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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  The Crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By jetn1 - October 14 - 1:29 pm

  It took me awhile to wrap my head around the fact that Honda is putting out a better product than Audi & BMW. Honda seems to have overbuilt the Crosstour to ensure it would attract the attention that it is getting. No flaws.

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  2.5 years of love for my ep3 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kingchristo - October 11 - 12:52 pm

  My Civic Si looked new when I bought it 2.5 years ago with 55K (totally stock). Its now at 90K, and its been really great. The handling is a dream, its comfortable as can be up front, and I get 30MPG+ even while having some fun on the mountain roads I drive daily. Its quick enough to be fun, though there are *now* a lot of faster cars for everyday use. I had to replace an O2 sensor and a door lock actuator (both of which are relatively easy to do yourself, luckily, and thus done for < $300 total). The backseat is a bit tight, but much better than what many similar cars have. The biggest shortcoming of this car is the lack of a 6th gear. 5th at 75mph=3700rpm.

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  Just keeps getting better. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By pmpetersen - October 10 - 7:04 pm

  This is the 4th new accord I have purchased. My first one faithfully served for 18 years and I am finishing my 7th year with my third. #2 got totaled at 12 years of age. The improvements in noise and fuel economy compared to the 8th generation is nothing short of astounding. Computer regularly shows 36 on the highway and averages overall about 29. The CVT with paddle shifters is really smooth in operation always having the correct ratio. I love clicking the negative paddle to increase the engine braking when going down hills and off ramps. Sport mode brings the engine to life for twisties. A manual will always be more fun but living in PDX metro area traffic is too frequent for it.

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  I love it - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jcrawley1 - October 9 - 7:52 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. Definitely worth the value.

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  15000 mile review - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mcm0455 - October 7 - 1:02 am

  I bought this car for my wife to replace her aging 03 Honda Pilot. Overall it has been a very good car. Easy to drive, plenty of interior room, very comfortable on long trips, and excellent highway mpgs. Last month, saw over 35 mpg at 70 mph. City mileage, running errands mpg drops to low 20s. I have changed the oil twice, replaced the cabin and air filter and the wipers. Has been dead reliable, uses no oil between oil changes. Very solid car!

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  Replacement for 2008 Fit Sport Automatic - 2015 Honda Fit
  By alcara729 - October 2 - 5:42 pm

  The 2015 Fit EX with CVT simply outdoes our previous fit in every category. Performance, ride, handling, interior appointments, the latest technology and more.

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  Nice CR-V - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By christian20 - September 26 - 9:16 am

  This nice car, I have bought this in 2013

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  First Car Review EVER! 2014 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 - 2014 Honda Accord
  By al4one - September 25 - 12:08 pm

  Coming from a Nissan Xterra to an Accord coupe took some getting used to but Im glad I went with my decision. I was looking for something that would save gas, be reliable and have some pep out the gate. By no means is it a real sports car, but it has enough in there to get around traffic. As far as reliability, I only have 6 thousand + miles on it, so far so good. Only time will tell how reliable it will be. Gas savings is as advertised. Im averaging 24mpg combined. No ECON button on and doing 80% city with 20% hwy. I do love the road trips though, I get around 36mpg. Overall, Im satisfied except for the radio. That needs some improvement.

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  Many many miles 325K - 1996 Honda Accord
  By jdwebb - September 22 - 11:01 am

  I bought car8 years ago for daughter to have basic transportation in Chicago. She did not have place to park it so I started driving it. Bought for $200 with 218K in almost perfect running condition. Drove it to 325K with regular maintenance. Only oddity was the computer died. Had it rebuilt for $400 and drove it on. Sold it to high school student who is still driving it and still looks good. Other cars I have are Lexus, but if they go half the distance they will be considered a good car. Acccords of that era with under 200k are probably a great second car

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  LOVE IT! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By jackowen112592 - September 18 - 5:27 pm

  I leased my 2014 EX Sedan in late July and now have almost 400 miles on it. I had a 2012 EX Sedan before this and I think this car is way better!. The steering feels better weighted, maybe even sportier, plus this car is quiet whereas my 2012 was loud. I love the backup camera and the LaneWatch monitor because I had neck surgery last year. I also looked at the Subaru Forester but I didnt want an SUV and wanted good traction because Chicago winters can get messy, so the Civic fit the bill and it has FWD so yes, my Civic can handle the snow just like my old one did. The Hondas interior is modern whereas the Subaru looked outdated.