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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  Never givin up!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By BEERIEYUN - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I luv my civic. Last year my license plate read "CVCMNDD"=CIVIC MINDED. Bought this car used back in 94 with 48,000 miles on it. It now has 161,000. Just had the alternator replaced at 160k and the a/c compressor at about 90k (my mechanic told me it was a dealer installed compressor, not one honda put in). This little baby began my love for Honda vehicles. I currently own a 01 Odyssey as well. Also had a 95 accord wagon ,98 Odyssey and 00 accord.But through all those other Hondas I just couldnt part with my civic. The accords are real nice but I feel the civic is the perfect little getting around town car.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Dave Q - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Insight for 2 and a half years now and can honestly say it has been the best car I have ever owned. I have 67,500+ on the vehicle and have zero mechanical problems. I did have to replace a tire @ 22,000 miles (hit a piece of metal in the road). I decided to replace its mate on the other side. The two I did not replace are still on the road and I can not see any tread ware on them! I am averaging 58.5 mpg over the life of the car and have gotten as much as 82 mpg out of a tank of gas. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  UNCOMFORTABLE!!! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Bethany - August 22 - 2:00 am

  If it wasnt for being the most uncomfortable car ever to exist, this car would be great.I have sinced sold my car because of this.It was a very reliable car, it is a shame it was so uncomfortable. The seat was so sloped it was like sitting in a hole. I started suffering from coccyx pain not long after I bought it. I had to see a physical therapist who said I will probably have this pain for the rest of my life (I am in my 20s). Now every time I drive,I am uncomfortable and have pain(and I drive a minivan). I don t think I could bring myself to ever buy a Honda again, even though they are probably one of the most reliable cars on the road.

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  How can you go wrong? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jordon - August 21 - 8:23 pm

  This easily is one of the best cars on the market. It isnt a old mans car like the Camry, has better features for less money than the Altima, and isnt a rental car like the Malibu. The residual value on a Honda is above the rest, and the fit and finish is spectacular. You will read bad reviews here and there, but not every car off every line is perfect. To the folks who dont like your Accord, you must not have wanted it that bad and met a good salesman. I can talk all day about how good the car is, and if you dont believe me then go drive one! youll take it home unless youre too upside down in your American Vehicle with no value! The 2.4 doesnt have the power of the V6 but still flies!

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  Honda Accord EX v-6 Coupe w/navi - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - August 21 - 6:26 pm

  This is a great car! i am very happy with my purchase. I looked at the nissan altima, 350z, mustang gt, and knew this was it. i traded in a 01 mustang gt conv. I am very happy with my decision. Its almost as fast as my mustang, handles very well, and looks great. I love the sunroof and the navi. The design is great. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing. right now im averaging 18.2 mpg but i have been doing a lot of sitting and driving through neighborhoods looking for homes. I also i live in Phoenix so you need to use the dual zone climate control a lot(110 today)! This car is very smooth and fast. I got a ticket on the way home from the dealership (70 in a 55 on the fwy). GREAT CAR!

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  Great Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By PSXman80 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car that I looked at in the lot, it was a sad kind of dirty little car. I took her out for a test-drive and she really delivered a lot more than I thought she would for a 4 cylinder engine. I bought her the next day after not even thinking that much about it. She has only 60,500 miles on it, and shes running perfectly.

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  First 1100 miles ! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By SIMON BENTLEY - August 20 - 5:40 pm

  I took delivery of my Honda Fit Sport on September 4th ! The Sport seems to be the only model available in California . I have been driving back and forth to work for two weeks now . I drive down to near sea level from 3300 ft , so down hill one way and up hill the other way . I have driven at either 50 or 55 mph deliberately to see what the best fuel economy could be . You should also realize that I would get better fuel mileage had I driven these speeds on the flat ! I am a professional driver and have performed fuel tests before . I have driven 1122.7 miles which involved 4 fuel top ups . The Fit has used 26.116 us gallons this gives a fuel consumption of 42.99 mpg .

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  Not a great car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jignesh Vaghela - August 20 - 11:34 am

  The car price Vs feature value is not really matching well. Like Ive purchased EX version(middle range variant) and it does not have climate control, It is just and ordinary AC. No Digital speedometer. Prior to this, I used to drive Toyota Prius. It is very old model-2007 base, but still, the base version was covered climate control, digital speedometer etc. I feel, these basic has to cover in all car, at least mid variant).

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bernball - August 20 - 9:00 am

  One of the first HCH cars sold in the Raleigh, NC area. So far, my highway mileage has been between 45-53 mpg; city 35-42 mpg (my commute is 99% freeway). Seating is quite comfortable and the cabin is fairly quiet. Engine noise is most pronounced during hard acceleration and there is some wind noise around the side mirrors. Acceleration is adequate and the CVT (transmission) is wonderfully smooth. Overall, much improved over the 2005 model. Me likey! A lot!

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  Excelent performance vehicle - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Igor - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from a dealership. I hunted this car for 3 months and was actually on my way to Delaware(from NJ) when I saw it. The performance you get for the money paid is excelent. I drove it on highways, cities, mountains, in any conditions possible including a blizzard and it never failed me.