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 Value for the Money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bill - April 5 - 8:16 pm

  The Honda Civic Hybrid is a great car if you are looking for affordable, reliable, gas saving fun. Everyday this car continues to amaze me. In the Winter I was getting 51+ mpg (in AZ) and Im getting 46 mpg with the AC running. It is a typical Honda with great build and quality.

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  Overall happy...except for road noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Grandma of 3 - April 5 - 1:23 am

  I did a TON of research before making a decision - owned a little over 2mos now. Leased the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan LX (didnt care about the extra bells and whistles). Traded in my 2007 Toyota Sienna Van w/90k miles, no addl money down, pymt is $205 39mos. Kona Coffee Metallic (pretty dark) w/black interior (had white vehicle for last 15yrs). A little adjusting since Im used to sitting up higher. Seats are comfortable, although front passenger seat sits a little low and consequently a little more effort to get out. I have 3 grandkids (5, 8, & 11) that live locally and back seat has ample room/room to grow. Trunk is pretty darn spacious and came with trunk mat standard which I think is great. Purchased (not from dealer) all weather floor mats that cover hump in back to help with dust/rock collection (I live in Az). Handles very well. Disengaging "Eco" makes it pretty zippy when needing to accelerate (merging/uphill). Taken 700mile road trip and comfortable in seats entire time, avg 37mph highway cruising @ 75. Road noise is more than I expected, although because I live in NW Az (3500 elev) when the asphalt is not tight/new this greatly affects the noise (acceptably quiet if road is good). Also believe the Continental tires are part of the problem, but does not really make sense to spend $500+ to replace them at this point. Overall happy with purchase, but sometimes the road noise gets to me. When you test drive I would suggest driving on different road types (good/smooth & bad/rough), LEAVING RADIO OFF so you can hear road/tire noises and get the full experience based on various road conditions.

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  Overall happy...except for road noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Grandma of 3 - April 5 - 1:23 am

  I did a TON of research before making a decision - owned a little over 2mos now. Leased the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan LX (didnt care about the extra bells and whistles). Traded in my 2007 Toyota Sienna Van w/90k miles, no addl money down, pymt is $205 39mos. Kona Coffee Metallic (pretty dark) w/black interior (had white vehicle for last 15yrs). A little adjusting since Im used to sitting up higher. Seats are comfortable, although front passenger seat sits a little low and consequently a little more effort to get out. I have 3 grandkids (5, 8, & 11) that live locally and back seat has ample room/room to grow. Trunk is pretty darn spacious and came with trunk mat standard which I think is great. Purchased (not from dealer) all weather floor mats that cover hump in back to help with dust/rock collection (I live in Az). Handles very well. Disengaging "Eco" makes it pretty zippy when needing to accelerate (merging/uphill). Taken 700mile road trip and comfortable in seats entire time, avg 37mph highway cruising @ 75. Road noise is more than I expected, although because I live in NW Az (3500 elev) when the asphalt is not tight/new this greatly affects the noise (acceptably quiet if road is good). Also believe the Continental tires are part of the problem, but does not really make sense to spend $500+ to replace them at this point. Overall happy with purchase, but sometimes the road noise gets to me. When you test drive I would suggest driving on different road types (good/smooth & bad/rough), LEAVING RADIO OFF so you can hear road/tire noises and get the full experience based on various road conditions.

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  Great For Long Commutes - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dogman - April 5 - 1:00 am

  My daily commute into Houston is 90 miles. It is great to be able to make that trip using only two gallons of gas! I now have driven almost 10,000 miles, and have averaged 45 mpg so far. I have only taken two trips out of town, and its mileage then was slightly better, around 47 mpg. It is quite comfortable and handles very well, much better than the Prius I was about to buy. My wife urged me to at least test drive an Insight, and thats all it took to change my mind. She likes the car too, but I have the long commute and drive it most of the time. What I find odd is that when I get into heavy freeway traffic, going 50-65 mph, the mpgs actually go up. Im very impressed overall.

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  Love my Accord! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Erincherie - April 4 - 9:46 am

  After driving a 99 Olds Alero for 9 years and having something break on a monthly basis, owning this car is a dream! I absolutely love it! I also looked at Camry and the new Acura TSX, but the Accord is a class above Camry in my opinion and why pay $5000 more for the TSX when it is virtually identical to the Accord? The exterior and interior is more reflective of European styling and it looks amazing. I generally keep my vehicles 8-10 years and look forward to owning this one that long.

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cbowser - April 4 - 9:36 am

  It is built with practicality and safety in mind (fold down seats, grocery bag hooks, lazy susan in floor, wiper speeds, backup sensors, run flat tires) and is easy to drive and looks great!

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  Good fun - 1997 Honda Civic
  By austin_engr - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 97 Civic EX coupe for about three weeks now, and Ive been generally happy with it so far. The build quality is excellent, and even at high speeds on the freeway the car feels quite solid. Road noise is a tad high. Last week I replaced the OEM Firestone tires with new Michelins, and the road noise dropped to half. My car has a stickshift, which is fun to drive, and has cruise control too. Unfortunately, there is no ABS option with the stickshift models. Except for these minor gotchas, the Civic is a great buy overall.

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  Another 1st-time SUV Buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Keith E. - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Pilot in Aug,02. Had no idea it existed; just found it on dealers lot. Was looking for SUV to replace a large sedan & aging pickup. Biggest plus was headroom & visibility from drivers seat. Im 63" & had to duck my head to see traffic signals in other SUVs. Pilot is fine for hauling passengers, but its no substitute for a pickup. Boxes & such are fine, but youll be very limited in large/long items, such as lumber. Im disappointed with gas mileage. Im careful to drive for best fuel economy, but have not come close to published ratings. Paid about $500 under sticker, got free crossbars, cargo cover & bunch of oil changes.

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  Quality - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By need714 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this van for me on our anniversary and I love it. So does my 2 year old. Especially the entertainment system. Honda is willing to deal and youll get all the bells and whistles if your willing to negotiate with them. Buy online through this website. Its the way to go. I really love this van and I dont have anything negative to say about it. Its a quality vehicle.

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  Is Honda now controlled by accountants? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pwp - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 EX after my 92 LX was totaled in an accident. The ride and noise level are much poorer in the 02 than the 92. Honda has also substancially cheapened the quality of many of its body and suspension components while improving on some mechanical items such as the engine and auto transmission. Gas mileage is also much poorer than the 92 LX. After 2 years of owning this car, I still miss my 92 LX.