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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  Amazing car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By bjjj - May 12 - 9:19 am

  I recently bought my wife a 2013 civic hybrid for Mothers Day and we are really happy with this car. Weve had several hondas so we new what to expect. This car is super quiet and the engine has more power than my previous civic hybrid. (I had a 08 civic hybrid ). I traded in my honda Insight wich I did like it ainsight lot too but the new civic has more features.

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  Perfection! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By tikatika - May 10 - 11:03 pm

  I love my white 2012 CR-V. Had it pinstriped in red/black and it looks awesome! We had a 2007, wow how the car has improved! Have had the car since January 2012, and have not experienced one problem. We are getting 30.2 mpg in mixed driving, love the backup mirror, this car is simply FUN to drive. It will be a keeper for a long time!

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  Will not die - 1996 Honda Accord
  By adasil2 - May 10 - 11:34 am

  I bought my accord (LX, 4 cylinder, automatic) upon graduating high school in 2004. It had 113,000 or so miles at that time, and its been my only car until now (2013), and now sits at 247,000 miles. I have driven it all over the country, and cannot believe its still in such great condition. Minor repairs, a new paint job in 2009, and thats it. I have never heard of another car this reliable, and I would highly recommend it if you can find one to purchase!

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  Hondas keep you safe, great family car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By kpaoff - May 10 - 12:57 am

  I have had my 2006 Honda since it was brand new. It has been my favorite car I have ever owned. It holds its retail value like no other. I called it my baby, I always wanted one when I was younger. Well I have the luxury of being able to say my baby saved my life on Tuesday when a 74 year old lady ran a red light and tboned me. My side and curtain air bags went off. My baby, my Honda saved my life, she didnt fair too well :( but she did her job like she was suppose to. After everything is settled headed to buy my second Honda Accord.

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  206,000 and going strong!!!! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By brewmyown - May 9 - 2:41 pm

  I have a 1999 CR-V EX with 206,000 miles and and its still going strong. As others have said, adjust the valves every 20K - 30K (or sooner since its so simple to do in less than an hour without much knowledge at all), change your fluids as scheduled (Transmission, motor oil, rear diff oil, etc.) and it will last a long, long time. Even the cloth interors on these cars lasts forever without showing wear. The vehicle is amazingly roomy inside.

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  best car ive ever owned, BY FAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By thwipp89 - May 8 - 1:06 am

  bought my EX automatic new in 03 and have 125k miles after 10 yrs. after having a few american cars that were unreliable money pits, this car has been spectacular for me. wish i wouldve bought a honda sooner than i did. over 10 yrs, ive spent about $1k in non-maintenance repairs- mostly emissions/exhaust related, most of which has been at the 10 yr mark. i did need to replace the alternator after about 9 yrs. i average 30 MPG combined (about 65% city) but i have a very heavy foot.

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  Great Vehicle - Well Loaded - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By chrisallen2 - May 7 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased the LX. This is my first actual "new" vehicle purchase so it could be that Im just overly excited about things that the rest of the world who have actually purchased new cars before consider normal, but it seems to me that the base model is actually pretty well loaded. So much so that I could not justify spending the extra money on another trim. It drives smooth, has plenty of room even in the back seat, suprisingly and while it would be nice to have the navigation and entertainment system, considering the difference in price, Im very happy with the features on the LX.

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  Best car ever! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By megsiep52 - April 29 - 12:36 am

  I bought this car used with 202k miles on it. Ive had it just over a year and its not got 220k. It consistently gets 39 mpg combined (it has the 1.5L Vtec motor). Weve had to put some work into it CV axles, tie rods, control arms and ball joints but this has been well worth the time and $ put into it. This car gets better city gas mileage than just about ANY new car. And with it being 18 years old with 220k miles on it? It drives like new! The paint is fading but were going to have a paint job done. For a completely STOCK car this is the best buy out there!

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  I love this little car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By calisun7 - April 28 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot in 2000 and to this day it has been the BEST purchase I have ever made. She has a few miles on her now, over 100,000, and still runs wonderfully and I have never had a problem. I intend on keeping this car and maintaining it to at least 200,000.

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  From F150 to Ridgeline - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By geezoman - April 27 - 6:41 am

  I drove a Ford F150 Lariat for 15 years. When it came time to replace that truck I wanted to downsize a little. I drove all of the smaller pickups in the market and found the Honda Ridgeline to be the right size, 4 wheel capability, smooth riding, relatively quiet, and fully capable for what I need in a pickup. Getting the Honda reliability was a plus. We drove it around town for the first 4K miles and it was a pleasure driving it in an urban setting, easy to park, great for those occasional trips to buy furniture, and good looking enough for date nights. You guessed it, I dont miss my F-150.