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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  Couldnt be happier - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Tim - January 28 - 8:40 pm

  First off, do your research. While this is a great car for us, it may not be what you are looking for, as all hybrids are not created equal. Also, dont be afraid to take your research and whip it out during the negotiation. With that being said, this car has met or exceeded everything we were looking for in a vehicle. My wife drives 92 miles round trip to and from work daily, so our number one priority was excellent mileage wrapped in a comfortable, entertaining, package. We had a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and my wife really tried to like that car, but after the last repair; replacing a $28 A/C sensor which was located behind the dash, so $925 in labor, she cried uncle. She has been driving the car for a month now and she actually looks forward to her daily commute. We looked at the Mazda 6, which is also a great car, plus has the looks, but the hybrids mileage made this a no-brainer. The seats are comfortable, the interior is well put together, and for us trunk space is fine. On short trips around town, this thing gets 48 mpg easy, and just checking the odometer my wife is averaging 43.5 mpg, and between us, she is what you would call an aggressive driver(wink, wink). Get this car, you will never regret it.

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  Very good car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By steve - January 28 - 4:13 am

  I have only had this car for about a month and overall I am happy with it. It drives really smoothly but lacks the sporty fun to drive feel. I had a Camry for my first car and happily the sound system is so much better in the civic.

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  Honda odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TGRIFFITH - January 28 - 4:06 am

  This vehicle is far and above any other minivan that i have owned, namely the nissan quest. It drives like a small luxury car, but hauls like an suv. It has almost to the inch, the interior hauling space that my ford expedition had. It is very easy to see out of. It has lots of pickup, the nissan was sluggish. It has full size seats that are very comfortable.

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  Love my new 2013 Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By penonfire - January 28 - 3:02 am

  These reviews were so helpful to me in choosing my Sport. I love it. Black int., black ext., dark tinted windows. Love the lumbar support on the drivers seat, and pretty much love everything about the car. Only a few things I miss from my last car--locked glove, tiny compartment for change--but these are teensy gripes. Honda really has outdone themselves with this new 2013 design. Its gorgeous. Holds the road, too, in a confident way. Almost bought the Coupe but getting into the back seat was a pain. My 18 year old son loves it and said hed be just fine with it if I decided to give it to him. Wanted to love the Prius but just didnt (and I dont commute). Love my Sport!

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  Reliable fun, affordable price. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Livingkennedy - January 28 - 2:30 am

  Love my car. It does have some issues, however. Unfortunately the real power is mostly limited to the v-tech 6000- 8000rpm range, which goes by very quickly. Steering wheel feels cheap, small, light. Feedback through steering wheel is subpar, brakes need tuning when used on uneven surfaces, handling is subpar on uneven surfaces and sudden changes in direction at high speeds - it feels as if the car is swaying in corners. Lint/dirt sticks to suede seats, but they are comfortable. Excellent gearbox, stereo system. Plastic on doors, center console is not put together well - feels cheap. Gas mileage is not too great considering the high octane fuel that is required and the low power(0-60 is slow).

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  97 honda civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By civic_racer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car from a family member and it was well taken care of. Fun to drive and "cruise" in. A good car for long trips or short drives. Extremely dependable. However, it needs to be because it is expensive to bring to a shop. Easy to modify and parts are everywhere. LOVE THE MOONROOF!

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  Stay away from Honda of Princeton!!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Bruciep07 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a very good car. Its come with its share of problems, though. #1-Bought the car spring time. I didnt use the AC for any extended period of time until mid summer. The first time I really got to use it, about an hour into the trip, i notice that my foot was wet, and that the AC drain hose was pinched in the AC box, and had totally flooded my car via the heater vents. The dealership fixed the drain problem, but did nothing about my rotting, falling apart carpet! #2-Trans was grinding in fifth gear at 300 miles, dealer told me to "let it break in". Went back next week, no more 5th gear, and almost no reverse. 2 1/2 weeks later, and a new trans.

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  Honda Fit(s) Me Well - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vivica - January 27 - 9:36 am

  This Honda Fit has turned out to be a very reliable car. I have driven it for roughly four months, and the car runs like a dream. Its also a very good gas sipper, and I only have to fill up its tank roughly every 10 days. Not only its a good little subcompact for someone who just wants an inexpensive thing to commute in, its also a cute car. I get compliments on its looks from time to time. Overall, its been a very good car, and I highly recommend it to a routine commuter who wants something thats economical and yet appealing to the eye.

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  Finest Car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Accord
  By turbo1701 - January 26 - 3:06 pm

  Interior is top notch, everything easy to reach and operate. Leather heated seats are terrific. Moonroof is great and have had no problems in the 2 months I have owned it. Contrary to what many people report about EPA rating, I am averaging 35 MPG on the highway, 27 in the city. Very impressed. Sound system is also excellent. Very roomy. Superior handling characteristics. Love styling of rear end 03-05 models. The 06 rear end looks like everything else on the road from a Ford 500 to Impala/G6/Lacrosse and Camry. Would highly recommend an Accord to anyone. Fit and finish are flawless on mine. Car is Black with Tan interior & spoiler. Gets LOTS of Looks & thumbs up.

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  The Real Review - 2007 Honda Civic
  By doug527 - January 26 - 5:13 am

  Seats provide no lumbar support, very uncomfortable on drives over 30 minutes. A $200 cushion fixed this for me. Am radio can barely pull in stations, my 95 nissan truck had no problems with this. Road noise seems to be greater than most cars, but you seem to get conditioned to this. The pick up is good and the ride is smooth. Biggest complaint is car handles like crap at highway speeds. Body seems to roll, sway. If you follow another Civic it will look as if they are on ice when they change lanes. This is not due to the tires or their inflated psi. Have read on other forums that others are having the same problem and the heavier sway bars from the Si coup,Si sedan, will help greatly.