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 luv my Lude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By kenjabi - February 26 - 1:32 pm

  Ive only had my Prelude for a few months now, but Im loving it. Good handling, good power all the way to redline, and when VTEC kicks in, look out. Sport shift may be nice, but the 5 speeds the way to go.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bill317 - February 26 - 5:43 am

  We bought this vehicle because we wanted something with better gas mileage than our Mercury Mountaineer but that still had the flexibility of an SUV, upright seating, AWD for the snow and was comfortable for my daily commute. After a lot of research and test drives we settled on the CR-V and have been very happy with our choice. We just took the CRV on a 2200 mile round trip to visit some family members and it performed better than we had hoped. We averaged 29 MPG on the trip. The CRV was comfortable and fun to drive. It is fine for a couple with one or two children or as a commuter car for someone who likes the more elevated seating of an SUV.

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  SUV to MPG - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rusty - February 25 - 11:36 pm

  I traded my Ford Explorer for the EX and quite glad I did. My payment is less than my fuel bill for my truck. The Civic EX is a great solid reliable vehicle. I like the iPod and aux connections for music and I am dropping my XM subscription. I like having everything work, and the joy of opening the roof to play with the wind is a huge plus to me.

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  Pleasure to drive. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By FR - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  The Trunk sometimes is shut, but does not latch. Mileage is not as expected based on my driving style. The door unlock is delayed when next to door with keys, could be electronic communication distance between keys and door requires close proximity. Voice commands are not that accurate. Cell phone linkage and phone list operation appears to need work, and appears to be reconnected every time. Adaptive cruise control acceleration is slow. Lane Keep Assist does not track well at night, does not track well with sharper turns, meanders right side, left side, right side, left side, ... when lane markers are pretty wide. When Adaptive cruise control is active, and vehicle in front is 3 car length ahead, car tracks well until turn occurs, where Adaptive Cruise Control (appears to be looking straight ahead, and does not recognize car in front since turn is too sharp, such that honda accelerates, then has to brake hard as it recognizes vehicle in front of car.

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  Satisfied customer - 2002 Honda Accord
  By tmalik - February 25 - 6:56 am

  Bought our EX-V6 new days before the all-new 2003s were launched (didnt like their styling for the extra price). Very satisfied so far. Have put 45k over 3 years. Only issues: -steering wheel mounted audio controls didnt function properly, replaced under warranty - driver side headlight bulb replaced twice in 3 years, had similar problems on my 93 Accord - front brake pads & tires close to replacement at only 45k - not as quick at normal acceleration as I thought 200 hp would be. - auto climate control isnt very smart (tends to run the a/c even at a high temperature setting). The above are minor issues, in my opinion and dont keep me awake at night. Overall very pleased.

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  back pain - 2016 Honda Fit
  By judy winkler - February 24 - 11:13 pm

  i liked everything about the fit except my back was hurting after a 20 minute test drive that is why I am looking at other cars. If they put in better seats I would buy this car in a minute. Hope Honda gets this message..........

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  crv-se for me - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By r.g. - February 24 - 5:41 pm

  For me its the perfect vehicle: Sit high & comfortable without needing a ladder to get in, fit in normal sizes parking spaces, get 23 mpg & smile when filling up next to a totally unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly gargantuan suv, front wheel drive in normal driving and 4 wheel drive when necessary (automatically), 8 inch ground clearance, good cargo room and surprisingly roomy passanger room, excellent fit and finish and reliability youd expect from Honda.

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  My New 6-Speed Accord Coupe - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DavidS - February 24 - 9:43 am

  I decided to wait to write this review until owning the car for a month. I love this car and have no idea why people are complaining about the ride? Ride is not stiff enough actually, a little more body roll than I would like. But overall I think this car does an amazing job of balancing luxury, sport, reliability, and comfort in one vehicle. The 6-speed/V6 combo rocks!

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  Great used car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By E Sather - February 24 - 2:14 am

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  I Love My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lee - February 23 - 9:43 pm

  I have had this car for over a year now & just love it! I have been on many road trips and the hwy mpg is great! City mpg could be better but I do have a heavy foot and the ac is always on full blast with the Houston heat. I have had a few rattles but again, Houston is pothole city, and I have had to take it in for a suspension problem. I do agree with others when they say Honda should tighten up on Quality Control with all Hondas made in the US. But I know this car will last for 15 years and have very little or no problems. Nothing is perfect. But this car is very close. I love the Navigation and the whole interior and all the standard features. I also feel safe with all the airbags.