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 car for reliability and road feel - 2012 Honda Accord
  By kenmasters - July 4 - 10:14 am

  This car is great for the family. 5 star safety rating and very good reliability rating. I had this car for 4 months now and It feels very solid and performance seems good for a 4 cylinder family sedan. decent acceleration and great handling, defiantly the sportier of the mid size sedans besides the mazda 6. I have been getting 28 mpg going to work and back in light traffic 30 miles round trip with about 4 traffic light stops average. It does not have any tech package just your basic radio and air conditioning but that was not important for me. I wanted a car that I can work on myself if the need be and this one gives you lots of room in the engine bay (due to it also offering a 6 cylinder) My last car was a 1992 Honda accord that I had for 19 years so hopefully this one will last me at least 15. My only gripe is it does seem they used more hard plastics in the dash and back panel where the speakers are. No rattles though.

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  A perfect car ... if theyd just put radio knobs! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Timothy Anderson - July 3 - 11:01 pm

  Mechanically first rate. Beautiful, head-turning car. Comfortable and convenient. The only negative weve found - and its a big one - is that the radio is totally touch-screen.

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  Cant beat a honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By pete - July 3 - 10:50 pm

  I baught my honda about a year ago, and I have to say that I am very pleased overall. It could be a little better in the snow, but still does ok in the winter. My only dissapointment was when I went to trade the car in a few weeks ago to upgrade to an 07, and the dealership told me that they would give me $16,500 on trade in for it. (baught new for about $25,000) a little dissapiointing seeing as thought I thaugt hondas were suppose to keep their value well. Still a great car though. I have no problem holding on to.

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  Not getting mileage - 42 mpg, instead of 45 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mukund - July 3 - 4:20 am

  Very good car overall, however, I would have expected to get no less then 45 mpg, I have some local and some highway driving. On highway, I cruise at 69 mph. I called dealer, he said my mpg should improve after 7500 miles, currently I have 3200 miles.

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  alot of truck for a high price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By james - July 2 - 11:06 am

  The new Honda truck is a very nice truck, but I feel it`s too much money for what you get, You can still get a truck at 80% of a Honda in a Ford 150 at about 10,000- less when ford is on sale. Honda needs to compete. On the truck, it needs more leg room in rear, also the gauges are tilted away from you behind the wheel, that has to change, and for sure you will pull out your back when you try to get something out of that back trunk,you have to lean over the tail gate. And the radio set up is very blah. But the seats and truck looks are very nice.

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  BAD gas mileage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Amanda - July 2 - 2:43 am

  I bought this car for one thing gas mileage. I am so upset, I do all city driving (actual city not town) and get 17-18mpg!!! Why in the heck did I buy a Honda to get 17-18 MPG??? I am so upset, it also has a knocking noise in the front but really I can put up with almost anything but 17mpg?? Highway I get 35-38 mpg

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Harold - July 1 - 6:43 am

  With eight air bags; It cant get much safer. I purchased it for my wife. Must I say any more!

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  Top Honda - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Robert - June 29 - 3:53 pm

  The car can best be described as a motorcycle on four wheels. It has all that any pure sports car should have after reviewing the g35 coupe it had some advantages over the s2000 but when you get behind the wheel of this honda it gives you a totally different feeling.

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  I am in my Element with this vehicle. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lululu - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Element is fun and easy to drive. The only draw back is the visibility out the rear side windows seems obstructed. I love the vehicle and it suits my dogs, me, and my lifestyle.

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  Space to Spare - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By paidskier - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Our Pilot was delivered with a deffective engine and after disputing our request for a replacement vehicle, Honda and the dealer provided us with an entirley new sample some 5 weeks later. Despite this poor start, we are impressed and extremely satisfied with the Pilot. With a family of six, the seating for 8 was a major plus on purchase. What impresses most after 11,000 miles is the comfort and spacious feel together with the responsive drive experience. Only con is serious off road use, dont plan to go there. Awaiting still an assessment of winter performance in the Sierras.