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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  Less than expected from ratings and hype - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sue Glassman - March 29 - 1:34 pm

  I wanted the Civic due to its reliability and gas mileage ratings and hassle free maintenance. First, the tire pressure light was on from the second day I had the car. I called Honda and ended up checking the tire pressure myself which was fine and then pressing the reset button several times until the light went off. No one mentioned this issue at the dealership or that there is a special reset button for this purpose. Second, according to the Civics own gas mileage indicator on the dash board, I am getting less than 24 mpg. Third, when you connect the blue tooth, the phone is connected but not the media (ex waze). Fourth, there is no cd player (only radio). Fifth, the storage compartments in the car are minimal and do not have closures like the kia forte. There are a total of 3 easily accessible cup holders that double as the storage console. The back seats do not come down for extra trunk storage if you need it. You have to play with the buttons and dials to get the a/c to work properly so you dont die of heat stroke before it kicks in. Overall, I guess as long as this car lasts without any big bills until I turn it in, will have to be happy.

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  My first SUV! - 2005 Honda Element
  By djsan99 - March 29 - 3:20 am

  I bought this Elment this week and all I can say is I love it. I liked them when they came out in 03 and wanted to to trade in my 98 Accord. But after losing my civic I was able to get it. This mini SUV is great for trips, and for a small family.

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  2005 EX V6 4dr Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bob Gardner - March 29 - 12:10 am

  Our Accord has been a pleasure to drive. The powerful V-6 lessens the stress of driving because it adds confidence. Changing lanes in commuter traffic is now much easier. Entering busy highways seems safer as well. The cabin is quiet and the ride is fairly smooth. We didnt ask for the XM radio system but our car already had it. Its a big plus. Our 4 door vehicle is white and looks clean even when it isnt. We have mud flaps, a wing spoiler and a moon roof air deflector. All three add nicely to the "look." The car stands out nicely when parked next to other lessor optioned Hondas. Visibility for backing up lacking. The car is also longer than we thought. We are very happy with the car.

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  2005 Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By maddbinky74 - March 28 - 6:50 pm

  I traded a 04 Mustang for the 05 Accord. I think this 2.4 5-speed has as much power as the Mustang. Its easier for my family to get in and out of, especially my husband. So far, Ive gotten 28 mpg compared to 21 mpg. I think this one is most certainly a keeper.

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  Honda CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Nancy Y - March 28 - 4:55 pm

  Excellent value and quality

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  Best in class! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By SonerSD - March 27 - 12:23 pm

  Car is a blast to drive. The stiff suspension provides a smooth and stable ride with incredible steering response and accident avoidance capability. I am just laughing at people who complains about the harsh ride. The ride is not harsh it is just stiff, and that gives the Fit incredible handling and agility. I got the Taffeta White which is sleek and clean-look.

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  Buy this great car as used to save $ - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Yossi - March 27 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car as used car with only 4500 miles, this car has navigation system and xm radio. I paid $24,500 and spent another $200 to get the spare wheel and tool box of 2006 hybrid, yes of 2006, the special tire I bought at tire shop in much better price. Honda made a stupid mistake with 2005 hybrid on the spare wheel and corrected it on the 2006, however this is the most fun car I ever had, I know that milage is not even close to Toyota Prius but better than all my previous V6 cars, I am a tall guy 6Â’1, however the driver seat is very comfortable

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  More Than Happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dsmnsn - March 26 - 11:16 pm

  I was initially skeptical of the hybrid vehicles because I thought I would have to sacrifice so much for the sake of better fuel mileage. I couldnt have been more wrong. Now that the car has "broken in," I not only enjoy my daily drive, but I enjoy a minimum 44 MPG (even at $4/gallon fill-ups are less that $40) with top fuel mileage topping out at over 49 MPG. As far as performance, the car handles great and I dont feel like Ive sacrificed anything on the road - acceleration is better than adequate and the car rolls nicely at 80-85mph. Part of me wants to be selfish and steer people away because increased supply will only drive up prices, but ultimately well all be better off. Get one!

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  Good car but instrumentation is outdated. - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Vishwas Abhyankar - March 26 - 9:22 pm

  So far the car has performed well but the instrumentation interface needs a complete redesign. It also needs additional sensors to monitor surrounding vehicular traffic. The user manual that comes with the car is poorly written and the tech people at the dealership are not trained to answer even the simplest of questions.

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  Pretty Disappointed with Quality Decline of Honda - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By AJ - March 26 - 8:43 pm

  We replaced my wifes 2016 Honda Odyssey Touring a few months back for the all new 2018 Elite. We were having Transmission Issues at only 21K miles with the 16 and upon reading several online reviews and forums, found this to be more common than it should be. We initially picked up a new 18 EX-L as the options were pretty similar to our Touring and immediately started having issues with a couple of rattles that the dealer could not pinpoint after keeping the car for a week. Being that we only had it in our possession for 1 full day the dealer agreed to let me swap it for the Elite. Fortunately the rattles have not been an issue, but now we have a new problem. There is a rather severe popping from the front end when turning under power (i.e. into a parking spot, parking in driveway). We took it back to the dealer where they kept it for a week to replace the entire front/left strut assembly and coil. Picked it up and less than 30 minutes later when backing out of a parking spot and turning we heard the pop again. Its done this several times since and we are planning to take back to the shop once more. Also as other reviews have pointed out, the placement of the rear a/c vents is horrible if you have children in car seats. I cant believe Honda wouldnt think about this issue before removing the vents from the roof. Other than these problems, the new Odyssey drives great, is quiet and gets better mileage. The new electronics are a huge improvement as well. We love driving the new Odyssey, just very disappointed with the quality of our $47K van.