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 This CAR! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dalaeaka - September 20 - 9:54 am

  I bought this from a friend with 80,000 miles on it in 2004, before gas prices went up. Since then, all Ive done is do the recommended timing belt/water pump change @ 110,000 mi (they looked brand new. Otherwise, I just drive it (about 20,000 miles per year. In the summer, with the air off, I can get up to 42 mpg. With the air on, I get 36 mpg! I carry two kayaks on top and get 34 mpg! I change the oil every 3,000 miles, thats it. Not the most comfortable car for a long drive, but at 40mpg, I can out up with it. The only problem Ive had is with the driver side window falling off the track, which I can fix in about 15 minutes. I love the DX, as has no power anything to break!

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  Wow! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ken - September 20 - 6:26 am

  Purchased for fuel economy with performance. Fast and quick handling. Runs like a V8. A better riding set of tires would make this car more comfortable on the freeways in CA. The factory Michlin S-8s are hybrid tires for fuel economy- they ride hard. Fuel economy is getting better now at 4,000K. A fuel additive gets us 40MPG Hyway and 30 in the city-best mileage. Average driving is lower at 25/35. Sound system is just ok. Dealer response has been good. I replaced the tire pump with a mini spare. No problems so far. We like the car! Brakes seem too sensitive and have a tendency to grab quickly at low speeds or when coming to a stop.

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  Luxury of a Cadillac in aMid size Honda CR-V Touri - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Blaine Darrah - September 20 - 5:59 am

  To get the owner features found in my Cadillac SRX I had to buy the CR-V touring. Like the ability to open my garage, good bluetooth connectivity with my iPhone. The new right side rear viewing camera is very handy during changing lanes.

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  Another excellent Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Carrie - September 20 - 5:16 am

  I have owned Hondas almost my entire driving career! Each has given outstanding reliability, excellent performance, and great fuel economy. The drive is solid, and the car handles very well. The 2004 sedan is no different, other than the 4-cylinder engine is a bit more powerful than it used to be. That is a plus for me. Great car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By asu1981 - September 19 - 6:21 pm

  This was my 3rd Honda Accord over the last 20 years. It has been a great vehicle since we purchased it new in 2003. The gas mileage has been excellent - consistent 24 MPG in city commuter driving. We have averaged 33 MPG on trips.

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  Great Car With Great Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - September 19 - 5:10 pm

  This is my 8th Honda and 5th Honda Accord that I have owned over the last 20 years. This vehicle has been fun to drive with great gas mileage. In combined city/highway driving, I have averaged 29 MPG.

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  She is Getting Old - Still Going Strong! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Rachel - September 19 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my Honda Accord new in March 1996. She has been a great car and currently has 137,600 miles. Besides regular maintenance, I had to change the master cylinder at 115K miles, CV joints/boots at 125K miles, and the distributor at 137K miles. I have had a total of $800 (parts and labor) in repairs. I highly recommend Honda Accords as this is my second Accord. I sold my first Accord with 196K miles (which was still running fine when I sold it).

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  116k and still going - 2001 Honda Civic
  By KevinML - September 19 - 12:18 pm

  Purchased my Civic 2/04 w/42,995 miles. Been very reliable and great on gas, I get 37MPG overall. Change oil w/Mobil 1 synthetic and rotate tires every 3k religiously. Dealer for other scheduled maintenance according to manual. Very meticulous. Now I need new cat converter, new electronic load distributor and new seal for manifold leak. Total $2k. In addition I need new strut up front (replaced once when I bought car). Just as a warning to others. I didnt see these repairs noted in other reviews. This is first time car has needed serious repair. Overall, still a great car.

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  Solid and fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By dyussen - September 19 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car after tiring of reliability issues and gas cost with a Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg; the flexibility in storage space came in handy my first week. I was sold on this car before I even drove it, but then was even more impressed with it. It is fun and peppy to drive despite not having a giant engine - cant beat the fuel economy short of spending double for a Prius, and it is solid design. Inside fuel cover area fills takes water during car wash, cheaped out on some little things (awful stock Dunlop tires), TPMS is a terrible requirement - makes winter wheels expensive!

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  Honda Civic VP - 2005 Honda Civic
  By George Hobart - September 18 - 11:26 pm

  Good economical car. I bought the 2-door, VP package with side air bags and manual transmission. I do not see too many manual transmissions this close to NYC. I on the tall side but not too tall, 6-1" and I found that the 2006 model had a reduced head room and a more radical sloping windshield. My 2005 model has a higher head room and the windshield does not slope as much, letting me get into the car easier. I never liked motorized windows or electric locks, found them to be trouble waiting to happen. I bought the car to use for a long time, I hate throwing things away.