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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  Great Car! Review after 8 months ownership - 2013 Honda Accord
  By william621 - May 31 - 11:49 am

  Im extremely please with the car. Ive got about 22,000 miles on it and its nicely broken in. On a recent trip to the Outer Banks, NC, I got over 600 miles on a tank of gas, averaging 38.2 mpg! Driving on NC 12 up Hattaras Island at 55-60mph, I averaged 46.3 mpg for the hour drive north to get off the island. Amazing!! I agree that the CVT will not be for everyone, but I like the fact that I get awesome mileage in a very well built, good looking car. Speaker quality is excellent with a digital device, so dont judge sound system until you plug in your own device!

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  CR-V Is A Pleasure To Drive! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By wds1 - May 27 - 11:14 pm

  My senior parents are the actual owners of this vehicle, but I have driven it enough and helped them weed through numerous other vehicles (months and months of research and test driving) to feel confident in making a review. My mothers strong pull to the CR-V was the actual deciding factor in the final purchase. I feel she made a great decision! This vehicle offers a lot for the money. We test drove countless vehicles and my parents kept coming back to this one. I was not as crazy about it as them, but see that it has many desirable features and feel it is definitely worth the money. Overall, it is a great little SUV!

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  Close to perfect!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By quintus1 - May 27 - 3:39 pm

  We absolutely love this car. I bought the touring edition and had the sport mats and a tow package installed on it. Went with black on black leather and I am SO glad I bought this car over the many many others I tried out. After test driving all of the other SUVs in its class, this car is absolutely the best choice. It looks really cool and serves its function as being a family/dog carting/get me to work/hauling vehicle. The fold down seats and the handling were what sold me. Once you take it out of eco mode it actually has some fairly good power. Great job Honda!!

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  Replaced my CRX - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By karr3 - May 26 - 3:23 pm

  Purchased the CRZ to replace my old CRX which had 400,000 miles on it. I drove the CVT model and it was very dull. However, the Manual transmission is tons of fun to drive. I look for reasons to drive this car because it is so much fun to drive and the gas cost practically nothing. Price of the car was a bargain and with the 3 different driving modes I get the feeling like I purchased 3 different cars. I can drive fast and reckless in sport mode, or slow and fuel efficient in ECO. Overall this car is extremely fun to drive the instrumentation on the dash board makes me feel like I’m flying a space ship. But don’t expect the Porsche like handling that the CRX delivered.

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  Honda Fit Sport the only car for me - 2013 Honda Fit
  By isyngaming - May 21 - 3:01 pm

  This car is amazing and I love it.

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  Liking the improvements! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By 9xhondaowner - May 18 - 10:09 am

  This is our 3rd CR-V (and our 9th Honda). I traded an 07 EX-L for the 13 LX. I miss with leather, posh interior and better sound system and I will definitely morn the loss of the heated seats next winter, but let me tell you what I LOVE about the 2013. The ride is smooth - my daughter says its like riding on a cloud. Road noise? Gone! We dont have to shout to have a conversation. Gas mileage? With the econ button on, got 31 mpg with mixed driving on 1st tank. Woo hoo!!! My 07 was getting about 24 mpg. Love the back-up camera, Bluetooth, etc. My only gripes: interior, while comfy, seems a bit plastic/cheap LX sound system is sub-par. Overall - very happy with the new CR-V!!!

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  Fantastic Car at a Great Price - 2013 Honda Civic
  By junoghonk - May 18 - 4:36 am

  I love this car. I never thought Id be driving a civic, but the 2013 model is such an unbelievable value that I couldnt pass it up. Im 46 and was looking for something safe and fuel efficient to get be to/from work. After test driving several other cars, I took the civic for a spin and was blown away by all the standard features on the base model LX, as well as the comfort, style, and price. Once I saw Hondas zero down, $230 per month for 35 months lease, it was a no brainer. I actually negotiated a better deal since my credit is very good and I was a returning customer, but I would have gone with the zero down/$230 month every day of the week. Get this car!

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  One with the road - 2007 Honda S2000
  By geekette70 - May 16 - 6:30 pm

  Im not going to lie, there are a few things I could complain about with my S2K, wind noise, lack of features, rough ride...whatever...but the truth is, I dont care. This car isnt for people looking for luxury, its for people who want performance. No, not that American IVE-GOT-MORE-HP-THAN-YOU performance, but responsiveness, agility and above all, fun. This is a car for people who love driving their driving raw and unfiltered. If you want a luxury car, get a Porche, if youre looking for a cute convertible, get a Miata, if you want to be one with the road, to hug every curve and to huge smile every time you turn the key in the ignition, then the S2000 is the care youre looking for.

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  1,500 miles so far - 2013 Honda Civic
  By 858smith - May 12 - 10:49 pm

  Ive had this car for 12 days, & Ive got 1,500 miles on it. I love it so much so far, but I cant really speak truthfully about its reliability b/c I havent had any problems w/ it since I havent had it for very long at all. I drive about 75% highway & 25% city, & I have an average of 36.75 MPG.

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  Hidden gem in the sport coupe class - 2011 Honda Accord
  By deemic - May 12 - 9:11 pm

  Most people are looking at Ford Mustangs or Chevy Camaros or even Dodge Challengers when shopping for a sport coupe. Time to rethink. This super reliable gem has 271 horsepower, accelerates 0-60 in around 6 seconds, and is extremely responsive. Factor in the amenities like a 270 watt stereo system, power windows, power locks, 2 position memory seating, leather seats, sunroof, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth interface, paddle shifters, TPMS, Oil Life Monitor, 18 inch wheels.... well you get the picture. Its loaded, classy, reliable and looks fantastic. I look forward to every drive. The only thing Ive noticed is a slight push when driving hard through turns. But still top notch vehicle