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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  Love the engine and practicality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jsabowabo - January 12 - 2:20 pm

  Im a 28 yr old power junkie (engine wise) and I can tell you this cars 2.0 iVTEC motor is a gem. It feels normal below 5800 rpms, then pulls hard until 8200 rpm fuel cutoff. The exhaust note is pure music. The handling is first rate (compared to my 2007 Mazda MX-5), as are the brakes and gearbox. The interior looks great, seats are very comfortable and supportive. The black cloth does show lint very easily though. Im averaging about 27 mpg, but it depends how you drive. You could baby it and get 30 or drive like a maniac and get 20. About my only gripe with the car is the rev-hang issue. Revs dont drop instantly about 3k, not a big deal. Overall I love the car, beautiful.

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  5 yrs 120K still drives like new.. really - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RNarenDMD - January 12 - 1:50 pm

  I traded my 03 BMW 530i for this car in 2004 due to reliability issues. At the time, I really felt I was taking a step down. However, this is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. What it loses in coolness, it makes up for with quality, comfort, economy, & bullet proof reliability. I have over 120K on it now. Apart from routine maint. it has needed nothing. Not a single thing. No squeaks, rattles. Interior materials top notch, wearing well. Engine actually has more pull now than when new & smooth as ever. Avg. 25mpg on regular. Have tried to come up with a reason to trade it in for a fancier car, but cant. Still offers more features than many new luxury makes in 2009.

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  Fabulous reliable car, love it - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By eagle3 - January 12 - 10:40 am

  We have had this car for almost ten years and have only replaced the battery and the tires. We have more than 250 000 km on the car, we take it back and forth to the cottage. We have towed things behind it, moved stuff in it. We have utilized this vehicle to its full capacity and it has given us no aggravations or problems. We would not hesitate to buy it again.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Susan Brown - January 12 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our CRV because it was recommended for towing behind our motorhome. We love the gas mileage we get with it and it is just a simple, affordable car.

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  Fits the bill - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carzzy - January 11 - 9:00 pm

  I was looking for a mid size coupe with style, performance and all season traction capability. I was also looking at a price that would not murder my budget. I found all this with the new for 08 Honda Accord EXL V6 MT Coupe! The car is roomy inside, comfortable, handles and performs great and is fun to drive. I have also received many "thumbs ups" from enthusiastic onlookers.

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  Best Civic Ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mystick - January 11 - 7:43 pm

  Its simply the best honda civic ever build. Its so much fun to drive this car. Everywhere I go people is looking at it. I sold my old 2000 civic EX for this one and this have so much more power and feels so much more sporty.

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  Sporty looks - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Craig Taylor - January 10 - 9:45 pm

  The sport model needs the V6 or twin turbos.

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  Best Civic Yet! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - January 10 - 3:00 pm

  Best civic ever made, we traded in a CR-V, we averaged 22 mpg for this fuel sipping civic. Our other car is a 99 civic, and you cannot begin to compare the two. My family was awestruck when they found out the civic has a NAV! The NAV is excellent no complaints. Drive is luxury car smooth, handling and braking are A+. My wife says it is more difficult for her to park then the CR-V, but I think the windows are more sports car like. It is something you come quickly accustomed to. I am 65" and I fit great, much better than the older civic, however the passenger seat feels more cramped than the drivers. Good thing my wife lets me drive her car when we go together!

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Diane - January 10 - 1:16 pm

  I just bought this truck... my first. I was impressed with the luxurious, car like ride and side airbags being standard. The in bed trunk is huge and holds tons of stuff. Totally love this truck, didnt want to go the SUV route again. I added the optional "tonneau" cover across the bed to give it additional covered storage.

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  Hondas forever - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Suzanne M - January 10 - 1:06 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, my second accord. Well it is a little smaller than my 2005 accord, I love this car. It’s magical. I feel like I have come into the 21st-century. It drives amazing, it’s so pretty, the only thing I wish I had gotten was tinting.