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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  Honest - 2002 Honda S2000
  By forgedblades - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Mild mannered and fun to run errands in around town yet a serious machine come play time. I still havent come close to the performance limits of this car which is kinda of scary to ponder. No body flex, amazing handling, Honda build quality, and reasonable insurance. If you want 0- 60 times look at the Evo. For all around performance and fun its right here.

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  My Civic is the bomb! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Kellylicious - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic when it was a year old and have loved it every day sense. I moved to Hawaii and could not part with it, so it took a cruise over and made it fine. Ive never had a problem with it, outside of the drivers side window getting stuck last year (although this may have to do with after-factory tint I had put on at that time) and this was easily fixed. I wish it had more power going up mountains, but it is worth it to have the awesome gas mileage (30 - 34 mpg even with city driving). I love my car and have not once regretted this purchase. It has never let me down.

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  Sportin the Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Collings - January 31 - 1:46 am

  I went to my local dealer looking for a base model sedan, thats when I fell in love with the Honda Accord Sport. So much fun to drive and it looks amazing

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  Sportin the Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Collings - January 31 - 1:46 am

  I went to my local dealer looking for a base model sedan, thats when I fell in love with the Honda Accord Sport. So much fun to drive and it looks amazing

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  Disapointed with City Mileage - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civic Owner - January 30 - 3:53 pm

  Have only owned for 2000 miles or about 1.5 months. To date I would have to say the Civic Hybrid is great except for the lack of it obtaining its expected fuel mileage potential of 49 mpg in town. I have been averaging 28-32 MPG in town. I was told that mileage will increase after I pass 10,000 miles. I hope that to be true. Also, the braking is a little weak.

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  Perfect for my lifestyle - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MNM17 - January 30 - 6:53 am

  I have a very long commute driving an hour and 1/2 each way from work to home so comfort and MPG were very important. I was looking to get the 2008, but when I went on the Honda website I was sold on the 2009. I ordered my 2009 White Sport Fit with the additional center storage armrest. I have been driving my fit for a month now and couldnt be happier!! With 1,000 miles on it already it drives so smooth the turn radius is awesome. The interior/exterior are well made and love the "dive down" back seats that fold completely flat (comfort for our dog)My 62" husband fits well with room to spare! Im getting 38 MPG hwy/city. Great get up and go for northern Virginians crazy no mercy driving. =)

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  V6 is Addicting! Very fun to drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Alex - January 30 - 4:38 am

  I have owned a V6 coupe EX with HFP package for 4 years and just over 60k miles and I like her more and more every day. She has never left me stranded, maintenance has been minimal, and she always wants to go faster...70 on the freeway seems like nothing to this engine. Fastest I have gone in it is 130 and it felt like it was on rails...meant to be driven fast. Acceleration is surprisingly very good. The engine is fantastic, auto transmission shifts are fast and always when I want them but not the smoothest. Braking is great if you have good pads & rotors, for a heavy coupe it stops on a dime. The tight steering, second to the engine, is the best part about the car and why I unexpectedly decided to buy it. The steering is why the car handles so great even at 100mph, its very nimble with a little understeer if youre really pushing it. I have the 17" 9-spoke wheels that look great in the rain and at night. Trunk is spacious, though I dislike how it narrows at the bottom of the opening so much which really limits the ability to fit larger things. The cabin at least at the EX/EX-L level is refined and very ergonomic, I can use most controls without looking which has made it easier to drive safe. 6CD player is nice but I added an aftermarket aux/ipod/bt that works good and even shows song info on the screen and lets me use steering wheel controls. Leather has aged well and heated seats work great still. With 140k miles on the dash, the only significant maintenance has been the timing belt and water pump replacement ($650). Also replaced the starter and battery once. Other than that, its just oil changes, brake pads, and tires. I test drove 9 other cars before noticing this one on the lot...with the Honda Factory Performance sideskirts/lips it looked like it was 6 years newer than it was. Drove it on a whim and liked it much better than my next choice a BMW 330ci. Last year when I moved I drove it 3200 miles across the country in 8 days and she delivered 100% it was a blast to drive. It is a big car at over 15 1/2 feet which I really like but some people may have a hard time parking it in tight spaces. Back seats are not too bad, but getting in the back is not easy unless youre small or a child. Only other negative is that fuel economy does vary depending on how and where you drive. I have had tanks last as low as 17mpg and as high as 33mpg I kid you not. My average though is about 23mpg which is ok. I never ever thought I would keep the car longer than 2 years, but now Im driving it as long as it wants to keep going. This car owes me nothing at this point as its done everything I have asked and more. If youre considering a 7th generation Accord Coupe, do yourself a favor and get a well-optioned V6 and try to find one with the HFP package.

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  Trust My Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By peteyweed - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car brand new with 7 miles on it in March 1993, now 11 years later and 205,000 miles, it still has as much power as it did the day the day I bought it. I have not had any problem with the engine in any way, except the manufacturer defect of the distributor (which was recalled). We do maintain it, with regular tune-ups and oil changes every 3 thousand miles. The only thing we have done, (aside from interior, mostly cosmetic problems) is regular maintenance with only 1 battery and of course tires.

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  2001 Honda Ex - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Gayle A - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive been leasing the 2001 Ex Honda for almost 3 years. I had no problems with it. Its been great. Im going to buy a 2004 when my lease is over.

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  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jim stevenson - January 30 - 12:20 am

  This is the second Honda Accord I have owned and I have had the best all around service from these cars. I will not buy anything else.