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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  my best yet - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mfriesenborg - December 21 - 10:26 pm

  coming from a 2000 civic ex, i was impressed with the upgrades done in the 07 model. it has been the textbook example of reliability for 120,000 miles. i have had an engine oil leak fixed under warranty, and had to replace the rear control arms (on my own) recently. mileage is always 35-40, and i have gotten up to 42 on long interstate cruises. the interior is harder to keep clean compared to the 2000, mainly due to different texture of the plastic used on door and kick panels. i feel sorry for people who have had worse experiences than i, but the worst part of owning a civic is using the dealership for service.

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  Perfect car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By noey914 - December 21 - 6:31 pm

  Purchased a 2014 Accord Sport just about 1yr ago. Have put on 16,000 miles so far. Absolutely love the car. Was very hesitant over the CVT but it actually makes the car. Very smooth and great mpg...always average better then what they say it should. Plenty of power and fun to drive. Great package. Highly recommend.

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  Great vehicle - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By dswanson30 - December 20 - 7:51 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Im a month into ownership and absolutely love this car. The build quality is spectacular, its super smooth on the highway and it excels at everything I throw at it. I drive 60+ miles a day over a mountain pass and appreciate this car every day! Its pretty decent in snow with the stock tires (snow tires coming soon). Great space for my family of 4!

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  Buying considerations vs competitors - 2014 Honda Accord
  By bill1000 - December 9 - 12:53 pm

  Considered Mazda6, Accord, TLX, Camry and Fusion. Ruled out last 2 for styling and reliability reasons respectively. Based on reviews and idea that I want something not everyone else has, Mazda6 was the front runner. Then I test drove all three. If price was somewhat close, I would have likely bought TLX (traded in a TL) but its a new model(no haggling) so price differential was just too much. Really liked the drive of the Mazda as do most people. Then drove the Accord and was actually surprised at how much I liked the drive and feel. It just felt good on the road and quiet. Not saying it drove better than Mazda, but pretty close. In the end, the Honda reliability and "feel" won me over.

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  First car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By chrisl426 - December 2 - 9:54 am

  My first car, drove it from 149K to 180k Miles, commuting to college daily. Was a blast to drive it. It was quick and stylish for a 1992 car. Wish Honda still made them. If you took care of the car, it takes care of you. It never failed me. The back seats were tight. Took corners and handled like a race car. I can only Imagine what the 4WS version drove like. No one could ever believe it was a 92, Good job with the impressive styling by Honda. Had the Original clutch at 180k Miles when I sold it still running strong.

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  The BEST I have owned - 2004 Honda Element
  By maguu - November 30 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Element in 2007 w/36000 miles off a lease. I now have 86000 miles on it and have not had any mechanical issues so far. I hope to drive it for a long time yet. This is the best I have owned,I have owned several cars and trucks American and foreign but none of them was as trouble free as this has been. It drives very stable and AWD can take you thru a lot of snow and mud. I have used as a car,truck and camper,have towed my boat and ATV side by side without any complaint from her. Honda really screwed up dropping this from their lineup,they should have just kept tweaking it to improve it more. I really dont know what I will replace this with,maybe try to find a clean 2011.

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  Outstanding reliability, fun to drive. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By madmaxooohhh - November 20 - 8:35 am

  Great vehicle for a commuter car that is also fun to drive. It has decent styling and boring reliability. Has needed nothing for the year I have owned it so far, besides oil changes, and tire rotations every 5000 miles. I should have purchased a domestic car so I could learn how to fix them.

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  Best Compact for Commuting...go with EX Trim - 2014 Honda Civic
  By tgrit68 - November 16 - 2:40 pm

  Put aside the sporty and nifty handling of the Mazda3 and Ford Focus because what most commuters want for the 5-day grind is a smooth riding highway vehicle with low cockpit noise, and thats where the Honda Civic excels. I have been getting 33 mpg combined in city/highway driving or about 400 miles before the next refuel. On really long highway trips with the ECON button on, I have hit 40 mpg! The EX trim is where the value lies for commuters...rear disc brakes, auto headlights and "pothole friendly" 16 inch tires with beautiful alloy rims.

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  I love it ! buy one but understand this technology first. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By fyler - November 15 - 11:59 pm

  The build quality is awesome, interiors look kinda luxury especially with the blue cloth color, I like the futuristic dashboard.The only thing I dont like is the location of the gas pedal (its like coming off the floor). A very dependable car.People who complaint about the MPG, they need to understand how to drive a hybrid car first, cruise before red lights, drive on 55-65 speed, dont floor the gas pedal etc. I am at 80K miles and the IMA battery is working properly (this is my second Hybrid and I never got any IMA issues). People need to understand that the IMA technology has been matured enough that they dont need to get scared from the IMA because they are cheap to replace now.

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  Best Compact by Far - 2014 Honda Civic
  By medford41 - November 14 - 5:10 pm

  Recently purchased a new 2014 Honda Civic EX Sedan. Test drove a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Kia Forte. No comparison to the Civic.