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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  Disappointment in mileage - 2006 Honda Accord
  By B. Bell - September 27 - 12:13 am

  I do love my car but the wool was pulled over our eyes about the mileage. I adverage about 26-28 miles per gallon far less than the sticker said. The was not able to deduct the car being a Hybrid on taxes as told by salesperson.

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  Honda Civic lx - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Polk Olk - September 26 - 6:23 pm

  Overall good car

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  My Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By crystal walker - September 26 - 2:26 am

  Its not too big, and not too small. It handles like a dream. I love the ease of the back seats...no seat removal necessary. Need more room? just put the seats down. They nearly flatten out completely. Honda has put a lot of thought and design into this vehicle.

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  6 speed needed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mac - September 25 - 10:32 pm

  Manual wakes this 6 up. Quick when pushed but I average 28 mpg mixed. Tires not wide enough for its guts, can spin the wheels through first 3 gears. Some road noise but tolerable. Not a quiet floater, good compromise for family car and fun. Disappointed they dropped the V6 6 speed sedan for new body style. There are a few of us with kids who like to play a little.

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  Go Turbo! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jayspreewell - September 25 - 9:47 pm

  This is my first car and its still alive and running like a champ although its no ordinary Honda, i use to complain everyone has one but i now see why they are super reliable and not only that the customizations you can do are endless. I recently sold my old motor with 180k+ miles and still got a lot for it, i decided to replace the old one for added performance along i bought a turbo kit with all the goodies, custom paint job, rims and tires, hid lights/chrome headlights and tail lights, exhaust, short shifter, bodykit, coil overs, carbon fiber hood, and much more its show ready!

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  The best commuter car gets better. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mattyjrich - September 25 - 12:40 pm

  I traded an 03 Civic LX for an 06. Honda addressed the all the areas where the older Civic needed updating. Power, the new motor is amazing; better mileage (I got 42 MPG on the first tank), smoother and more power! The manual says 10,000 miles between oil changes, save money on gas and oil! Style, updated inside and out; the aerodynamic design of the body is complemented perfectly with the futuristic/functional design inside. Safety, stanard anti lock brakes and side impact air bags. The steering wheel with the tilt and telescoping adjustments and drivers seat hieght adjustments make it easy to find the perfect driving position and adjust your position when needed.

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  Very satisfied - quality vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stan - September 25 - 9:10 am

  Ive had my Accord for about 4 months, and recently returned from a 1200+ mile trip, averaging 35 mpg (mostly highway). There is more than adequate power for me with the 4cyl engine (and use of regular gas is a plus). Even though the drive is on the sporty/stiff side, its quite comfortable. The interior is tastefully and thoughtfully designed. I feel like Im in a luxury sports sedan without the luxury price. Not a stand-out car (seems like Im always passing one on the street), but a solid/reliable vehicle. If only it werent one of the top stolen vehicles in my city...

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  2006 Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill Sewell - September 25 - 12:16 am

  I have enjoyed my 2006 honda civic. I get lots of compliments on my car. I really like the digital features on the dash. The four cyclinder in this car is almost as good as the v6 in my 02 accord. I also really like the body style all though i would like for the tail lights to be euro lights.

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  Looks like a great vehicle, if you could buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Hanchett - September 24 - 3:59 pm

  We actually looked at and drove an RTL (very nice), but we decided that we wanted some of the features on the RTL-E (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot warning, collision braking). Apparently everyone else likes them too! Sales people have told me these are literally sold as soon as a VIN is assigned *before it is built*! Sales people kept trying to get me to buy the RTL (which they sometimes had available sporadically), but if Im going to pay that much for a car I want it to be what I want, not what I might settle for. (Also, dont expect them to give any discount, even through Edmunds.)

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - September 24 - 2:04 pm

  Average over 20K miles/year with 4 kids and have had minimal issues. Replaced 2 motor mount and other than that just normal maintenance of tires, battery, brakes, etc. Driven to east coast and Florida numerous times from Midwest. Tow boat and wave runner regularly. Excellent responsiveness and great maneuverability.