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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  EX-L 4cyl after 4 months 7500mi - 2013 Honda Accord
  By accordlady - September 15 - 9:05 pm

  Traded in my 06Accord after 138K. Mostly this is a solid car with good acceleration and comfort, especially the leather seats. I read the CVT was jerky, but after the test drive, decided it was not enough to bother me. After 7K, the jerkiness was worse esp when it was cold. Dealer said this was normal. But if you must drive slowly at first thru a residential area, be prepared, it can get on your nerves after a while. But once on the road and able to accelerate, it is very smooth. The only other thing I am disappointed about is the stereo system. After paying almost $30K for a car, you would expect a decent system. This is not one.

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  best civic ever - 1994 Honda Civic
  By samehkane - September 15 - 5:58 am

  best handling car - great performance - all thing work perfectly after all this year - best value for money - can easily beat any car in its class - very sporty

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  Love my Honda! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By seabeav - September 14 - 1:07 pm

  I purchased my Accord Coupe in May and took it in June on a 3000 mile road trip. I could not have been more pleased with the performance. The sound system does have a little quirkiness but definitely not a deal breaker. It has a comfortable ride but not luxurious. After a few hours on the road the seat seems hard, but my back was perfect. The styling is sporty and I believe the Honda reputation helped me choose this car over others I had considered. I have owned two other Hondas previously, a 92 Accord and an 01 CRV. Gas mileage is just as was presented on the sticker. With air conditioner running I get around 32-34 on the highway and 23-24 in town.

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  Great Small SUV - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By southpaw3 - September 14 - 7:05 am

  I have had my EX-L with nav for two weeks and am very happy with my purchase. It is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Much has been said about sluggish acceleration but I find the acceleration to be great for this type of vehicle and I think Honda got it right balancing responsiveness and fuel economy. Its great having the Econ option for greater fuel economy too. I dont find road noise to be a problem at all and think the car is well insulated. As to the complaints about the sound system, it could be better but I am pleased with it. Again, I didnt buy this car expecting a luxury sound. I highly recommend this CR-V.

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  Best damn car EVER!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By adarchon - September 9 - 11:22 pm

  I bought this car new, and love every second of it. I have topped out @ 42MPGs on the hwy. and for a 6-cyl that is not hybrid. It took some getting used to since it is a new car. There have been a great many biased reviewers that have never even bought the car. I feel that it is better that someone who owns the car should say what issues I am having. I have no idea what these people are talking about! I have had the car for 3 months and have had none of the issues people are claiming, it has been perfect! Beautiful car, and get lots of compliments. Dont believe what others are saying, go test it out yourself, I warn you, you may end up driving it home!

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  Keeps on going..... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fitgator - September 9 - 8:14 pm

  I last posted a review in 2010. I still own this car and still love it. Knock on wood, I still have never taken it in for a repair (just routine maint), and it has 150k on it. I just calculated my mileage the other day, and, after driving some highway, some windy mtn roads, I was averaging 40.5 mpg!!!! That is amazing for a car of this age. Yes, the interior (like the floor "carpet") can be a little shoddy, but the seats have held up fine. When I wash it, it still looks like a new car. I have the 5-speed (wouldnt have an automatic with a 1.5L engine), and I have plenty of power for highway passing and climbing hills. When merging on the interstate, I can fly and blow past folks.

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  1st honda and love it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sticks4 - September 8 - 6:45 pm

  First honda, bought it used. A little hesitant with 90,000 miles, but after talking to honda mechanics they said its a baby. Love the ride, the handling, the great gas mileage. Im a big guy, driving it till my daughter gets her license. Then I may step and get a accord for my self. The day after buying the civic, I bought my my wife the honda crv! Another great vehicle, I LOVE honda.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tintinmilou - September 7 - 10:05 pm

  Its a Honda. And despite the slap of the 2011 and 2012 models, the 2013 Honda is back. My mom had a Honda 600, a CVCC Civic, and a CRX. Dad had an 87 Accord. We have an Odyssey, a Civic, and now we have a brand new Accord. Im not married to Honda. We looked at Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and Volkswagen. Our new Accord is not even through its first tank of gas. My first impressions: Highway, 38MPG with the "Econ" button pushed. 26MPG in town. We have the EX-L 4-cyl with all the nice gadgets. The rear-view camera with three modes is great. The lane departure and distance warning are pretty weak and unreliable. Fit & Finish are excellent. Power is great. Ride is a little firm

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  My First Honda.. made me to buy two more Hondas - 2000 Honda Accord
  By albertjohnn - September 6 - 4:48 pm

  I bought this baby in 2005 for $10K when it was on 35K miles. Never had any problem. Only regular oil changes and maintenance. Changed timing belt at 90K and now its ready for 120K servicing. Have been getting an average of 25MPG. This car made me to buy two more Honda cars. Very reliable beast to depend on.

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  We love our CRV - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mcm0455 - September 5 - 11:04 pm

  We just completed our 2nd road trip, and averaged 32.5 mpg in 700 miles of average speeds between 70-80 mph. Very easy and relaxed to drive this small suv. My wife loves driving this compared to her Honda Pilot. It handles fine, soaks up bumps very well and has a very generous amount of interior room. I know its only is a 5 speed auto, but it downshifts smartly and very rarely do I feel it needs more power. Overall a very solid car!