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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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Driving in VA - April 27 - 11:30 am

  I, like so many others, turned to fuel efficiency once gas prices went decidedly north. I love the looks of the car, comfort, and handling has been a pleasure. I thought the new wave dash would be a distraction but turns out to be a really nice feature. Has nice pick up in the higher rpm range, however sometimes pick up in initial take off can seem sluggish. Im getting about 32-35 mpg driving about 85% highway.

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  great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ken Mohn - April 26 - 7:40 pm

  Comfortable fast quiet roomy, The craftmanship is great. Not a hotrod but can handle great and has enough spunk to be fun. 40mpg, lowest mileage 38

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  Great car, not great mileage! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Hybrid2006 - April 26 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car thinking I was going to get 30mpg average, but I was wrong. I get 23-25 and to me I was only saving really little on gas. I love the car overall; the quality, the smoothness, the features, the power and performance. I mean for 30-33k I think I could of gotten the other accords and saved money and gas. They made the build (exterior) look the same and you really have to drive that car really really slow to even get 25-30 mpg. I am upset for them to even advertised 38 mpg because I have never gotten that good of a mileage driving smooth and slow.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Seàn - April 26 - 2:33 am

  I leased this car in June of 07 and so far I have had a few minor issues, but overall its a great car. You dont see too many of these on the road and thats a good thing. Engaging VTEC is very addicting.

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  Great Mini SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By TeresaCRV - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this mini SUV and am very happy with the cars interior, exterior, reliability, value. Its excellent to take camping or for skiing trips.

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  Our New Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Todd Reihing - April 25 - 3:36 am

  Great SUV - for the feature set, navi, RES, sunroof, leather, Class III hitch, back-up camera, back-up sensors and climate control you will not find a better SUV on the market for the price. I test drove the Lexus RX, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota Highlander and none came close to the price with the Touring models feature set. Add on Hondas build quality and you have a perfect combination.

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  After 10 years, I still love this car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Robbin - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VX new in 1992. 170,000 miles later, and I still love this car. In all those miles, I have had to replace only the distributor and the coil. Fantastic. Handles like a dream and still looks new. Finish and interior wore exceptionally well. I wish they hadnt stopped putting the V- tech engine in the Civic - this was one awesome car.

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  honda civic hatchback dx 1994 - 1993 Honda Civic
  By abby - April 25 - 2:00 am

  this was the best car ever! it was great, it lasted through everything i put it through until that one fatal crash. i am so sorry... that was a great car.

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  2000 C-RV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Sorenson - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Not one service repair in 2 years and 30,000 miles. Perfect for small children because the back seat sits up higher and they can see. Never use the picnic table and get teased about it quite a bit. Only thing to be aware of is that there is a lot of road noise in the vehicle. We looked at cute-utes from Toyota, Suzuki, and Kia. It was well worth the extra money to get a Honda.

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  Rattles and Squeaks - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dave - April 25 - 12:20 am

  I have had my car in the shop six times in the past two months to have various rattles and squeaks fixed and still havent been able to clear them up. There are rattles coming from the rear of the car, even when I drive on smooth roads. The center console around the shift knob squeaks as well. The Honda dealer has not been helpful at all, usually ignoring my requests and not able to "find" the noises that I hear every day. Their response is that I have to expect to hear the noises as Honda doesnt use good insulation on their car bodies. I will keep that in mind when I shop for another car after Christmas.