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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  Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Rodriguez - December 29 - 1:40 am

  Ive had the crv for 13 months now its great. Incredible power out of a 4 cylinder very impressed.Wife says it rides like a car unlike minivan she drove before. would recomend to others.

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  Solid Value - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By stout - December 28 - 5:00 pm

  Great resale and reliability=solid value.Very low cost to lease,if you are retired and drive minimal miles.Easy to enter and exit for those with disabilities. Amazingly good mileage for such a heavy all purpose vehicle and powerful drivetrain, probably due to its dead accurate 5 -speed automatic and smooth, unnoticed variable displacement engine. It even has a touch of luxury...

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  Honda Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CWP - December 28 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent commuter car. Excellent safety rating. Continuously get 40 mpg. NO DISLIKES.

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  Update to earlier review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brant - December 28 - 1:20 pm

  Now that I have owned the car for a month I wanted to add to my previous review. Swapping out the OEM tires was a must. Whether you have the Goodyears or the Bridgestones, both are poorly rated on Tirerack and other sites. I had Custom Coach in Southington, CT move the drivers seat back a few inches ($350) and this has made the car much more comfortable for my 62" frame though the seats are not the best. Gas mileage is terrific at 34 to 37 mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Car is relatively refined and fun to drive for an economy car. No regrets trading in my V6 Accord for this car and that is saying something.

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  Still the Benchmark - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 35Accord - December 28 - 10:13 am

  This is my third Accord and they seem to get better with each new model.Its hard to find manual transmission Accords these days, but I located an LX-P and jumped on it. The 5 speed is the best on the planet. Overall there are no surprises and everything works with precision.

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  Civil Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tap - December 28 - 3:36 am

  I was looking for a fuel efficient vehicle after my 99 Passat Wagon was stolen. I test drove the full line of Hyundais, Toyota Corolla and Matrix, Mazda 3 sedan and wagon, VW passat Wagon. Based on performance, fuel economy, styling and handling I chose the 2 door Honda Civic. It does not handle and is not as quick as my 99 1.8T Passat but it does get 10 more mpgs. I prefer a manual in a small engine vehicle as I find it to be quicker and more responsive. This was true of all the vehicles I test drove except the Hyundai Azera and V6 Sonata which are a different class of vehicle. Two negatives are the beeping that goes off once the seat belt is released and the clock is not visible with sun glasses.

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  I Love My Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My New Car - December 28 - 2:23 am

  I bought my Honda In July 08 And fell in love with it right away, from the way it drives to the style of the interior, exterior. Drove from New England to North Carolina and after 12 hrs of driving I still wanted to be in my car driving. I love my Honda Civic

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  A new look - 2006 Honda Civic
  By minky - December 27 - 10:06 pm

  This is a really different looking car. love the cab forward and the euro style wipers. There is actually quite a bit of leg room, Im 6 2" and feel very comfortable in the car. Also visibility out the back is good.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ulm - December 27 - 1:36 pm

  Having worked at a Honda dealership in the late 80s early 90s I was leary of owning a civic due to the small size and limited interior. Boy was I surprised. This civic is roomier than the 80 Accord I used to drive. Peppy and fun, this is a great car for those looking for excellent mileage and not wanting to compromise on comfort.

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  10k miles and still great - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By antony66 - December 27 - 1:05 pm

  2015 CRV EX-L 4WD. No problem so far. Gas mileage depends on who is driving it. Wife: 21 mpg, When I drive it: 28 mpg. Air conditioning not so great, my 2001 Honda Accord is much more efficient. I dont feel the vibration too much or we probably got used to it, it jitters when going from 0 to 40 m/h. I called Honda company and complained, and they suggested to take it to dealer to apply some software patch, and then they asked me "when are you planning to go to the dealer ?". I said "Never", they asked "why", I said if I dont trust Honda itself (who knew about the vibration problem for 2 years now and they did not act), then how can I trust a dealer. I still love the car