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:

• 

  Are fuel prices getting you down? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By DH - April 17 - 11:10 am

  Having put 1200 miles on a Fit Sport, I find it meets the purpose for the purchase - fuel economy of 36-37 mpg! My driving is 70% hwy & 30% city. The little Fit is larger than my Civic, and offers more versatility. At 64" I look like a circus clown getting out, but Im the one laughing at the gas pump. Its fun to drive, handles well and based on my comparision with other micro cars, seems to offer the best overall quality with regard to materials, ergonomics and handling.

• 

  The best in reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By kagodo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall performance. I almost bought a Plymouth Breeze which was one year older and half the price. No regrets.

• 

  my honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By arangoo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  i have owned my civic for two year and am very happy with my purchase. i have never had any problems what so ever.

• 

  "Just Right - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lovecraft - April 17 - 10:00 am

  There were wagons out there that were more sporty (Mazda Protege5, Subaru Outback Sport), there were wagons that were cheaper (Hyundai Santa Fe), there were wagons that had fabulous exteriors (PT Cruiser),and others with more plush interiors, but none had so many excellent qualities in as many areas as the CR-V. The CR-V is a wonderfully balanced vehicle in terms of comfort, price, reliability, utility, and features. Its pleasant to drive and more importantly its going to be pleasant to own over the years. Simply said its the perfect vehicle for a small family.

• 

  Really Reliable Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Reo Chavallos - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in Nov 1999, and drive it tree years already. And I did not have any problems with it. It is really high reliable, quality car. It take very little money for maintainance, I do only oil change and brake service. I would recommend it for limited budget, and for people how dont dream about BMW. Thakns

• 

  New CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By cxv - April 16 - 4:46 pm

  Hard to judge built quality this early since my CRV is so new but so far not a single problem. The engine could use a little bit more power but no regrets. The fuel economy is decent for the type of vehicle and the big tank with an 87 octance is a relief. The interior is very comfortable and nicely put together. Before taking delivery Ive noticed a scratch in the shift level indicator. The dealership will replace under warranty. Hard to judge exterior design. Is no Alfa Romeo but not bad.

• 

  HONDA EX V6 is a winner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Batman - April 16 - 5:06 am

  Purchased new-great looks-handles like a dream - after 22,000 had brake problems over 50 MPH - went to Honda dealer and as always they were terrific - put in new pads and rotors - brakes are like new - didnt cost me a dime-only averaging 22 mph- leather seats are not holding up as well as they should but interior features, including sound,CD, temperature etc are great - would buy a 2006

• 

  HONDA EX V6 is a winner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Batman - April 16 - 5:06 am

  Purchased new-great looks-handles like a dream - after 22,000 had brake problems over 50 MPH - went to Honda dealer and as always they were terrific - put in new pads and rotors - brakes are like new - didnt cost me a dime-only averaging 22 mph- leather seats are not holding up as well as they should but interior features, including sound,CD, temperature etc are great - would buy a 2006

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jason - April 16 - 2:46 am

  Well I thought I might try and inform future buyers of this car so that they can better understand what to expect from it. The only bad things about this car I can say is the exterior paint is very easily swirled and scratched and the "entertainment" of the car is very bland. Its a plain Jane car. However you very soon realize just how well built this car is and how reliable a Honda can be. Ive put very little money into this car and when I do its very cheap. I bought it with 83000 miles and we just hit 120000 and it runs as strong as a new accord. I plan to drive this car to the ground and I think it might stop running when it hits 500000 miles. Bottom line you cant go wrong with this car, everything is average or above average and certainly cost of ownership is the best in the biz.

• 

  My first Honda (Accord) - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Barry Rider - April 15 - 8:47 pm

  This is my first Honda car. Ive owned Honda motorcycles. I wanted a car that would be dependable and the Accord has a great reputation in that regard. I purchased a 2016 at the end of the model year and got aprox. $4500 off the MSRP. I purchased the LX with CVT, which is the most basic of the Accords. I dont believe in buying a $20,000 car and adding a lot of gadgets to make it a $30,000 car. With only 1000 miles on the dash, the car runs great. having only driven cars with a traditional automatic, the CVT trans. seems a little odd but Im getting use to it. It has a smooth and quiet ride. With the 4 cyl its not a race car, but the 6cyl only improved the 0 to 60 mph by about 1.5 seconds so I could not justify spending about $8000 more for the model with the V6. Being the basic model it lacks the electronic seat adjustments which I miss a little. I am coming from a 2013 VW Jetta TDI. The Accord ride is softer and the steering is not as firm as the VW. I dont have enough miles to comment on the MPG. Over all a good value for the money.