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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  CRV LX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Anastasialuc - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have only two legitimate complaints about this vehicle: 1) EXTREMLY poor performance in wet weather and gravel 2) Arm rests should be longer

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  Just what I needed. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Siggie - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The car hanles very well, shifts incredibly smoothly, has just enough power to make it fun to drive. You rarely see SIs on the road, so people are always checking it out. I wanted the reliability of a Honda (my last Honda had 150,000 miles on it and still ran like new when I sold it), the versatility of a hatchback (its like a little station wagon when you put the back seats down), and decent performance, so this car was the logical choice. The performance and fuel economy have improved over the first 1l,000 miles, but the 26 mpg Im averaging is lower than I had expected.

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  couple of flaws - 2004 Honda Civic
  By spencer52 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the car and while it does get great fuel mileage, the gas tank is too small. I drive just over 80 miles a day and have to buy gas every thrre days. The tank filler tube is bent in such a way as to make it difficult the get the fuel nozzel all the way in. Filling must be done slowly. I would like to have a radio with a volume that increases as the speed of the car increases. The engine is a bit noisey.

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  Accord LX6 great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ZGuy - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful performance, and mileage. Lots of power w/ this V6 and 32mpg on freeway, 23 city.Excellent sound system w/ 6 disc changer. Frigid air and immediate hot heater.Love the power seat.Superb exterior trim and paint. Only non super thing is wind leaks on both front windows and 3 trips to Beaudry Honda have yet to resolve the problem. Everything else is very fine.

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  2nd accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By trwalker - February 23 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THE BODY STYLE OF THE CAR I TRADED IN A 2000 ACCORD BEFORE HAVING THIS. THE ONLY THING THAT REALLY ERKS ME IS THAT IS A SQUEAKY/RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. VERY ANNOYING.

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  Honda 2009 3 month review - 2009 Honda Civic
  By BADGES - February 22 - 5:10 am

  The Honda Civic is a great car to drive. It handles well and it is fun to drive. The air conditioning on warm days takes a little while to get cool. Have not experienced the mileage that Honda claims the car gets. The Ipod connection is great. I am experiencing a noise that is coming from the passenger side dashboard that I cannot locate. Taking back to Honda to see what their service people tell me. Once this issue is corrected I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Honda is a pretty good car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Richard - February 22 - 1:03 am

  We have looked at new cars for about a year and I already knew when I looked at a Honda that we would purchase one. I have never bought a Honda car but have five Honda ATV,s and Two Honda Offroad motor cycles that have lasted forever. I was a 25 year Ford and Lincoln customer and there ok but not like Hondas. Ford and Lincoln have better and more dealerships to deal with. They have just forgotten how to build cars over SUVs. I am still worried about being run over by a SUV with someone on a cell phone. 8000 miles and no problems and still tight. If you need a small car, this is the best I think. Now I need a new 7000 lb SUV for 2005 to help support oil companys.

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  Fit for almost 60 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SergeantWiz - February 21 - 6:30 pm

  Honda said it offered good mpg. Said it was sporty. Said it was roomy. Said it offered good handling. Said it looked great. I ordered it in March. I Saw it live on 22 April. Honda said what they meant, meant what the said. I fell in love with it. If I were 40 years younger, Id take it to prom.

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  Perfect for my lifestyle...but want something else - 2011 Honda Element
  By Matt Larson - February 21 - 4:03 pm

  Honda, as usual, really thought through the design of this car. It is the most amazing combination of utility and flexibility I have ever owned.....aside from my 2003 Element. As a serious cyclist, this car is absolutely perfect; I can roll 2 bikes in the back (with rear seats removed, or hinged up on their sides) without taking wheels off, put gear in, and still have room to bring back several grocery bags full of stuff. Ive been able to haul tons of oddly shaped, and occasionally very large, items in the back. LOVE the utility of the car. The car, given that it is a big giant box on wheels, accelerates, corners, and brakes surprisingly well. The turning circle is one of the smallest (making the car supremely maneuverable) that Ive ever been in. The 4-wheel drive is completely unobtrusive and works GREAT in snow and ice.....saved my butt several times. Now, its time for the gripes....which unfortunately are many: the car is NOISY....hard to have a conversation when at highway speeds, gas mileage is around 20 mpg no matter how I drive (Im excited when I get 22 on the highway!) which bugs me greatly for a 4 cylinder car, the seats start out ok, but after about 50k miles get just plain uncomfortable.....and that was with me getting extra foam installed when they were new!, the car develops rattles after 60k, and the ride quality is pretty harsh. I really wish that Acura had done an upmarket version of this car, I GLADLY wouldve paid the price for a quieter, better handling, more comfortable car with some more creature comforts. Instead, Honda just stopped making this truly one of a kind vehicle, and now Im stuck. I cried when someone hit me and totalled the car. What else can I get that even comes close to this incredible combination of attributes that happens to fit my life to a T?

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  Diamond White Accord 4 door ex-v6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dan smith - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  Car is a rocket with the 268 HP 3.5 liter V6, though not great on fuel, 21 mpg. Fit and finish is near perfect. If I could I would have the cylinder management system disconnected. I can feel the engine kicking off cylinders which is my only annoyance with the car. The dash controls are a little fussy and is taking some time to get use to, but nothing like a friends very very fussy Audi.