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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  HAPPY - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By bscovotti - July 29 - 11:54 am

  Im very happy with my Honda Ridgeline purchase.

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  So Far, So Good - 2013 Honda Accord
  By mikesd4 - July 27 - 1:11 pm

  I have owned my 2013 Accord Sedan for 8 months now, and overall, I am very satisfied. The car handles very nicely, is very comfortable (I am 62"), looks great, accelerates nicely, is quiet, and came with lots of great standard features, like the bluetooth and backup camera. I have drive mostly in the city, and mileage is okay - around 24 mpg. However, highway mileage is great - around 38 mpg. I have experience the CVT stuttering mentioned by other reviewers on occasion. It is not that bad so, at least in my car. However, Honda really should address this issue if lots of buyers are having a major problem with it.

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  Third time charmer - 2013 Honda Civic
  By cybertrooth - July 25 - 7:30 pm

  This is our third Civic LX in a row, which kind of says it right there. I only bought this one because I promised our 07 to my college-age son. Not as zippy as the 07 with Econ button pressed, but I did get 41.7 mpg on the first road trip. Ride is also quieter and smoother than before. And one annoyance fixed: The drivers side floor mat has EZ-twist buttons for removal instead of those frustrating hooks! Ive rented just about every other small car, including a Corolla in 10, but the Civic remains the gold standard of its class.

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  08 accord coupe V6 AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By butler1985 - July 24 - 7:27 pm

  Bought the car used with two other owners before me. Had 68k miles. Test drove it twice, and did not notice a weird shuttle in 2nd and 3rd gear. After using the car to drive to work which is 38 miles away I noticed a transmission problem. Took it to dealer and they said they could not find a problem but offered a software update for the transmission. The update was $110 and DID fix the problem. I didnt think it would but its been 4 days of driving and have not done it one time. I do love the car, its fun for someone how does not consider the accord coupe to be a performance car, it is not but gives a good feel for one.

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  great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ptg2001 - July 22 - 11:25 am

  we now have approx eight thousand miles and did the first oil change very easy and the care still runs great we get combined around town 23 to 27 mpg and when it includes more freeway we get 28 to 31 and stright freeway going down to magic mountain approx 350 miles driving 75 to 80 we got 30 to 31

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  Luv, luv my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lyslehp - July 19 - 8:29 pm

  I bought my CRV on Oct. 2007, model 2008, brand new to the dealer and as of now I never have a problem. I change the break pads 6 months ago and change new tires 2 yrs ago. I would consider my CRV a gas saver. The only thing I dont like, after I paid off,the bank sent me my title the dealer Fletcher Jones made a mistake, well this has nothing to do with the car but Im not happy because my title stated used car and the current mileage not the mileage when I bought the car.

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  Poor Navigation system - 2013 Honda Accord
  By gwithrow - July 19 - 8:42 am

  This is worse than my 6 year old COSTCO Garmain GPS which I use in my new 2013 Honda Accord. It shows grey streets BUT without names of streets. Go figure, a map without street names?

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By zarakand - July 17 - 10:39 pm

  I love the car just took a trip from Chicago to Virginia in it and averaged 41mpg according to the onboard computer. When I did the math manually using gallons and miles from the odometer it came out to 40.2mpg. For an SUV that is amazing! Now, I used to drive a Prius for work so Im always watching my driving patterns and am fairly gentle on the gas. On this trip I drove about 60-65mph most of the drive and set cruise control on several occasions. I absolutely love the car and its big upgrade from my Honda Fit.

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  My First Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By happy_doug - July 16 - 1:17 pm

  I have to say that my first time dealing with Honda was a real pleasant surprise. I purchased the Honda Accord because I needed a nice sedan after having a great Hyundai SUV that I worked to death. The quality and nice amenities that came with this basic model is amazing. No one else could give me the same bennies Honda could or the same quality after checking out the competition. I also wanted something that depreciated less than the other brands. Only Toyota Camry was equal in the respect and after being in the Camry, I saw that the interior was inferior and the design a bit dated. The 2013 Honda is fantastic and turns heads everywhere I go. As pretty as a BMW

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  2006 Civic: No Problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drm52 - July 16 - 10:05 am

  Purchased June, 2006. Daily driver. No problems. No repairs required Everything still feels tight and new. Even have the original brake pads after 84,375 miles.