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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  Very good, but has its flaws - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  The concept of this car is perfect. Hatch, small, efficient, stability control. My main complaint is that the suspension is way too harsh. Not firm, which is OK, but harsh. You feel EVERY road flaw. The MPG is averaging 30, mediocre for a car with this modest level of power and performance. The transmission constantly shifts on even small grades, annoying. Handling is excellent. Very roomy and versatile. Excellent interior. My VW pickup rides better. Dont buy one until you put on 50 continuous miles on a concrete highway and broken city streets. If you can live with the incessant jittery ride and average MPG, very strong in other areas. Ill be trading on a Civic or Mazda 3 soon.

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  Civic EX-fun - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Marcus667 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I find the Honda Civic EX to be well- made, with only minor electrical problems so far--a burned-out electric window switch. The pickup is fairly decent, although the handling isnt awfully forgiving of emergency maneuvers. Overall a fun drive.

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  Great Car With Awkward Moments - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Woolley - February 19 - 4:58 am

  If your over 511" you have to duck your head to get in. Also the temp controls are awkward. To sink your phone to the Bluetooth is another story on its own. The dealers dont tell you the front end is heavy and wears out the tires quickly at 20,000 miles. They will tell you to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles or no tire warranty. Who wants to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles? All it does is destroy the back tires as well that look like new. Taking the car back to the dealership to rotate the tires and have a big stinky mechanic leave his stench in your car for a week no way. Also if you click the lock button twice it will crack all the windows so it airs out in hot climates. Good idea but it also cracks the sun roof that is not visible to the eye. If you forget to close the sun roof at this point and go through a car wash your hosed. Water will get in all the way to the center of the car and you will not know it until the dryer fans go on at the end of the wash. Youll love the dripping water coming through your top controls on your new car. Other than that I love the car for kid convenience and it halls ass and handles very good. It sucks gas but you can go slower and the fuel efficiency light will go on telling you your conserving gas consumption.

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  Great car; highly recommend it! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - February 18 - 12:30 am

  I bought this car after testing several other cars in the same class. The EX-L V6 with Navi was by far the best value overall. I have no complaints so far and I have received a lot of positive comments from family and friends.

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  Great Package Overall - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Don - February 17 - 9:49 pm

  Honda built a vehicle that meets 95% of a truck owners needs. Weve received quite a bit of snow this year in Chicago, and the truck has handled it amazingly. My family feels very safe and comfortable in this truck. As for rearward visibility, buy a couple of $2 1.5" convex mirrors for the exterior mirros - helps a lot. The vehicle is extremely versatile - can haul 1500 lbs of rock during the day and take 5 adults out for the evening. Tows pretty well for occassional use. Gas mileage is as expected given the stance/aerodynamics. Corners pretty well given its size/height. Great summertime vehicle too (all windows go down all the way, and with sunroof/rear window almost convertible like).

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  so so - 2005 Honda Civic
  By valkyrievf1j - February 17 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car for 2 things fuel economy, and reliability. Based on those 2 things I am very happy with this vehicle. My main down point on this car would have to be the complete lack of any get up and go. Off the line starting power is poor, while the motor does pretty well at speeds in excess of 55 mph with little struggle. I dont think that this car is worth what it sells for, but so long as I can get 7 or more years of reliability out of this I will be pleased with my purchase.

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  2005 Pilot LX AWD - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By rjg - February 17 - 11:26 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle! Extremely loud road noise - hard to hear on cell phones. Poorly designed climate and radio controls. No automatic headlights, etc. What was I thinking?

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dick - February 16 - 3:30 pm

  This is my first Honda and my last. Although it is fun to drive and quality seems ok, the leather seats are very uncomfortable, especially on a long drive. The sound system is terrible on the highway because of road noise. No compass except when nav is on. Mileage is as advertised. I am starting to look for a replacement.

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  Excellent, but could be better - 2010 Honda Civic
  By johnnymg - February 15 - 11:50 pm

  OK, Im going to be a bit tough on this car even though Im pretty happy with it. On the plus side: EXCELLENT leather seats~~!!!! Good power and nice auto trans. Good but not great gas mileage. On the negative side: The rear speakers are just hanging "bare" with no rear covers. This is really unacceptable. Cheesy badging all around the car. Cheesy interior badging with a big chrome H on the steering wheel. The interior looks like it was designed for "kids". Lack of a power drivers seat. Lack of a instantaneous and avg fuel usage. Could use a slightly heavier steering. These are all minor nits against a pretty good car. I drove a Prius and that was a real joke compared to this Honda.

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  800 miles per tank! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Donald - February 14 - 4:57 am

  Lifetime 49.7 MPG over 58,000 miles driven. Regularly get 800 miles per 15 gallon tank. Easy 52 MPG in summer and shoulder spring/fall seasons, 44 MPG in winter. Zero issues with maintenance or reliability. I always drive in regen-B mode.The key for this car is the 43 - 58 mph sweet spot. The more time you spend in this range, the more the car rewards. You can do 62/63 mph without too much penalty (minus 1 or 2 mpg), but not 68/69 mph (minus 5 - 7 mpg). My commute is 30+ miles each way, mostly on posted 45 to 55 mph roads. The only cons, as others have mentioned, are the lack of spare tire and small-ish trunk. Ive had one flat, which was a pain - had to call AAA, time consuming, etc and Ive had to work around the the lack of trunk space a couple of times, but that hasnt caused delay or changed my overall trip in any way. Great car overall - if you want Prius mileage with Accord sedan looks and upgraded trim ( I have EX-L with leather seats/moonroof/etc).