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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  Great SUV!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tallchris01 - March 25 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our CR-V in 2011 with 115K miles on it for a steal. Since then weve taken half a dozen long trips in it (900 - 2000 miles each) without a single complaint. It is surprisingly comfortable and big enough for our family of 4 (and Im 65") and a trunk full of stuff. Looks great, easy to clean, 27mpg on the hwy. Weve put 53K miles on it in less than 3 years. Maintenance costs are very reasonable.

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  9k mile update accord sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By adansereau - March 23 - 7:55 am

  Well after 9 months and 9 k miles I think I know the car well. First it looks great, rides well, comfy, no problems, and the gas mpg can be fantastic if you keep your foot off the floorboards. I have seen high 30s low 40s wow ! But I drive it quickly so many times I am in the upper 20s or low 30s. I am not quite sold on the cvt, dont get me wrong it work fine , can be sooo smooth and for 99 percent of people the smoother the better, but I like to feel the shifts so the car is too smooth and quite at times. It has plenty of power and on the highway it is effortless to pass and accelerate but off the line the cvt timid till 10 mph Great car

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  Home Run! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By lji1 - March 20 - 2:36 pm

  Waited a few months before reviewing, so I could get a full grasp on the car. Honda has hit a price-value sweet spot, especially with the LX model. Features at the entry price is amazing (see fav features). Compared against a Camry SE, Altima S, Mazda 6 (2014MY Mazda 3 is way better than the 6) and this was THE best bang for the buck. Love the handling, gas mileage, and the front design. No complaints with the seats or the CVT (although I had some concerns before purchase). After researching, found that the CVT judder was mostly relegated to the 13 MY Accords (TSB fix issued by Honda). This fix has been implemented on 14 MY Accords and I have no major issues with the CVT (@6k miles now)

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  Best car ever!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By legalavin - March 19 - 10:13 am

  Ive owned infinity s and Lexus most of my driving life. Great cars. Then when my son was ready to go off to college we bought him a FIT. It was so much fun I stole it from him and gave him my old G20.

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  Only had 3 1/2 months but... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By jonrobert2 - March 18 - 9:21 pm

  Research said the Honda was the minivan to get so I did. I considered the Toyota but with recent recalls across their line I never even test drove one. Simply got a good price (29500 EX) and that was it. There was a unsettling clop sound like a horse shoe in a parade from the suspension that proved to be from 40psi tires. I reduced to spec 33 and no more clop. Sound is now as one would expect from a car over bumps. We regularly get 30 mpg plus or minus 1/2 in extended cruise mode and 23 mixed with about 18 city. The only real complaint I have at this point is it took several window frosting to discover the defrost button. It carries 8 people, looks nice, tows and gets 30mpg. Enough said

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  another happy owner - 2011 Honda Accord
  By ernie26 - March 17 - 4:35 pm

  Ive got 45k miles on my car and havent had to do anything other than routine maintenance. Actually, this car has been a better and more dependable performer than my wifes Lexus. I bought this car because my daughter sold her Accord coupe to a friend with 400k+ miles and theyre still friends. I would have rather bought an American car but..... well, you know about the reliability issues. Im placating myself knowing that although made by Honda it was manufactures in Tennessee.

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  Hipsters Will Be Driving These After All The 240 Wagons Are Used Up - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By haroldingpat - March 16 - 2:22 pm

  Is it cool? No! Is it real and authentic? Absolutely! The 240 Wagon of our times. Cheap, cheerful, reliable, durable, functional, safe, just like the 240 wagons were. Will it impress your neighbors? No, but theres no shame in driving it regardless of your demographics. An upper middle class suburban white person can drive one without shame and have the smug knowledge that they did not fall into the douche bag "luxury" car trap - cue the hipsters in a few years. Averaging 29mpg in mixed suburban / highway driving. I use the "econ" button mainly because it allows better control over the throttle. Very happy overall.

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  Hidden Gem - 2006 Honda Accord
  By grantman64 - March 13 - 7:23 pm

  Got a new job where Im on the road a lot, so I needed a comfortable, reliable car -- but I wanted something with some luxury and sportiness! Oh, and I only had a used-car budget. I found my EX-L V6 coupe with only 57k miles on it, and man, I just love it. How does Honda make their V6 so smooth? When I mat the gas, it gets up and goes, and the engine never sounds thrashy or strained. And the handling is good for a front-driver - it doesnt bob or float, and though the ride is firm, its not punishing.

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  Its only day one, but I think Im in love - 2014 Honda Accord
  By hondaluvrva - March 13 - 1:03 pm

  I have never posted a review on anything in my 38 years on Earth, but I had to throw my thoughts on this car out there in the universe. I purchased a 2014 Sport model with the 6 speed manual. It is a comfortable, precise, economical, and believe it or not, for a family sedan its a hoot to drive. I will continue to purchase manual transmissions until they are phased out. I must say that the shifter in this car is the best Ive ever had the pleasure to row. If Honda can only toss in a better sounding radio and a sunroof, I think it could create world peace. If you cant drive stick you owe it to yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Its that good.

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  absolute best car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By medic587 - March 9 - 8:52 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned several. I bought it due to the gas mileage and reliability and it has held up its end of the deal. I continually get low 40s MPG. I now have 315,000 miles on it and I have only had to replace an alternator (@ 250k). It still has its original clutch! The only thing I have had to do for this car, besides the alternator, is routine maintenance and put gas in it. I still trust it to get me anywhere.... long or short distance. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this car!