very competitive in price and quality. I am happy with the interior quality, I am happy with the drive, and this is overall a very classy reliable car so far!

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  Great Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By shelbymustang87 - February 23 - 1:00 pm

  I have had my Black/Tan EX Coupe for about a month now and I LOVE it! The car was my second and a wonderful gift from my parents. We looked at others including the Scion TC but when it came to reliabilty, gas, price, and selling price we opted for the honda. In response to a previous post the 2007 black civics are now available with a choice of black or gray interior. The taffeta white is the only exterior color available with tan interior for the 2007 models. So, for those of us (like me) with black exterior and tan interior the value should only increase. Overall, this car is wonderful and I am planning on it lasting me for college and beyond. p.s. my gas mileage is 24 without flooring it

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  Great Car - BAD Stereo - 2013 Honda Accord
  By knucklehead44 - February 23 - 4:06 am

  Everything about the car is great...4 months already 10k miles no driving problems...but the Stereo has been a nightmare. From not changing stations to displaying or locking station display for the wrong FM/AM being played AM stations while on FM or XM or Pandora, etc. etc. . This radio is, well, crap. I changed phones, no impact. It is seemingly random how the stereo just does strange things. This needs to be addressed by Honda. One other things...the Front Collision Warning fails in cold weather...could be a huge safety issue.

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  Best Car For The Money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brett - February 23 - 1:00 am

  Honda has done it again! 250 horsepower and still 30 mpg! I opted for the navigation simply because of the eye candy and the great voice recognition system that comes along with it. It has superior handling to the toyota avalon and also superior performance to the ford five hundred. I spent 3 weeks flip flopping between dealers and researching the pros and cons to each vehicle and this is by far the best for the money. You can easily spend 35,000 on a car with all the features this has but you dont need to, its all here in this 30k car! The leather is very soft and the seats very comfortable. Because of the color I chose I got wood trim and it is top quality! I would greatly recommend this car

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  2500 Mile Follow-up - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Z-Hybrid Owner - February 22 - 9:33 pm

  I just turned 2500 miles on mt 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. I have had no problem acheiving over 50 MPG city driving now that the weather has turned warm. Just got back from a 700 mile highway trip. I drove mainly interstate highways. Kept the speed at 65MPH or under for part of the trip and got 48 MPG returning I drove at 70-75 MPH and got 54MPG. I ran the AC when the weather turned hot and watched my MPG fall significantly. Looks like 36-38MPG is to be expected when running the AC.

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  Mandys Review - 2003 Honda Element
  By mandy8545 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely am in love with this car! The versatility and space is amazing, and all I have to say is stain-proof seats and floors!!!

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  GREAT family car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By robrecth - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Highest NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings of any SUV or minivan, better than Highlander, but Honda should at least offer side curtain airbags. Interior spaciousness is phenomenal, no comparison with Highlander. Exterior styling is very bland, not even stylishly understated bland like the Highlander. This is a GREAT family car for those who dont quite need the seating space of minivan. A nice set of compromises in the very best sense of the term.

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  Great Vehicle / Great Value - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joeb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This by far is the best SUV in its class. The second that i drove it i fell in love. It has more than enough room and power.

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  Honda Pilot EX n/leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tadreb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This cars handling with the widetrack and AWD has been good in wet and dry highway conditions. The widetrack has to be accomodated when garaging, its wider than the Honda Accord 4 Dr. SE I had. The acceleration is quick with a pleasant exhaust sound as it goes through the gears. It easily passes on hte mountain passes going to and leaving Las Vegas Valley. There is power to spare while passing at 80 mph on I-15. I like the higher sitting possition over the Accord 4 Dr. SE.