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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  Practical and Practically Perfect - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - September 25 - 8:43 am

  I love my 2007 Civic EX (as much, if not more than my previous 1986 and 1998 models). Civics are well made, and the 2007 model has improved handling, better safety features, and excellent gas mileage. The sleek style makes it a handsome car to look at too ("pretty" for the ladies) Theyre great on short trips to the grocery store and on weekend road trips. I can fill up the tank in Miami on a Friday morning, drive to Orlando without stopping, and still have half a tank of gas left when I get there. Ill drive around Orlando all weekend and wont need to refuel until Im halfway back to Miami. Thats great mileage. It translates into great value.

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  First Honda, 3rd Japanese car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jesse - September 25 - 4:56 am

  I work for ASIANA AIRLINES as a shuttle driver, and bought this as a second car because my shuttle (we use our own cars) is a 2008 GMC YUKON XL, which uses a lot of fuel, and i usually need to drive 1 or 2 people. i drive an average of 3600 miles a week (CT to NY to MA to PA) and this car gets an average of 36 to the gallon! I like the maintenance minder( even though im getting oil changes every week) because i sometimes lose track. The Accord has served me well, and now im waiting for it to be traded in because i have 240k miles on it (no lease for me).

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  EX Coupe - 1991 Honda Accord
  By ComputerGuy - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car overall! Slight fuel efficiency and braking issues bc of the rather heavy weight of the car (I think it is the heaviest Accord ever made). Also, no ABS or SRS AirBags bc it was before the new laws in place now. Otherwise great car that always started up with proper maintenance (sp?). Anyone who is looking at getting a used car and if this car is in their budget should buy it bc it will last forever if properly taken care of.

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  Best Car Ever - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Edward.J. - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with roughly 88000 miles, and now have around 115000. I paid around $4500. For a kid making 7 dollars an hour it took a lot of work before I could afford it and Im glad to say it was worth every penny.The gas mileage is amazing doing speeds around 80-85 I still get roughly 36 mpg. For a first car, or just in the need of something realible, this is the car. The only work needed is required maintence, and one or two little things. The car has never failed me and has never left me on the side of the road. The handling is exceptionally sporty and extremly confident handling in turns.

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  Bad electronics - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Schmoll - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This CRV was in the shop 5 time within two years. Three times for the same eltronic engin problem. The CRV is fine for flat land driving, but put it in the hills and it does not have enough power.

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  Insight Is Better Than The Naysayers Say - 2010 Honda Insight
  By 3rd Honda man - September 24 - 9:20 pm

  Researched 2010 Insight heavily. Test drove several times here in Colorado. Test drove Civic. Replacing my 97 Civic HX wasnt easy but the Insight exceeds my expectations. Styling is superb and high end. Comfort is excellent for average height like myself. MPG already coming in high 40s, low 50s. Drove in snow second day of ownership today and handled great. Cons by many people are not typical of a superbly designed hybrid, so dont expect big power. Plastic? Nothing wrong with the interior plastic, it is light and saves on weight. I do agree mats should come standard, but overall the Insight EX is a beautiful vehicle, my 3rd Honda. I will keep for many years!

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  Review from a satisfied customer. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By edmundsdon - September 24 - 8:41 am

  I purchased my Accord in January. I commute to work with it daily, and we use it for road trips whenever we can. Despite what a few individuals in the automotive press are saying, this Accord DOES achieve the EPA mileage stated of 47mpg highway / 50 city. As an actual owner, I can truthfully state this is the case. If anything, the EPA mpg estimates are LOW, as Ive been able to get far better mileage without any special effort on my part. Two things will affect the mileage you get with this car: cold weather, and running the A/C climate controls in manual. Best to use Automatic.

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  I wish I wouldve bought something else. - 2002 Honda Passport
  By EricfromNC - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car. I have it and it is pretty bad. The drive sucks and the gas mileage is worse than they report. Ive had alot of problems too w/ the engine.

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  113,000 and Still Kickn Butt!!!!!!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By GOKB - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car, actually the best I have ever owned. Will never buy a domestic vehicle again. Only general mantinance required. New clutch at 98,000. Good pep with the 5 speed. Still drives very close to when it was new. Mine was made in Japan. Awaiting the new 2003 Coupe, thinking about trading if the price is right. I will not be gouged just because it is a new design. I will be glad to keep this one for an other year or more. Hope the Hondas made here in the USA are as good as my current model.

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  04 EX - AWD - Love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By mtown67 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I can only say that this vehicle is very practical and fun. I have only owned it for a few days and find it very pleasant to drive. Get one, you will love it.