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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  Best car...EVER - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Cachase1 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owed many cars. I have owned an 87 Prelude. I sold it with 459,000 miles on it, never had a major problem. I now have a 2001 Prelude SH. I put 80,000 miles on it already. I love it. It is by far the best car ever made by Honda.

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  No Rear Brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Loyal Honda Guy - June 9 - 10:23 am

  Good handling - solid performance - everything that you would expect from a Honda - my two sons are over 6 feet tall and there is plenty of leg room in the rear. And of course great gas mileage - however, watch out for the rear brakes on this car - I just had the car in for a 15,000 mile service and only had 5% left on the rear brakes - the mechanic told me the brake pad is a 1 inch by 1 inch pad that wears out every 12k-15k miles - Honda claims they are aware of the problem but no recall or service warranty issued by Honda yet? That is why I got rid of my Suburban - undersized brakes for the car - now it seems I have the same problem with a Honda??? Unheard of.

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  Love love this cR - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Cole - June 9 - 8:20 am

  Love the new safety navigation extras.

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  Honda-the-wonder-car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By ofishbein - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Civic. Purchased in 1997 with 45,000 miles on it. Now has 245,000 and still gets 35-37 mpg and uses no oil. Ultra-reliable. Two clutch replacements at about 90,000 miles ea. Nothing else except preventive maintenance (brakes, tires, timing belt, etc.) Power windows and sunroof still work like new. Lived much of its life in Seattle but still no rust.

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  Stayed with the Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - June 8 - 5:35 pm

  No other car in this market comes to the real 40 mpg,but with honda its easy for me,did it already with an 1992,1998,2001,2009 and now the 2012. Finally it has some comfort,noise level in the cabine is acceptable. Have the 5 speed manual and its the same transmission used for the 2001-2005 civic. At 65mph it makes 2700 rpms,in the automatic its 2200 rpms,but this time you dont here it and still you get your 40 mpg,also because of the Econ button in the 5 speed.makes 2-3mpg on a tank of gas.Like to shift again because the automatic is not my thing.That shifting up and down the gears when i dont like it to shift! Everything under control again and i like it!

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  Love It! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Gern Blanstin - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2002 today and couldnt be happier. This is one fun car to drive. For the price, there isnt a better high performance car out there. Highly recommend for anyone who thinks driving should not be a tedious day to day ordeal.

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  Ridgeline Owner - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Anthro - June 7 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in late 2005 due to its extensive safety features and fuel economy within the price point. I have now put less than 2K miles on it and am ready to sell. Why? Gas mileage running 12-13 mpg rather than the 16-21. Blind spots make the vehicle difficult and dangerous to drive for a petite driver. Significant blind spots occur in right rear due design and rear headrest configuation. The headrest design should be abolished. The curvature forward makes it very uncomfortable and many people turn them around defeating the purpose. Impossible to judge distance when backing up due to blind spots.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dee - June 7 - 3:33 pm

  This is my 5th Honda. Noticed with the last Honda that quality isnt what it used to be. I have had my current Honda Civic 08 car in the shop 3 times, and I only have 6000 miles on it right now, and they still cant figure out why the car doesnt start sometimes-same thing happened on the last Honda. Ride is very noisy and theres a tick at times that dealer says in the fuel injection-its too loud and distracting. Seats arent comfortable. Switch to adjust driver side window is poorly placed. Hondas used to be great cars; unfortunately, I think quality and dependability has gone down. Im also disappointed in the fuel economy for a small car.

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  My 05 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dengben - June 7 - 2:43 pm

  I last owned a 1990 honda accord and loved it.But my 05 accord is nothing like the 90,the motor and transmition are the smoothiest i have ever seen the interior is quiet and comfortable the XM satelite radio was a nice addition

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  Excellent and Stylish Value - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Paul Y. - June 7 - 3:35 am

  I came from owning a Volvo S60 (and an Acura TL before that) wanting something reliable and practical with a premium edge. The Accord Sport Special Edition provides an amazing value proposition in a stylish package, with many pros and a few cons. I cannot get over the exterior and interior styling; Honda did an excellent job. I love the amount of space throughout the vehicle, including the large trunk, legroom, headroom and other nooks and crannies. The leather upholstery and fit and finish are great. The visibility from the interior to seeing the road all around you is also excellent - way better than my two previous vehicles. I drive a constant mix of city, suburban and interstate environments - handling and ride is a wonderful balance of responsive, agile and refined. The car feels much lighter on the road than its actual size indicates. Turning radius is great - very easy to get around parking garages, parallel spots and city streets. The rear multi-angle camera is super handy in the urban environment. My only complaints are as follows: 1) the sound system and speakers leave much to be desired, 2) sunroof should be included and standard at this price, 3) auto-dimming mirror would be nice, and 4) I personally prefer regular automatic transmissions to the CVT - the undefined gear-shifting can feel strange. Other than that, I am extremely happy with this car.