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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  CANT PLEASE EVERYONE! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Katman - December 4 - 4:17 am

  Excellent car, I find it strange that you have a handful of complainers out of over 800 reviews. I dont even bother looking at those reviews when you have almost a 5 star score and just a few 1-2 stars.

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  The car you can trust ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By hondafan - December 3 - 9:00 pm

  Very fun to drive, miles improved laterly . my first tank average 27mpg , 2nd tank 29mpg.... and now i got 33mpg. Engine runs quiet and smooth 78mph at 2500rpm. I love this car very much

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  More than we expected - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lenny - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  Picked up our new CRV-EX/2WD this morning and promptly went on a bit of a drive to check the highway mileage. 30.6 MPG at 70MPH. Fit and finish are great, more power than expected. I found the seats very comfy, everything works as advertised including the power moonroof. 6 disc changer works well and sounds very good. There are a lot of things I need to learn about this car though, this is our first import(guess it had to happen sooner or later)

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  A Sporty Sedan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KeysCop - December 2 - 9:03 am

  Sporty sedan, great performance, even better gas milage. Headrests are tilted too far forward so that you have to recline the front seat so your head is not resting on the headrest.

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  Dumped the A4 and never looked back - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mvnicosia - December 2 - 5:53 am

  Ive only put 1000 miles on my new Fit Sport manual, but I must say I love it. It handles like a dream. Nice, tight steering. The clutch and shifter throws are short and the acceleration is peppy. The stereo is loud and thumping and plays my my iPod tracks great through the auxiliary port. How many seating configurations does this thing have? Theres room to tote my 64" self, my girlfriend and our baby, plus about a months worth of groceries (if we wanted to buy that much, which we dont). Or, it can haul a household appliance. Whats that you say, Mr. Salesman... delivery is extra? I think Ill pass. I traded down to this car from an Audi to save money and gas. No regrets.

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  Excellent - 2003 Honda Civic
  By LUV2ACCEL8 - December 2 - 4:36 am

  Excellent car, this was my first Civic much improved design since the 99 model. Roomy interior and trunk. Never had any mechanical or elctrical problems. Gas mileage although listed as 30/38, in reality if you drive in the city do not expect 25-28 even with slow takeoff from red light, although its hard to judge because I always have AC on, which drains gas a lot. Interior materials are pretty good for its price, however would strongly recommend getting the after-market leather package.

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  Worth the Money!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By nightbird1103 - December 2 - 2:20 am

  We bought this van at the end of January after being torn between this and the Toyota Sienna. I must say that I usually agonize over large purchases, and this was no exception. We went with the Honda because we got a great deal and because, frankly, Ive always wanted one because of its fine reputation. It was probably a bit more than the Sienna, but Hondas new car financing rates were better. I feel that the interior reeks of quality, and the body style is much more appealing than any of the other vans out there. I was not disappointed, and I dont think you will be either.

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  Reliable car - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Donna - December 1 - 7:30 pm

  I have owned this car for 4 yrs. Very reliable, rides smooth, steers very well especially turning sharp for parking, runs great and good gas mileage. Only con to this car...the seats are very uncomfortable, especially on long rides, even using the lumbar support doesnt help. So if looking for comfort rule it out, but a very good car

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  some issues - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dan - December 1 - 5:42 pm

  Have had my HRV back to the dealer twice during my first two months of ownership. Check engine light and parking brake light came on and wouldnt go off until a few days passed, then the cycle returned. First time they replaced no.2 O2 sensor, problem returned. This time, wiring harness and starter motor replaced- fingers crossed.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2007 Honda Accord
  By RIck - December 1 - 4:56 pm

  I drove and owned my first Honda in 1987. Since then, I have owned a variety of different cars with the last one being a 2003 Honda Accord. I decided to purchase the new 2007 4 cyl Ex-L with Navigation after much research of the luxury car market. In the end, the overall quality,price and performance blew me away. Both the interior as well as exterior are fantastic and people I know who drive Mercedes and Lexus can not beleive that Honda could produce a car of this quality for under $30K. From top to botom taking everything into consideration, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.