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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  Goid car but a few negatives - 2016 Honda Fit
  By C K Unruh - December 30 - 1:25 pm

  I have had my 2016 Honda Fit for about a month now. A few negatives: Excessive wind noise from front windshield when going over 45 mph...Passenger front window is very slow going up and down at times...the Ac vent air blows hard when decelerating and blows less hard when accelerating. ..and last, the engine pings loud at idle. I have addressed these issues with the dealership to see if these are common for the fit and I have yet to hear back from them. Its been 4 days. The fit is peppy enough and has plenty of room for my large dogs. I dont like the fact that these only come with black interior. .Dog hair and dirt really show up. Also, they dont come with floor mats. How stupid is that? Rubber mats from Honda are 170 bucks. Carpeted floor mats are over 300 bucks. Gas mileage is Good but gas tank is too small. Fuel like comes on at about 8 gallons. Too small. Also, no wheels...it has hub caps! Gross!! As soon as I can save some money i am going to get some wheels. I tinted the windows that made it look a little better. To me, this looks just like a small van. Thats about it. Hope this helps in making your decision whether to buy one or not.

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  I love hondas - 2017 Honda Accord
  By PSG - December 30 - 12:55 am

  This is the 4th Honda ive bought. im very satisfied with its performance, low maintenance & overall good looks.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Mogens - December 28 - 3:06 pm

  Only have it for a month and less than 1000mi, very comfortable ride, good pick-up considering the size of the car, lots of interior room, easy trunk access and utility, seats fold down with a simple handle, great under trunk storage, great sound system. Somewhat difficult to see out the sides when changing lanes, a little of a blind spot takes getting used to. Also a little tough to to see out when backing up. Love the car, gets lots of stares, unusual looking which I like, not like every other car out there. Looks like the new BMW GT for half the price.

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  So far so good - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jason - December 28 - 10:30 am

  Overall i love the car! It has great pickup and a smooth ride. A few things Ive noticed. The AC pulls on the engine a little and you can actually tell a difference in performance with the AC on verses off. I notice it more when going from a complete stop to start or basically going from traffic light to traffic light. Sometimes you can feel it jumping a little when its changing gears. Its funny because i have friends with an 06 and 05 model and they all say theirs performs in similar ways. So maybe its just a Honda thing. Its my first front wheel drive vehicle. Love how the car feels and Ive gotten lots of compliments on it.

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  Listen Carefully - 2016 Honda Accord
  By louis - December 28 - 10:27 am

  It is a nice solid car for the price. However, the wind and cabin noise when going over 60 miles per hour is excessive and certainly doesnt live up to the industrys standards or Honda. If you are looking for a quiet highway drive, take a long test ride and listen carefully.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - December 28 - 9:48 am

  My wife and I traded in a full size Nissan king cab truck and have saved thousands of dollars in fuel alone. This car is very fun to drive, as long as your not trying to blow away people at stop lights. You have to be very smart when driving this car, as it is battery assisted and you will need to rely on the battery for true fuel savings. Remember, the battery acts like an overdrive, it helps you get up to speed and helps you out with the fuel that you would normally use to get up to cruising speed. This is one of the best cars we have ever owned, if not the best. Just keep in mind, the way you drive this car will directly impact your fuel savings, and winter driving can be quite hairy.

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  It is what it is - A reliable commuter - 2000 Honda Civic
  By STEVEM - December 28 - 8:07 am

  Its not a performance vehicle right off the lot. But, I needed something safer and more practical than my old truck. This civic has worked great. Ive put 102K miles on it, and no problems. Easy to work on as far as replacing spark plugs, changing oil, etc. Gas mileage is great. Commute into Atlanta, and still get 32/33 mpg. Nice to have the CD player and keyless entry. There are plenty of things that could be upgraded on this car. No cruise control, no trunk light, power windows, a little more than 108 hp. However, like the subject line says, it is what it is. Its a comfortable commuter car, and on long trips. Really great gas mileage, and you never have to worry, its a Honda

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  Vibrations - 2013 Honda Accord
  By samson70 - December 27 - 9:14 am

  When I hit the 1800 to 2000 RPMs there is a vibration I feel in the steering wheel. I also may feel it in the gas pedal. I brought the car back for it first oil change and told them at the dealership. I was told it maybe the wheel alignment, which they did. The problem was still there. I brought the car back again and this time the mechanic drove the car. He told me that it is a six cylinder car that changes to a lower cylinder number thats what causes the vibration. I think they are lying and dont know what the problem is. I will ask to talk with the factory representative. The car is a leased vehicle with approx. 8200 miles.

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  2000 Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Bob - December 26 - 11:29 pm

  I have been using Honda Civics to commute to NYC for 16 years. always get approx. 250,000 trouble free miles doing scheduled maint. replacing brakes and maybe a muffler. Great cars and fuel economy. Workmanship is top shelf but drivers seat position in this model has been a little uncomfortable, seat needs more lumbar support.

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  my pickup truck and car - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Stuart - December 26 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased this van because of the review others have expressed and and more than happy with the purchase. We have used it to move items and people and have taken it on trips. This van is a truck and car and I will keep it a long time.