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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  First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Don - September 14 - 9:13 pm

  This is my retirement car. Had a VW and was looking at another. Had issues with repairs and too many people were talking about reliability issues for the new ones also. Moving into a fixed income decided on a Honda. Many people told me of stories where all they spent was on gas, tires and oil. Soon to be on a fixed income just what we needed. It is great to drive, has many nice features and gets you there with great mileage.

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  Very Reliable and Fun to Drive! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RR1RR - September 13 - 10:53 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004, and it is probably the best car I have owned to date. It has been very reliable, as I have only done the usual routine maintenance (wipers, tires, oil changes, etc). I got the VP package with manual locks and crank windows (less to go wrong- not that it probably would). The 5 speed trans. makes it fun to drive. Power seems on par or better than other 4 cyl. economy-minded models. Buying price was maybe a tad higher than some competing models, but the lack of repair costs and the great fuel economy have long since justified the price! MPG of 35-42 is about the usual for me. I do tilt the seat back a bit, as Im 65" and 250 lbs. Great car though!

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  Compact with a mid size feel... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Turp - September 13 - 8:47 pm

  We have driven this CRV for about 1,000 miles and taken a few trips. This design is very refined with road and wind noise very well controlled. The engine is very smooth and quiet. The typical 4 cyl rev can be heard when accelerating, but is not intrusive or loud. It has very responsive handling and power. While we have yet to do one of those "pedal to the metal" passes, the engine does allow very good pick-up with surprising torque. In comparison to the 2010 Forester, Rav4, and Venza, only the Venza beat it in ride refinement and quiet. However its 2.6 was slightly sluggish with the larger vehicle. The CRV feels more like a midsize in the passenger area than a compact.

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  Great car! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By G.Nacin - September 13 - 3:30 pm

  I bought the car new in 1995 and have been driving it ever since. Over 270,000 miles and have done only basic maintenance with the exception of the radiator being replaced two years ago. Still runs beautifully still getting over 30 miles per gallon. Intend to keep the car many more years - havent had a car payment since the 90s. Garage kept so exterior still looks great.

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  Back to a van after years away - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Allavalons - September 13 - 8:25 am

  I have had 3 other vans (all Chryslers) which had turned to go to all cars back in 2000. I decided to try one more time and I have been pleasantly surprised. The Ody is really comfortable, is solid as a rock, no rattles, quiet, and with the rear camera has great visibility. The disappearing 3rd row is great and the rear well when the seat is up provides an excellent space for loads of packages, suitcases etc. The mileage is at the top end of the EPA estimate and has exceeded the estimate on several recent trips, verified by actual calculation not just the trip computer. The leather seats are the most comfortable and supportive Ive had in a vehicle under $50,000.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Willy47 - September 12 - 9:58 am

  A quick note about this car, we traded it to my wifes mom, it has a power drivers seat and gives her enough of a boost to see over the steering wheel. I must say that this car is the only car that I have ever driven that the acceleration actually scared me. We have an 07 accord V6 that is supposed to be identical, the 04 will eat it for lunch. This car is one of the smartest purchases I have ever made. It is ironic that this "little old lady" has this sleeper.

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  05 Honda accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Afonse - September 12 - 9:20 am

  I had purchased the 05 Accord Lx because my 96 civic EX was a great car. The car overall is great, but the manufacturer could have made the radio reception better and had a better quality control. For example, the inner roof top needs to be glued and the dash was not seated right. Minor to its overall perfomance and looks. Dealership did not emphasize how the car does not need an oil change until 10,000 miles per normal wear. Instead, they gimmick deals on maintenance for every 3700 and other unnecessary maintenance. As mentioned earlier, I had a car in great shape for over 120,000 with proper maintance.

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  Honda Civic is an excellent choice... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jay - September 12 - 8:30 am

  I purchased a 2008 Honda Civic LX in Aug of 2008. 4000 miles later, I am still extremely satisfied with my purchase. When gas prices hit almost $4/gal in the summer of 08, fuel economy was a top priority. This Civic looks good, is fun to drive, and yes, does do well on gas. Fuel economy does depend on what kind of driving you are doing and how you drive, but I have been averaging around 35 mpg... but have gotten over 40mpg on more than one tank. I liked the look of the Civic and researched the car in depth, and found that used models were holding their value so well on the car lots that it made sense to buy a brand new model... my very first "new" car in fact.

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  I like my Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jans57 - September 12 - 3:53 am

  Nice, quiet ride with lots of zip. Love the dark red color. No problems yet after 700 miles. This is my 4th Honda Accord and it is the best of the bunch. Styling is great, love the extra room.

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  2007 civic LX (1.8 automatic) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - September 11 - 9:10 pm

  Just like the other 4 Hondas we have had in the family, 150,000 miles and just got her broke in. Just routine maintenance over the years. Now its time for another one of the kids to inherit as we jump to the 2016 model. Coundnt ask for a better, more reliable car. 42 MPG on the highway, 35 around town. Socal driving at 35 MPG...come on...great car...not tradin this one in!