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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  Low Trying to Increase the MPG - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Roberto Gonzales - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Honda Hybrid because we like new technolgy. With gas prices cripping up to $2.00 a gallon, fuel economy is greatly helping finance the car. Fun to drive. Great to show off. I love my Honda Hybrid. Not even a whisper of a problem. The first time the idle stop kicked in at a light I pulled the joke on my friend -- oh no, my car died. Can you push? Buy it!

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  disappointed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TominNH - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Thw car is great.......... styling takes a LOT of getting used to for me....... and apparently one cannot install an aftermarket radio without losing teh climate control display..... serious blunder

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  great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By go honda - March 25 - 2:00 am

  i love this car it takes a couple days to get used to the power but when you do, you can just sit back and let the car do all the work.

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  Grrrrrreat - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nycmichael - March 25 - 2:00 am

  There were only two snags that I experienced with the car. First off I realized a horrible rotten egg smell after I would accelerate sharply or for an extended period of time. Its ok to do this because all Hondas are red lined off the line. The smell turned out to be the catalytic converter breaking in, this is supposed to go away after 2000 miles, Im at 1600 so I cant confirm this. The second is the gas milage. After getting the car I realized I wasnt getting the advertised gas milage. This also turns out to be a breaking in issue, I was told that after 3000/4000 miles (with highway cruising) the car will begin to achieve its normal mpg.

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  Love the new Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Catra - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car, and I love it! Not as fond of the exterior as I am of the new Altima, but the Accord makes up for it in the interior. Extra bright gauges, a pretty good sound system, and it is so comfortable! I love the ride, the wheel is very responsive, and bumps arent jarring at all. Great car for the price!

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  Poor Audio & Brake is funny - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Haligi - March 24 - 10:56 pm

  Audio sound increase when I am driving, I dont know why but I ask the dispatching staff of T&T Honda Calgary, he told me its a design from Honda to increase its volume once you accelerated. And the brake is not as good as my old CR-V 2006, there is some funny situation when I used the brake, it stops but not good stop. I dont like also the head rest of the 2nd row

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  Went from S2000 to Accord Cpe V6 w Nav - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joseph - March 24 - 9:20 pm

  I turned in my S2000 for the Accord Coupe V6 w/ Nav and auto trans. I must say the nav is fun to play with, still getting to know all the functions and voice command. The stereo and XM radio is great. The speedo/tach is a little boring compared with the new Civics and S2000, but its bright and legible at night. There is a faint pull when the cylinders switch from 6 down to "eco" mode, but its very faint. Ride and handling are great as is the power, though pretty unimpressed with overall fuel economy but at least it doesnt take premium (averaging 23 mpg). But it looks hot, so for me, switching from an S2000 to this was important. People will gawk.

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  Clear Why This Car Sells Like Hotcakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By masternc - March 24 - 3:49 pm

  To address the elephant in the room, my CR-V does vibrate my seat at 600 RPM when stopped in drive. However, shifting to N or turning headlights on raises RPM. Adjusting the idle speed would fix this, so I imagine Honda will have to address. Otherwise, loving this car for my extended commute. While the acceleration pattern takes adjustment, it handles well and I am getting 30 MPG (with AWD) from hwy & suburban driving. There are a few minor interior quirks but car is comfy and spacious. The CR-V is in high demand; you cant get a Touring for months and there is little negotiating room. Ended up going with an EX-L, which saved me $5,000. My EX-L took 4 weeks to arrive in my color.

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  1994 Prelude - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By annette - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This 94 Prelude is highly reliable. I have never done any repair beyond normal maintenance in 10 years! Ive had years in which Ive driven it 20,000 miles and others of 5,000 miles. Its a peppy, fun drive that accelerates very well. It handles beautifully. This is the best car Ive ever had in 35 years of driving. Even the temperature controls are great-the air conditioner cools quickly and the heat is just as responsive.

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  everything you expect and more - 1997 Honda Civic
  By dattman86 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  my 97 civic has been one of the most rewarding product purchases i have ever made and easily the best vehicle purchase. i love my civic and will stick with honda on my next vehicle though i will probably step up to an accord or something larger. my only complaint is the road noise. it is not exactly a quiet ride. the handling makes up for it though.