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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  I love my civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Easy - December 24 - 2:13 pm

  I love my civic. For a long time I have been a Toyota man, but with the concern to civic it won my heart over. It is fun to drive, reliable, and I feel safe in my car. The design if fun and the features are interesting. I love the two tier gauges, although I will say that i had some reservations about the at first.

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  I love my 07 Honda Fit Sport 5-speed Man - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan J. - December 24 - 10:36 am

  I purchased my Storm Silver Fit Sport 5 speed manual on April 21, 2006. I purchased the car as it was being unloaded from the delivery truck. I have driven 8000 miles in the 5 months I have owned this car. Have had no mechanical problems. The only real "problem" I have had is with the windshield wipers. The wipers have been changed twice by the dealer & both sets "jump" accross the windshield when I use them. I plan on having them changed again. A few things I dont like about the Fit are: 1. The car could use another 15-20 horse power & as much more torque. 2. No center console.3. No sunroof. 4. Configuring seats into "lounge mode" could be easier. 5. Rear seat head rest could be smaller

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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Scottie - December 23 - 9:50 am

  I love my new Honda Civic. It is a big switch from my 97 GMC Jimmy. I love being able to take turns and corners like they are nothing. A lot of critics have said that they dont like the two tiered dash, but I think it adds to the overall style of the interior. I think that this years civics are the best looking design that Honda has ever come up with. Power is as expected for an economy car, not great, but very competent. The car shifts nice and smooth. I do think the shifter could be in a little better spot closer to the driver, but I have long arms, so I can deal with it. Overall it is the best car that I have ever owned... and I have owned 10.

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  WOW what great HWY mileage - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kenny G. - December 23 - 5:11 am

  Drove from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe (450 miles one-way, mostly two lane highway) and got just over 45 MPG each way driving in Economy mode mostly at 72 MPH. When I needed to pass trucks, campers, etc. Id just switch the Econ mode off, make my pass utilizing the oomph of the turbo, and then put the Econ mode back on. Front seats are low but very comfortable. Trunk is cave-like. It took Honda forever to have auto -on headlights - they still lag behind with no universal garage door opener.

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  Whats with all the vibration complaints - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Alex K - December 22 - 1:37 pm

  i guess all the people complaining about vibration are expecting this vehicle to act and sound just like their older cars. I have owned 3 other CR-Vs, 1999, 2004, 2011. I now have a 2015 2wd Touring. Yes, it vibrates a little. It has a different transmission than the old type, and it kind of works like a bicycle derailler. its gonna have some different noises then you are used to. Ive had this one since October 2015 (yes, I did get a great price, the 2016s were out already) Hasnt needed any service, the first oil change will be due soon. None of my CRVs had any major problems and I will stay with CR-Vs in the future. I have had several because the previous job I had required the use of my car and I regularly put between 25000 to 35000 per year on all of them. My current job doesnt require as much driving, so this one should last a lot longer. One last note to all the whiners and boycotters, LEARN ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE the controls, the differences from previous models, the cameras, (I like the rt side cam, use it when changing lanes, exiting tricky ramps from freeways) Great car, will never buy anything else.

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  A Buy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By max_virginia - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great minivan and well worth the price. I am impressed with its handling, powerful engine and the navigation system is a must have. The naviagation system has already saved me a few times. I looked at the new Sienna too, but it is a few grand more, and doesnt yet offer the navigation.

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  Great car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Wanda - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The car has been really great - good gas mileage if you drive it correctly and its comfortable to drive once youre in it. I am rather short and have to have the seat close to the steering wheel, so its difficult getting in and out of the car without banging my knees on the steering column. That is the only problem that I have with the car. It drives in the mountains very well, even passes some of the SUVs on the way up! The seats are very comfortable and provide good back support. Its fun to drive and I enjoy getting 40- 55 mpg. It would be nice to have a remote trunk opener, though.

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  Best car for money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By arinaldo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Accord has good accelaration,great mpgs. Interior customized around driver.The car handles well,outise noise is minimally.Test drove several other cars and this was best by far.Drove to Ny and back averages 33mpg. Only car that came close was Sonata butr resale value and road handling/acceleration werent even close.

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  First new car in thirteen years. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 5:37 am

  I highly recommend a Honda Civic. My first tank averaged 29 mpg and the second and third were both 35 mpg. Maybe I fill it more than the dealer did the first tank. My suggestion is to shop around. I contacted 12 Honda Dealers with in a couple hundred miles and came up with 12 different prices. There was almost $2000 difference between the high offer and the best offer. Dont be afraid to shop around. I was a little put off by the factory incentives. If your not a recent college graduate or served in the Military, your not eligible. If they are going to offer an incentive it should be offered to other groups.

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  First new car in thirteen years. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 5:37 am

  I highly recommend a Honda Civic. My first tank averaged 29 mpg and the second and third were both 35 mpg. Maybe I fill it more than the dealer did the first tank. My suggestion is to shop around. I contacted 12 Honda Dealers with in a couple hundred miles and came up with 12 different prices. There was almost $2000 difference between the high offer and the best offer. Dont be afraid to shop around. I was a little put off by the factory incentives. If your not a recent college graduate or served in the Military, your not eligible. If they are going to offer an incentive it should be offered to other groups.