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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  Great CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Zippy21 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The 4 cylinder has great power up the hills in Colorado. Plenty of room for the family and cargo. Many nice features like cup holders, reclining back seats and a picnic table built into the back cargo area. What else will they think of ?

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  This car worth the extra cost - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cool Canuck - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I drive the Hybrid in the city and on long trips. Gas mileage is fantastic, although I lose the Autostop when the outside temp is below 32F. Recent trip through Cdn and US Rockies was impressive for handling and fuel consumption. The electric boost is great for passing, but on long mountain climbs the battery does run down so you are left with the gas motor alone. Havent had any really cold weather so will have to see how it does in minus 30

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  Good and reliable, if a bit boring. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civicminded02 - November 22 - 11:26 pm

  Overall a solid smaller car. It does everything well-enough. I am a bit disappointed with the paint. The color is slightly different between some parts...as if the parts were painted seperately. I have noticed this on quite a few (especially silver) Civics. Also, the (rear) suspension is overly bouncy, as if it is not damped well enough. Interior room in the Coupe could also be better, considering the size. Insurance rates are strangely high for a relatively low cost car. All of this being said, it is a comfortable, competent small car.

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  My Black on Black Accord Coupe - 2009 Honda Accord
  By BlackBeauty - November 22 - 7:23 am

  This car is very fun to drive, very solid build, and very roomy for a midsize 2 door coupe. The V6 gets good gas mileage considering the amount of performance it has and power whenever you need it. The inside is comfortable and is not as bad as some people make it out to be, but it is no Mercedes or BMW. Ride quality is above average, but could be a little better on a $30K MSRP car. It is very beautiful inside and out. I opted for black on black, design is superb, and the chrome additions to the car make it look 10x better. When I first bought it my coworkers thought it was a Jag or Lexus and liked it better than my coworkers Lexus that they had just purchased. So far Im very happy!

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  very poor mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eva - November 22 - 6:43 am

  very poor mileage...17 in the city..even after the 25000 miles mark. Leather interior of a very poor quality ..too thin ..already strikes of white show on black leather...there is already a dealership recall for the transmission...a bad blind spot that makes it very unsafe and uneasy whenever you back-up. Also, not very comfortable for passengers (especially in the back) during long trips. We were expecting a lot more from Honda...this one is not worthed the money we spent. Too expensive for what it is, especially if you do more than 10000 a year. Very disapointing!!

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  Not like old Honda Quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By odybill - November 22 - 2:50 am

  Ive already had it in the shop for a warranty cracked windshield replacement, but had to wait 6 weeks to schedule an appointment for the Honda rep to okay the replacement. The quality control on this Honda is not like what I had in my 95 Civic. Ive had interior trims coming apart, middle seat belt holder cover for the middle and back row, the left seat leather cover is popping off the trim whenever i drop the rear seat into the rear well. The map box has a decent size gap from the dashboard. Gas mileage is nowhere near advertised on sticker. We took it for a 1500 mile trip and averaged 21mpg hwy at best, but that was with AC and a bit rolling terrain. .

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  Honda-94, One Of The Best Cars Driven - 1994 Honda Accord
  By catfish - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A Fun Car To Drive. Very Low Maint. A Good Good Value For Your Dollar.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2013 Honda Accord
  By loyalhonda - November 22 - 1:31 am

  I have ~1,000 miles on my new car and am getting 19/20 mpg in the city instead of the 27mpg advertised. Contacted Honda of America and they will not open a case until the first maintenance check which I assume will be around 7500 miles. Do I have a lemon or have others experienced this problem? I otherwise really like this car and have a been a loyal honda owner for more than 20 years.

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  Back to the Future - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Birdbrain - November 21 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my 2009 Fit Sport 5-speed manual in January 2009, and I am really happy with my purchase despite some suggested improvements (see below). In some ways the Fit seems like the reincarnation of my 1980 Civic 1500 wagon, but with lots of evolutionary improvements. I also considered the Mazda 3 hatchback and the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, but the FitÂ’s combination of styling, roominess, and economy was impossible to beat.

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  I LOVE it! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FitLvr - November 21 - 11:03 am

  I have been looking at the Fits since 2007 and this year I finally decided to commit. Initially I was going to get an 08 but they couldnt find the "tidewater blue metallic" I wanted so they offered to order me an 09. I was unsure of the body style if I would like the subtle changes but when seeing it in person, I was in love. I love how it drives, love how it handles, love all the space. It is a great car, the best car Ive had so far and do not have any regrets. The biggest plus is the outstanding gas mileage when driving all highway, I average almost 39/40 miles.