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:

• 

  Very Pleasant Purchase - 2002 Honda Accord
  By smokin - November 12 - 1:06 am

  Ive had the car for about 3 months and put on about 3,000 miles, including one out-of-state trip. Car drives and handles very well, providing great comfort. The only disappointment is the mileage: about 20mpg vs the 26 that I had expected. Otherwise, Im extremely satisfied with the car.

• 

  Reliable puppy - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Hobbes - November 9 - 8:12 am

  I owned this puppy from new. Never been stranded so far. Maintained always at Honda dealers. Flooded out once only to the wet carpet level in a car park! Lose wire which I fixed myself using an ODBII scanner. Great MPG, average over 30. Spend only about $US 18 per week and that is with gasoline at US $3.29 a gallon!

• 

  Bad seat - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dadiss - November 8 - 9:56 pm

  It is fun to drive and all, the exterior look is fine but the inside is very basic and the seat are owful and very very uncomfortable especially during long drive, even my old accord 92 was better.

• 

  Dissappointed - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By jecchile1 - November 8 - 10:51 am

  My first AND LAST Honda product... I have never had a car that requires so much maintenance (Im 63 years old and have had many)... Rear Differential needs oil change every 15K to 20K. It starts and runs, it is fairly confy but but expensive to keep... Now have another noise when at low speed - like a Diesel noise - mechanics have not been able to identify it - perhaps the alternator bearing they said... Anyway, thinking about trading it in, Im tired of so much maintenance and problems.

• 

  Trouble starting too! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TiffandDave - November 8 - 2:00 am

  As with another owner on this site, I too have problems with my Accord starting! The dealership has not been able to replicate the problem (therefore there is no problem to them!!) I too have had my window trim replaced, brakes squeal loudly, clear coat cracking, CD player/changer replaced...whats next!?!?

• 

  Best MPG for the Cargo space - 2005 Honda Element
  By Michael S. - November 7 - 3:26 am

  My review has to do with your MPG vs. Cargo space... and I believe this car/SUV accomplishes the best in its class. Very happy with gas mileage. Solid construction. Good suspension. Fantastic brakes. Freezing AC. Very little to complain about.

• 

  Worth the money, worth the wait. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pbear - November 7 - 1:46 am

  My Ridgeline is my ideal version of a 4- wheel Swiss-Army knife. Versatile, solid, powerful, quiet, lots of room for the family and gear, open bed for hauling stuff when I need to, reliable, lots of features for the price, and everyone one and their dog doesnt have one. Lack of the "herd mentality" in the design and engineering.

• 

  Like the car so far - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Tim - November 6 - 8:49 pm

  Moving from a Prius, the new Civic has impressed me on several counts. Ive owned the Civic for 3 weeks and this is what I can say. The ride is much smoother and the infotainment is comprehensive for a car in this class. The turbo engines got a pep to it and accelerates nicely where the Prius toiled (with both cars in Eco mode). No comparison however wrt gas mileage: with Prius I consistently achieved 44-52 mpg, the Civic gives 28-35 mpg (from dash indicators). Lanewatch can be distracting (might get used to it eventually) and not very useful at night. Honda Sensing is a bit of a hit or miss: in traffic, ACC stops the car aggressively (hard braking where easing up on the accelerator would do) and resumes slowly, taking a while to catch up to the car in front so I always use the accelerator pedal. LKAS requires clear road markings or it turns off. The LKAS self-steering on the freeway is not always reliable and can understeer you off your lane, so be careful ! Maybe Honda will upgrade the Sensing sofware to deal with the above issues whence the extra cost would be justified. But as a car, it is quite fun to drive and comfortable, that was lacking in previous Honda Civics Ive owned or driven.

• 

  Impressed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DMW - November 6 - 3:03 pm

  Leased for my commute to work, but found that this car is a good weekend car as well for every day tasks. Happy about the comfort, looks, reliability, and handling. Disappointed with the performance, the clutch, and lack of a 6th gear for cruising. My gas mileage has suffered because when driving above 65 mph on my commute, the small 1.8L, 4 cyl engine is working extra hard with the rpms at 3800-4000; which is why a 6th gear is needed. The clutch needs improvement and I know I cant expect much from 140 HP, and 128 ft-lbs of TQ, a few more ponies should be added. Interior dash is eye catching, and the mp3 capability is welcomed. A/C vents need to be moved. Get rid of hubcaps please!

• 

  Its OK - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Beth - November 5 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this after my husband got his VP(aka cheap cheap package). I have a higher model but it is nothing great. Sunroof is noisy, rattles and squeaky all over. The fuel economy is awesome and for now this car will do but I prefer my Maxima anyday.