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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  Had to have Another - 2013 Honda Insight
  By gillie108 - October 18 - 7:49 am

  I bought my wife a 2011 Honda Insight. As of now she has 23746 miles and has purchased 533.715 gallons of gas(yes, we record Odom-trip-# of gal-price per gal and date). Currently getting 44.49 mpg and that is actual all driving mpg! I was so impressed I traded in my Chevy HHR for my own 2012 Insight. As of now my Insight has 13818 miles on 305.667 gallons for 45.20 actual MPG and that is city and highway combined! Yes the AC turns off when I sit at a red light. I drive from the NJ suburbs to block b4 the Holland Tunnel, so my ride isnt smooth sailings! The ride in my Insight makes this commute bearable.

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  Fred 2005 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pahunter - October 14 - 9:39 pm

  Great design. Mediocre power. Bought with 119,000 miles on it. A/C started acting up within a week of buying it but a complete emptying of the system fixed the problem. A/C is now ice cold at 135,000 miles. At about 132,000 I developed a problem with the right axle which will have to be replaced shortly as the shaking is getting worse.

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  An absolute trooper - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By cmcgol01 - October 13 - 10:32 pm

  This car is - without question - a member of the family. Reliable, affordable, and enjoyable. The value to me in 10x that of its KBB...picture the sturdiest of Accord engines on a frame that allows for 6 passengers and luggage, or 2 people and enough square footage to pack up and move cross country. I really dont know know what to say we call him Homer, hes there when we need him, and all he asks fresh oil and some general love. Im at 170K and expect to see 250K before we move on.

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  I love this car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By niecyny - October 9 - 7:57 pm

  Prior to purchasing this car(2013 EX sedan) I was driving a inherited 96 Galant that had 145,000+ miles on it. I only had it for about four months when major things started failing one after the other(radiator,a leak in the rack and pinion etc). I made a bad investment fixing some things because the car had sentimental value but you live and you learn. Now I have my new baby.This is my first new car and Im 31. I paid for it in full so I have that new car syndrome where I dont want anyone to park near me in fear that theyll scratch it(I have it in black crystal). I love the exterior.It looks like it is really packing some muscle under the hood. You feel a little bumpiness but its not bad.

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  Nice car with some issues.. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By richardaherold - October 7 - 1:27 pm

  Bought car in April 2013, put 8000 miles on, mostly highway. Accord is comfortable and a solid ride. However: -- GPS system is terrible. My $200 Garmin has a superior interface. GPS estimates of "time to go" until arrival are WAY off and Honda America cant find the problem. At dealer today my Honda estimated 15 hours to drive from DC to Savannah. A new Accord on lot estimated 9 hours, which is correct. -- Car rides too low to ground resulting in ridiculous damage from moderate road issues. After driving on FDR expressway in NYC, where right lane has some bumps due to repair work, the Accords fender liner fell off and right fog light enclosure fell off. $400 to repair!

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  Excellent Value and Fun to Drive - 2012 Honda Insight
  By swarfer - September 28 - 1:29 am

  This is my second review after one year. Im averaging 48-49 mpg but routinely get 60+ during ideal conditions. To get the most out of the Insight you need to drive it correctly otherwise you will be disappointed. The Insight is a very efficient conventional automobile with hybrid assist. It is very affordable being less complicated than the Prius. As an engineer I find the Insight brillaintly simple while the Prius is more a technological feat. Note that if climate control is in auto the engine will start as necessary at stoplights to maintain the desired temperature. This has been incorrectly reported in a number of reviews. No problems and I would buy again without reservation.

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  Love the car, needs more "Sport" - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pablocruze2 - September 25 - 12:09 am

  After 3 months and 5,800 miles I am over all happy with my Accord Sport. The excellent manual transmission really gives this car some character, and it succeeds in its mission as a fun, affordable commuter car as well as a family hauler. I took a very close look at the new Mazda 6 Touring MT (an excellent car) but the Accord won out on virtue of superior head room (for my tall family), outward visibility, better shifter and the smoother, higher revving engine. I would have preferred to have had a bit more sport added from the factory (front seats, suspension, steering wheel feedback and small interior details) which would have transformed it into a front wheel drive quasi-sport sedan.

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  Fuel Economy - 2013 Honda Civic
  By debbie91 - September 24 - 6:39 pm

  I have never received good fuel economy with this car. It has never given me what was advertised as 28 in the city and 39 on highway. It has never gone past 23 miles to the gallon. I am very disappointed in this cars fuel economy. Im wondering if there is something wrong with the car and it is now only 1 month old.

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  Things I wish I had Known .. - 2011 Honda Fit
  By thankfulgal2 - September 24 - 8:28 am

  Ive been a Honda owner since 1985. Ive had 5 Hondas in that time. I bought the Fit based on past experience with Hondas. But there are things I wish Id known. Like how the blower motor for the heater/AC is too high an ampage and blows resistors (and isnt covered under any warranty), and how the fog lights on the sport model can be easily cracked by road debris and allow water in (requiring a replacement at $361 each to pass inspection), and the tires are an odd size that they cost a fortune to buy (thats if you can find them). There are some obvious design flaws that need to be addressed.

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  Fun car! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By tedrox - September 23 - 2:01 pm

  I owned this car with the auto/man transmission. The car was great I had it lowered on springs. The car was really fun and sounded great with a small 12in sub. It was definitely one of the best cars Ive owned. The only complaint was the transmission. They dont last very long.