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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  Sleek & Stylish - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Gramercy Todd - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  So far so good! Ive had my 2017 Honda Civic EX for 3 months & 2 days. I now have 12,000 miles on my Civic. The gas mileage is amazing I literally get 44 mpg highway. Ive drove to the city of Atlanta 3 times & I have to go back for a forth time in two weeks. The driver seat isnt totally confortable with no way to adjust the lumber bar. The steering wheel has the perfect balance. The screen in my EX model is easy to use & has the perfect sloped centered location. Apple CarPlay is good to have for navigation on the screen from your iPhone. Remote start came standard on my EX and I absolutely love it. Push button start is always a perk to have. Sometimes the CVT shifts at the wrong time which causes my Civic to jump when in stop in & go traffic at times. The daytime running lights are such a eye catcher. The Civic does sit low to the ground so having 4 average size adults would make the car weigh more to the ground. A full tank of gas says between 380-390 miles to E & a half tank says between190-200 miles to E. If you over fill the gas tank it will says between 430-460 miles to E. The 16 inch rims on my EX has a fresh looking appearance. Half the car is literally painted plastic & the other half is fiberglass. I typically drive on long stretch of highways minimum 40 miles one way to maximum 70 miles one way. So in one day I drive 80 miles to 140 miles on a highway.

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  Sleek & Stylish - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Gramercy Todd - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  So far so good! Ive had my 2017 Honda Civic EX for 3 months & 2 days. I now have 12,000 miles on my Civic. The gas mileage is amazing I literally get 44 mpg highway. Ive drove to the city of Atlanta 3 times & I have to go back for a forth time in two weeks. The driver seat isnt totally confortable with no way to adjust the lumber bar. The steering wheel has the perfect balance. The screen in my EX model is easy to use & has the perfect sloped centered location. Apple CarPlay is good to have for navigation on the screen from your iPhone. Remote start came standard on my EX and I absolutely love it. Push button start is always a perk to have. Sometimes the CVT shifts at the wrong time which causes my Civic to jump when in stop in & go traffic at times. The daytime running lights are such a eye catcher. The Civic does sit low to the ground so having 4 average size adults would make the car weigh more to the ground. A full tank of gas says between 380-390 miles to E & a half tank says between190-200 miles to E. If you over fill the gas tank it will says between 430-460 miles to E. The 16 inch rims on my EX has a fresh looking appearance. Half the car is literally painted plastic & the other half is fiberglass. I typically drive on long stretch of highways minimum 40 miles one way to maximum 70 miles one way. So in one day I drive 80 miles to 140 miles on a highway.

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  Visibility when it rains - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Donna - December 24 - 5:40 pm

  I have a problem...rain on the outside of the window and the mirror makes for a difficult time changing lanes. You cant see.

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  Loved this car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Miamitraveler - December 24 - 3:06 pm

  Just bought the Honda Accord after LOTS of research. I spent hours reading every review possible online. It came down to two cars, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and the Honda Accord. I test drove both cars on 2 different occasions from 2 different dealers. While the Sonata has a more beautiful exterior than the Honda, the interior of the Sonata especially the dashboard looks and feels cheap with low grade plastics. What were the Sonatas designers thinking? Also the drive in the Accord was superior to the Sonatas. Those two factors sealed the deal for me and I went with the Accord. Also, the Honda dealer was much more knowledgeable, professional and nice than the other dealers.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - December 24 - 6:40 am

  I got my car at the end of March and waiting to until now to review it. Im very happy with it. I did have a 92 Civic before and couldnt get rid of it soon enough. This car is not what you expect from an economy car. I drove from Philadelphia to Wilmington, NC for a wedding and then back up the coastline for a vacation. On the highway, I averaged 42 mpg with the air conditioning on. I didnt have any concerning the seats. The Civic has nice pickup and this is the only time I really hear the engine when the revs go over 2500.

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  Close to great for the first 20,000 km - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Yuri - December 23 - 9:13 pm

  Hoped marks would speak for themselves but strangely even those reviewers who seem to dislike the car still give 6 and up. In my opinion, 6 to 8 is good, anything higher - excellent. While performance can be praised as nearly excellent, there are still some obvious shortcomings. For ex., a special care needs to be exercised when driving in the dark while its raining, in particular, when making the left turn. The view is badly obstructed by the frame fragment connecting roof with the hood. AC modes and vents placement also appear to contribute to the problem. Minor but annoying: theres always oily dirt on the front wheels that is unlikely an indication of the brakes serious issue.

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  Downsizing Made Fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By 91Westy - December 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great car - period. Honda has done an excellent job of reinventing the hatchback concept for the new millenium. Two roadtrips (ATL-DC and ATL-SC) so far and no complaints. Car is fairly quick, responsive and smooth, reminds me of a BMW to drive (except Im getting 36 MPG at 80 MPH). In general, I favor European cars (BMWs, Mercs, VWs, etc) - but Honda has done an excellent job of integrating an intelligently-designed vehicle (great safety features, innovative cargo handling, excellent fuel economy) with outstanding road feel, handling and suspension.

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  Dont do it - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Jignesh patel - December 23 - 6:34 pm

  I Head Honda OdYssey 2006 excellent great I loved it and I bought new 2014 this vehicle is not worth the money too much headache too much trouble I would not recommend anyone to purchase this vehicle I have one and I want to sell it , Im going with Toyota

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  Sleeper sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By maxdriver - December 23 - 11:50 am

  I traded a Focus SVT for my 6-speed sedan. I wanted something with more room and refinement. I am extremely pleased with the Accord. The 6-speed is very smooth shifting; the engine is powerful and smooth. I recently sold my G35 coupe, which sounded like a tractor engine at WOT compared to the Accord V06! I like the stealth(sleeper)appearance of the sedan. The body leans more than I like in curves. I plan on adding some TL sway bars in the future.

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  A Fun Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Holly - December 23 - 9:40 am

  I have only had this car for a week, but I truly do enjoy driving it. The interior is beautiful and comfortable, and the exterior is sharp Im getting a lot of great comments on it! The display is easy to read and appealing to the eye. I find myself volunteering to go to the store, pick up the dry cleaning, etc. ... any excuse to get in my CRV and drive.