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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  Whats not to love? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DarkVortex - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Civic. It gets great mileage, looks nice and clean, and runs great. Steering is crisp, acceleration is adequate, but could use a little more power, and the inside is just wonderful. Considering the cars price, I feel I got a lot for the money, and that it will last a long time. Very pleased.

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  2006 EX-L w/RES - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By nematoad - September 20 - 12:06 am

  Driving this minivan is pure joy. Plenty of power when you need it. ALL Seats are VERY comfortable when compared to the "Stow and Go" competition we looked at during shopping. Our kids love the car. DVD screen is large and headphones work great. 4000 miles and no problems. No wind noise, no VCM noise from engine, nothing, nada. Mileage has been around 21-22 in city, no long trips yet. Have gotten several comments from neighbors, random people, asking how we liked it... This is my wifes vehicle which we purchased when she totaled her car. I love this vehicle, this is coming from the owner of an Expedition and a 5.0L Mustang, I never had high regard for minivans before this car.

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  Update at 1,000 miles - 2005 Honda Civic
  By STANLEY MILLER - September 19 - 10:16 am

  Went to ocean city, md., 320 Miles round trip & the civic did great. Now for some negatives, they are small # 1 on a groved highway road noise is high (turn up stero or avoid groved surfaces) #2 the sun comes in front and raidates heat on your lap & the black dash gets warm( drive with a.C. On or open windows)# 3 stero display washes out in the sun light( shade the display with your hand to read) got 36.5 Mpg on the trip to o. C. All things consiered this car gets me the mpg i bought it for plus its fun to drive . Had the civic up to 80 on a bypass around salisbury where the speed limil is 65 only had it there briefly passing a truck. The cruise control on the steering wheel is nice

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  Misleading fuel economy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chuck - September 19 - 6:50 am

  We purchased this car (our first Honda) this year because of rising gas prices and Hondas claim of 50mpg. It now turns out that the realistic mpg is closer to 35 (city & highway). The service department at the dealership says this is about what we should expect.

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  Love That Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Honda Accord EXL - September 19 - 1:13 am

  I LOVE my new Honda. Its so sporty and I feel safe with the weight of the car. All in all I think I made a good choice.

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  Great Fun Car, Excellent Quality - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Merlin3e9 - September 18 - 8:26 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. I want to drive it even when I have no place to go. The style is great, performance is great from a 2.0L. Above 6K RPM the engine really comes alive. Right after I bought it, I drove from Texas to California, and I got almost 32 MPG driving an average of 85 MPH. The interior is very nice, seats are comfortable even on a 2K trip. Quick throw 6 spd shifter is a blast. I wanted a car that had good looks, good performance, and good quality. This car has it all. I will be driving this car for many years to come

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  Cute car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By ELAINE CHARVAT - September 18 - 7:43 am

  Not much space in front for purse or other articles. Very difficult to close rear cargo door.

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  2016 Honda Accord is so sexy!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By alexis alvarado - September 18 - 2:18 am

  So impressed by the new look and feel of the accord.

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  Great car but is missing some things - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By MShaeffer - September 17 - 4:00 pm

  The wife and I each got one of these cars. Once we took them for a test drive we knew we wanted to buy one for each of us. I was hesitant at first since I would be getting rid of the 07 Pathfinder, and lose the trunk space for when we go camping. I got the roof rack on my car for the cargo carrier and will be adding a tow package later so I can tow a small trailer for any remaining items. Overall we are very happy with the car. I will update after a year to see what happens.

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  8,500 Miles and Still Smiling - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LSkvir - September 17 - 3:33 pm

  Now that Ive driven my Civic hybrid for four months, I am even more sold than when I gave my opinion just after I bought it. This is a great little car. For my last four tanks of gas I have averaged a shade under 55mpg. My best mileage was 57.04. It is good fun to try to squeeze out every last mpg. Am I smug? You bet. It feels good to be doing the right thing.