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 Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ahsan - July 28 - 6:00 am

  I think thats the best car for those who drives state-to-state . Great mileage. Since I have this car, I never get any troubles. You cant go wrong with Honda! I hardly see any maintance .... runs good!

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  Nimble SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jim W. - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Well-built vehicle. I have put 58,000 miles with no problems. Regular maintenance is all it needs. I have the Manual transmission which works flawlessly.

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  The great Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By george - July 27 - 7:20 pm

  I owned a Honda Civic back in the 80s and loved it until I bought this Hybrid Honda Civic. Its fun to drive and I dont want to get out of it. Not to mention I get 38 mpg on the streets and 47-52 mpg on the highway. What a great car!!

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  2008 Civic Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Indianajim - July 27 - 6:10 pm

  I have a recently purchased Civic Si Sedan and hav a little over five hundred miles on it. Overall its a great little car thats practical. It seats my wife and I plus our two small kids well, with room to spare in tthe trunk. I handles great especially with the summer tires. My only couple of beefs with the car is the first 5 minutes of warm up, It wants to buck in first or second gears until it warms up. It just annoying, you would have thought Honda could have reprogrammed the ECM to fix this. Ive heard from other message boards this was due to something emissions rated, whatever it is very annoying. My other beef is the auto door locking function.

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  Great upgrade from Civic - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mychal - July 27 - 2:40 am

  Just purchased the 2009 Honda Accord EXL. What an upgrade from the 2006 Civic EX that I had. Being the 4th Honda Ive owned Im definitely a loyal Honda owner and the newest Accord reaffirms my loyalty. Great styling, handling and features for the price. I highly recommend any Honda, but especially the Accord.

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  97 Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Krisl20 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Little slow off the line but when that V-tech kicks in there is some power. Very reliable car just like any other honda made. Awesome gas mileage and a great looking car. A little uncomfortable for me being 61" Knees hit the side where the CD player is located.

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  Its fun but the mileage isnt close to what they claim. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By nperrry - July 27 - 12:50 am

  I went from a Infiniti M35 to the 2013 Accord Coupe. I love the design of the car and its a blast to drive. My complaint is this. Im not getting anywhere near the mileage they claim to get in the city. Ive even drove like a little ole man from Pasadena just to see if I could get it to improve. Im getting like 13 or 14 MPG in the city, WITH THE ECON BUTTON ON. Ive called the dealer and they claim that the car needs to break in, have at least 5000 miles on it. Well I sure hope this is true because as it stands now, Id have kept my Infiniti and am counting the months until I can drop this Honda off at the dealer and go get another Infiniti.

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  Solid family car for when a minivan wont do - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Chris Glazner - July 26 - 7:03 pm

  With my growing family and constant trips to a mountain cabin, we needed more space that we had in our old Forester, but couldnt give up solid AWD and high clearance to make it. The Pilot does this well--good power, clearance, and traction, with a ton of room. Its a larger vehicle, though, so if you put things on your roof, youll need to be tall or carry a step stool, since there are not good external steps. Im not a fan of the roof rails for attachments, as it means I cant reuse my older Thule setup. Finally, Im not crazy with the entertainment system--it can be easy to get lost in different contexts. For example, switching from listening to the radio to Spotify is a multistep process that can take some getting used to.

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  Good value - 2017 Honda Fit
  By NT - July 26 - 3:51 pm

  This vehicle meets my needs and falls in my budget level.

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  5th HONDA CIVIC & NOT THE LAST - 2005 Honda Civic
  By LEC - July 26 - 2:06 pm

  Ive owned a new Mercedes 190 Baby Benz, a Chevy Camaro & Citation, a Ford Fiesta, Pinto & Taurus, a Pontiac Fiero. Ive leased numerous vehicles including Cadillacs, Lincolns & Buicks. And as an automotive engineer Ive tested and driven dozens of vehicles including Porsches & Corvettes. Most are more expensive, more powerful and more glamorous but the Honda Civic is the vehicle I am most comfortable with having my wife and three (now) college children drive. NEVER a defect or failure, best powertrains in the automotive industry, direct handling, ergonomically right with comfortable interior space & trunk and great dealer service. Im looking forward to seeing the new model this fall.