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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  Economical Fun Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Rear Wheel Drive - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first new car as a Honda Civic EX Coupe in 1993. The car was a joy to own and drive. The Civic EX Coupe came with many power features, like PW,Moonroof,PS, great brakes, power mirrors, and super gas mileage. The car is a bit light weight and also becomes noisy climbing up hills and mountain roads. However, the four cylinder V-Tec engine with 125hp can handle most situations. The best feature of this car is the power moonroof, something rarely offered on cars of this class. Also you cant go wrong with Hondas reliability. Normal matienance items were all that were needed to keep it happy and going.

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  Best Minivan Going - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By NickFl - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Very spacious versatile vehicle

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  One of the first touring turbos in Seattle area. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dominic - October 11 - 8:27 pm

  I ordered one of the touring addition civics well before they were available. Im very pleased with my purchase. The car is awesome-great style, good electronics, great handling, and comes with Honda reliability. I was blown away at how quiet the car was in comparison my Acura. Its about the same size on the inside as my TL but significantly quieter with better fuel economy. The interior design and electronics are excellent, and Apple CarPlay is a homerun. I only have a couple of small gripes on the vehicle. First of all, they should make one adjustment to the Honda sensing package. Specifically blind spot monitors are much better solutions and the lane watch camera. Lane watch only helps you on the passenger side and doesnt do anything for the driver side. Putting the sensors and for blind spot warning would be A significant improvement. Secondly, and only time will tell, my fuel economy combined is running about 27 MPG. With the ratings on the car being 35 combined, this is a bit of a disappointment but Im hoping it improves over time. Finally, the fit on the leather seats just isnt nearly as good as the fit on the cloth seats. The clock is much more comfortable and the leather just isnt as tight. Overall I am extremely pleased with the vehicle and suspect that Ill see a lot more on the road and coming months.

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  Practical AND Cool - 2005 Honda Element
  By Lorri - October 11 - 11:03 am

  I live a couple miles off of a paved highway, so I average 4-6 mileas a day off the pavement. The Element handles the hills and bumps as well as a larger SUV, and the lower center of gravity makes it corner more like a sedan. It is surprzingly roomy inside. The seats are comfortable and spills wipe up like a breeze. The hatch doors make it easy to get larger objects inside. With the seats folded up to the sides, you can get a set of patio furniture inside easily. In addition to all of this, its just plain fun to drive! Pop out the removeable sunroof and open the windows and youre ready to enjoy the day! Drawbacks - not many, Its a well thought out and fun vehicle.

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  Ill sleep easy but....... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By honda fan - October 10 - 8:13 pm

  Smooth, honest drive but vanilla styling and not quite the Honda build quality I am used to. Excellent gas mileage but not as quiet as the new Camry.

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  Strong and Reliable 5-speed! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By FireBreathOpal - October 10 - 2:07 pm

  Ive owned mostly Toyota, an 88 and 89 Camry, a 97 4Runner and an 06 Prius. Ive owned an 04 Volvo S60 and a Mitsubishi Magna. I only owned one other Honda, a 90 Civic and that was like a lil automatic go-kart that always started up and went everywhere. My girlfriend killed that car due to ATF filling difficulties on her part.:) I bought this white 97 accord in 2012 along with a 94 same model for my spouse so we could interchange parts along the way which ended up happening btw. I LOVED THIS car, it was peppy and quick, acted like a snow tank (with winter treads) through snowstorms; efficient as could be with avg 26 - 35 mpg depending on temps outside and how grippy the tires are (summers get 35mpg, winters down to 26); fun to drive with the classic Honda shifting action and sound of the motor correlating so well to each gear; and the sheer simplicity of working on these cars, they are so easy to change out parts and maintain. I have to sell my car now because cant keep due to moving overseas. =( Ive hauled 2 kids in the back seat and much stuff in its capably sized trunk. I love this car and it looks goood in its new clean, polish, and waxed look and its Honda 7 spoke alloy rims. The JVC bluetooth/USB/aux stereo in it sounds really good with the stock speakers on this model year. I noticed when I hooked up newer Pioneer and Polk speakers and they didnt sound as good. This car also has decent clearance and ability to go camping with here in Colorado. Gonna miss this car. Will definitely buy another Honda.

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  Great car and good value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brant - October 10 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned many cars and just turned in my Nissan SER off of lease. I also own a Mini Cooper S. Planned on another Nissan but drove the Accord for comparison. The Hondas refinement, room, and economy won me over. Plenty of room for 4 large adults. Fuel mileage (More than one half highway) has never dipped below 30 mpg. The 160 horse 4 cyl with the 5 speed is very smooth and peppy enough for most situations. The leather interior is high quality and everything is well thought out. A large friend spent 2 hours in the back seat on a recent trip and commented that he is going to seriously consider this car to replace his old Camry. He is interested in a new TL but not at $10K more $.

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  Good for its time - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Noah - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over a year and havent found it to be as "bullet-proof" as my other (86 Accord LXi and 87 Prelude Si) Hondas. It does get good mileage, handles well, and is well-built. It shows its age in the design of cup holders, passive restraint seatbelts, and the size of the cabin. Still in all, it runs well and is reliable.

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  Great Value CR V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Good value - October 9 - 10:40 pm

  Searched and test drove many small SUVs, Acura RDX, Toyota RAV, Subaru Outback and Ford Edge. Honda as always provides the best overall value for the money. Yes, it is not a powerhouse but it does have enough power for most situations. The benefit is good gas mileage and the power issue is only evident in some situations. The fact is that if you know the car you can easily manipulate the power to suit your needs in those situations with the gas pedal. Hill climbing is impressive and the grade- logic design does eliminate gear hunting so I think the Edmund reviewer was a little harsh with the comment in their review. Car is put together well and quality material is used everywhere.

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  Mixed ratings - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Heath - October 9 - 4:26 am

  My honda has turned out better than i expected. I drive about 120 miles back and forth to work daily. It keeps up with traffic on the highway once you get up to highway speeds.