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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  This car is why I came back to honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By rainstorm - November 14 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 91 honda civic sedan. I thought the car was ok, until I leased a 98 toyota corolla. I did not like the way it handled and even though it had all the power options and sun-roof, I would have gladly traded back to my old civic. after a while I got used to the corolla, but when the lease was up I went straight back to Honda. I purchased a 99 Accord. It was like sitting in my favorite chair again. I love it. The power, the speed, the room, the trunk space, the compliments that I get when I get my oil changed (they think I do my own work on it too...I never open the hood)

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  Sure beats a Taurus! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lebowski - November 14 - 1:20 am

  Fresh out of college and being an entrepreneur, I needed a lot of room to lugging equipment as well as something that was economical to run. After looking at the Yaris (yawn), Caliber and versa (which was my second choice) I decided on the Honda Fit. Loads of cargo space and awesome gas mileage had me sold. the build quality is awesome and it is incredibly fun to drive! (By the way, Im a personal trainer so the Fit was a perfect name!)

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  High mileage - 1997 Honda Accord
  By windshawne - November 13 - 9:41 pm

  I bought the car in 2003-3 days after I bought it, I had to have the heads redone. Researching its history, I found the car had been abused, however, as of today, it has 199,500 miles on it and its still as sound as the day I bought it. Just the past oil change it has started to use oil, so I need to investigate that. This has been the most reliable car I have ever had. When it finally dies, I will buy another one.

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  Hooked on Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By 1st Honda - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  This was my first Honda purchase. Had a Dodge Caravan and was ready to upgrade. Dodge was nothing but trouble and still is. This van rides smooth and has excellent pickup when needed. Also feels and looks much larger inside. Love all the door cubby space and compartments. You can really feel the difference in the quality in the Honda. Overall a really nice van.

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  Honda Man Forever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Peterson755 - November 12 - 10:16 pm

  Only problem we have had with our Civic is uneven rear tire wear. After taking it into the local Honda dealership they were able to determine that there was a problem with the rear suspension that caused the tire wear. They replaced all of my tires (over $600) under warranty and stopped the problem. Later, they were able to correct the suspension problem with a replacement part and we have had no further problems. We average in the low to mid 30s on daily mpg and have gotten as high as 44 mpg on the highway. Fantastic car. We have driven Hondas since 1987 and have never had our vehicles in the shop for anything other then scheduled maintenance.

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  Best 300,000 miles ever - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jhiscivic - November 12 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my civic brand new and will never sell. It has 299,000 miles today and have only replaced front pads, tires, and two alternators. No scheduled maintenance or tune-ups ever done. Change the oil with standard oil every 10,000 miles. Car has been a dream come true. Just wish the new ones were not so over priced.

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  2005 Honda Element AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl) - 2005 Honda Element
  By Scott - November 12 - 2:02 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever purchased. I originally purchased it for myself till my wife drove it one day and its been hers ever since. We are getting 24-25 mpg out of it. Tire wear has been excellent and performance is within reason. (It is a small SUV with a 4cyl. that is shaped like a brick.) The only regrets she has is she wishes it was the new orange instead of Red. I would recommend this car for anyone, it has been a real blessing. I, like everyone else, would like to see a little more gas mileage but it is a box going down the road. Overall it is completely functional.

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  Gas mileage??? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bob in ne pa - November 12 - 12:19 pm

  After over a year of research and shopping we decided it was a no-brainer to go with the Civic. The car has 1500 miles on it, and the best mpg we got was 25.4. The mix is about 70% highway, 30% around town. Honda customer care and the dealership both say the mileage should improve after or around the 1st oil change. 5000 miles. We both work at home so we wont find out until next year about August. Sounds like Im getting the run-a-round from both. We like everything else about the car, but we bought it mainly because of its great gas mileage.

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  Very reliable and cost effective car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Paul - November 12 - 9:34 am

  I love this car. Since I purchased it I have spent a grand total of $30.00 on repairs. One of the sway bar links needed replacement. This car runs as smoothly as it did from the day I first drove it. Excellent mileage as well - 40 MPG on the hwy. My only issue is that the seating isnt very comfortable and after a long trip I have a bit of soreness.

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  2016 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By jim pukalo - November 11 - 6:45 pm

  Road noise in this vehicle is horable. Edmunds says the vehicle is quiet and best in class? I was thinking I got a lemon but on researching the Road Noise it seems to be a problem with all Hondas. I would suggest anyone concidering this vehicle do a Highway test drive to see if they can handle the noise problem. On a recent trip my wife and I had to shout at each other and radio was useless.