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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  Nothing better in 94 - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By dynasty - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Didnt really like it when they first came out, but after driving it. . .OH MY GOD! This VTEC is quick and it handles incredibly well. I have taken mine to 135mph on several occasions and I have taken a few fwy interchange ramps at 100mph! Z-rated tires necessary but no suspension modifications. I consistently beat Boxsters - no joke! If youre thinking about getting one, do it. If youre thinking about selling one, dont because theres nothing out there that can compare to this for the price.

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  THE BEST RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jessica D. Harris - September 22 - 1:25 am

  Purchased a 2017 Honda Civic....it was my second one due to the first 2004 Civic being totaled in an auto accident. My, how things have changed over the years. I loved my 2004 Civic, but I guess all things works for the good. The 2017 Civic is more than I could ask for in an automobile.

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  THE BEST RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jessica D. Harris - September 22 - 1:25 am

  Purchased a 2017 Honda Civic....it was my second one due to the first 2004 Civic being totaled in an auto accident. My, how things have changed over the years. I loved my 2004 Civic, but I guess all things works for the good. The 2017 Civic is more than I could ask for in an automobile.

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  No Complaints Here!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kane - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  I love my 2006 Honda Civic. Its a comfortable car to drive. It actually does great on gas which is quite helpful these days.

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  Nice new ride - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Stella Velsor - September 21 - 9:57 pm

  The dealer we used gave us an excellent price & was really good at dealing with us. Very customer oriented.

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  Im not so sure - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mike112 - September 21 - 7:10 pm

  Well, this supposed to be nice car with navi and v6. Well, the body is kinda weak, gets dents easily, paint chips, and brake and tires arent so good for what I paid. Even though it is Honda, they should improve on those categories. I bought Honda for quality, but now their quality is getting poor. The seat is kinda uncomfortable compare to TL-S 2003, and compare to VOLVO T60 which I had. Also one of my dim lights is not working.

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  Navigation system is very slow - 2014 Honda Accord
  By D. Huynh - September 21 - 11:48 am

  I noticed the built in navigation system is quite a bit slow compare to the stand-alone unit. The display is confusing when you get to the intersection. Worst is when I got to a stop sign, the display just froze because it needed more time (probably about 10 seconds or more) to figure it out and to update the display. I couldnt just stop there and waited until the display is update. I got lost 3 times in a trip and waste about 15 minutes because I had to turn around. The system is good if you travel in high-ways or big roads, when you got into small roads that is when it got screw-up. Even on the high-way, a few times, the exit display gets update just as you got very close or passed the exit! You dont have time to react. The problem I think is the system is TOO SLOW and perhaps the software needs to be update. The conclusion is this system is unsafe (you need to spend more time to figure thing out or you have to make a quick move to get into the right exit), waste your time and gas because you have to turn around. If I have to give it a grade, it would be between a D and an F

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  Terrible Fuel Economy - 2009 Honda Accord
  By deported - September 21 - 3:20 am

  Traded in my gas guzzling V8 BMW when fuel prices spiked. I expected better fuel mileage with the 4-cylinder. Only getting about 19-20mpg driving like a grandma. Not the most exciting car but very comfortable leather. Ive talked with other 4-cylinder owners who complain about fuel economy. The 4-cyl just isnt beefy enough to pull the weight of this car. Go for the V6 or get a different car.

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  A Good Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Annie - September 20 - 9:00 pm

  As soon as you sit in this car, you start bonding with the intuitive dashboard, attractive interior, firm no nonsense seats, sweet sound system and maneuverability. Take it out for a spin and at 33 mph city and 38 hwy, it makes driving fun again. The FIT A/T Sport with paddle shifters is suprisingly fleet and delightfully responsive. The seats are like oragami. You can fold them every which way. The result is a huge amount of cargo room and/or comfort for back seat passengers. Parking is a joy and so is the price tag at $16,000 out the door. This car is selling like hotcakes.

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  If your tall, get a chiropractor - 2017 Honda Civic
  By ddempsey - September 20 - 6:58 pm

  This is my 5th Civic. The Lumbar is killing me on my daily 88 mile roundtrip commute. There is no adjustment on the LX seats. I traded a 2012 Civic and had no problems with it. I am 62, 185 pounds. Shorter people have tried my car with no issues. My son has a 2007 Civic with no problems. I may have to trade cars with him. The power, ride, steering are a step up from the 2012 LX. Materials are also much better. The center console is quite large, and stuff gets lost under the sliding cupholder. The center guage is to cluttered. The EX is much better desighn. The LX guage must have been an afterthought. The stereo is also inferior to my previuos 2009, and 2012. No midrange. I would recommend taking this car on a long ride before you buy. Maybe find one to rent. As much as I love Honda, I will have to look elsewhere.