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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  Great gas Econ!... 44, not 48MPG - 2004 Honda Civic
  By marknguyen - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Its manuf. rated at 48, but Im getting 44. I driver mostly on the Freeway, in Los Angeles, mostly low- peak hours, averaging 65 Miles Per hour, and getting 44MPG. Still, it uses Regular Gas, rather than my old Super Unleaded that got 21MPG... Better than 50% savings!

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  The "Surprising" Loud Honda Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jmbogner - January 4 - 9:56 am

  2013 Accord Sport that developed a loud rattle from 20-30 MPH in the drivers left hand dash. I took it to the shop and they attempted to fix it. They realized that the car had two cabin temperature sensors installed (supposed to only have one) and both were malfunctioning. So it took two repair visits to rectify this issue. I am now sitting in the service shop where they need to tear off my entire dash to fix a loud rattle in the center dash that they expect will take two days to fix. So I have been in the shop 3 times in the past 7 weeks of owning this car and it still is really loud. I really thought that Honda was pushing the quietness of the car but they completely missed the mar

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Owner - January 4 - 3:50 am

  After 8 months the SUV is the best thing that could have happened to us. We had some problems with the tail gate but once it was fixed it has been perfect. Its big and spacious for my family of four and has so much space in the trunk for anything I could throw in it. Something my BMW X3 could never hold. Drives well with good pickup. The "infotainment system" needs work and I wish they didnt get rid of a physical volume knob. MPG is 21-22 with mostly highway driving.

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  Amazing! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By LMF716 - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  I traded my 01 Nissan Altima in for an 08 Honda cr-v. I started my car search at Honda, and five months later, finished it at Honda. This car is excellent to drive. It is my first new car (Ive had 3 used ones in the past), and am completely sure I made the right decision.

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  Outstanding car for most part - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tluab - January 3 - 6:48 pm

  I had previous to this 2013 Accord Sport a 2006 BMW 525. There is no comparison between the two cars as the Accord handles much better and of course the build quality is incredible. Not to mention mileage and the superb 8" screen with bluetooth, etc. The value for the money is absolutely amazing. There are two complaints that are relatively minor given the overall package, but potential buyers should be aware of. First, the seats are hard and have poor lumbar support (no matter what you do with the lumbar adjustment). Second the CVT is peaky when you drive it in the standard mode. In eco mode it lugs but actually feels better. In sport the rpms wont come down when cruising.

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  Needs POWER - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Venner - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My CRV has performed well in city driving and on the super highways. I like the storage room in it and it is a good size for my needs. The AC works well and it gets good mileage when travelling on the interstates. There is however a loud humm that comes at about 37 MPH-40 MPH. The dealer does not seem to be able to figure out the problem. I also would like more leg room for the driver. My major concern is merging into traffic on the interstate. The car does not have enough power so that I feel like I am going to create an accident or be in one myself.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smitman - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Best family vehicle around. Quality, room, style, utility. 4WD is seamless, it handles great, even offroad (backwoods camping) Only complaint is the vents for the 2nd row are flimsy, And the leaky washer nozzle-driver side. Trailblazer/Pathfinder/Toyota/Ford beater

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  Good looks and fun all in one - 2000 Honda Accord
  By JPM - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Once in a while Honda give us a mass market vehicle that is an instant classic, and their current Accord Coupe is one of them. A head turner from the moment it hit the street, it looks as fresh today as it did in 98. Mine prompted my teenage nephew (teenage boys, often the harshest of vehicle critics!)to gasp and ask if I was rich ... how many other mass market, sub $20k cars will do that? Add to this the fact that it can be a blast to drive if you want it to be. The coupe has balanced handling and communicative steering. Put the 5 speed in it and the this becomes a genuine bargain of a drivers car.

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  Consistant and Conservative - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Binky - January 3 - 10:00 am

  It may be plain but the Accord is consistant and reliable. You would be developing a meaningful relationship with you local dealerships due to repairs and breakdowns. This was the best value I could find at $18799.

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  52 mpg first tank!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By tomnkim - January 3 - 9:06 am

  So far excellent mpg. Excellent reliability and easy to get use to. Teaches you how to drive smartly and the instant mpg makes it easier to lay off the pedal. Room in the back is more then enough for the kids. Recommend totally.