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 little car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By seamonster1 - April 6 - 12:48 pm

  We love our little fit. Feels and drives like a Honda. Takes off and stops quick. With both backseats laid flat, plenty of room in the back. Our golden retriever does laps in the back. we test drove the Fiesta and the Fit was so much more car for the money.

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  Very impressed, and happy with my 2012 Civic ! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By merickson88 - April 5 - 9:24 pm

  I am impressed with the new 2012 Civic...still under two years old I have already put on over 50,000 miles with 0 problems..smartest buy Ive made yet and its my second Honda and will never buy anything else ! I avg 32 city and 33 to 39 on the highway depending on how I drive. Excellent gas mileage and comfortable car. Love the navigation, stereo and sound, leather interior which is nice and durable ! I just love my Honda and cant wait to drive it, its a remarkable car ! I plan on trying to get as many miles out of it as I can !

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  Best mini van out there - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mooger1 - March 31 - 8:40 pm

  Bought this van in July 2006. We had some issues with this van, front wheel bearings, power steering pump, twice, all repaired or replaced by Honda. We now have 112,000 on this van and it runs like new. I just replaced the timing belt, and plan on using it another hundred thousand mies. This has been the very best vehicle I have ever owned

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  Its great! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carfreak17 - March 31 - 11:12 am

  I think its a great overall car, it looks great, hauls ass! Gets good mileage, and me and my wife find it very comfortable. Doesnt matter what vehicle you buy, your bound to have something fail or break. People need to remember that people build vehicles in plants where there mass assembled, so theres going to be some lazy people or accidents made when they built them. Sometimes you get a lemon, but with a Honda your pretty much getting a very well built car! Myself and all people I know that own a Honda have way less problems than people that own other vehicle brands. My only complaint is the heated seat option doesnt get very warm.

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  2013 Civic Si DELIVERS! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By ischneggs - March 30 - 6:44 am

  After driving a 2002 WRX, 2009 Forester XT (turbo), a tuned 1990s Altima (w/ slip diff), Im happy to say the new Si is the best of them all! Road & wind noise are minimized, hearing only the rough & grumble growl of the engine. A buttery smooth clutch with short throws is easy & fun. Front slip diff performs remarkably, & even makes driving on all season 17" / 45s in snow & slush tolerable (I normally have snow tires). Ergos are nice, especially the back split fold down seats, center arm rest, matched int colors, & standard back-up camera. Of course there could be more space & luxury, like an Acura TSX or Audi A4. But then again, you wont pay $30k++ for the Si! Grade: A+

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  So far so good - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dannyboy - March 28 - 11:24 pm

  I purchased my new Accord LX in 2003. I still average 35 MPH on the freeway. The only problems I have encountered were the gear shift knob ($20) and the brake light switch ($150). So far no transmission problems. Brakes still good.

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  Amazing First Car! 100% Recommended! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By freestylin - March 25 - 10:32 pm

  I got this car in December 2012 and ever since have been extremely happy with it. In terms of reliability, nobody can beat Honda. I have had no problems with this car, and thats pretty amazing considering the car is as old as me. I am definitely going to be a loyal Honda buyer from now on. As soon as this car dies, I will simply buy another one. I recommend this car to anyone who needs reliable and economical transportation at a good price. Btw, mine has 170,000 kilometres on it (something like 105,000 miles) on the 2.2L engine and no rust on the outer body.

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  Honda Crosstour - It is not an SUV - it is a versatile mid size hatchback sedan - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By mwatsky - March 16 - 1:13 pm

  The typical auto industry reviews I have read of the Crosstour simply do not get it. It does not fit neatly into their ideas of a sedan, so they lump it in with SUVs and wagons, and the say it is lacking because it has less cargo capacity than square SUV designs. I spent 22 yrs driving mini-vans and full size SUVs. My kids are grown, and I could shop for what I wanted. I did NOT want the SUV, or just a smaller version of it (CR-V RAV-4 Mazda 7 or 9 Ford Edge, etc etc.) I wanted a capable, comfortable, sporty, sharp looking mid size sedan but with the versatility of a hatch back so that when needed, I could open it up, flip down the seat backs and have the space. I got it!

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  Happy with my 13 HCH!!!!!! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By coppercuckoo - March 15 - 12:43 pm

  I got the Green Opal one 2 weeks ago. I now have about 500 miles on the car, and it came with 106. It was the only one available in the Tri-state area that was equipped as I wanted! It drives so nice and smoothly and I enjoy the great technology upgrade from the 2005 I sold in order to get this car. The Winter mpg change from the 2005 HCH to the new one, is pretty significant. I was told to keep the Econ button on all of the time to get the best mileage. If you are expecting a Green car, you will be surprised by the color changes the metallic paint makes. There are times the car looks light blue, blue/green. and an almost sea foam green. This is all dependent on the lighting!

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  Drove them all chose a Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By soccermom4ever - March 13 - 10:38 am

  First we test drove just about every SUV made and kept notes on accessories and price of each one. I never gave them my name just took their business card.Also noted if the sales guy was high pressure. Our choice was narrowed by comfort, style, accessories and cost. When it came down to it the Honda was by far the best deal. Everytime I changed from cloth to leather and back or navigation no navigation, AutoNation Lewisville had lots of choices. Our sales guy Jim Ross gave us the grand tour of the vehicle before our test drive. There was no pressure, we asked him questions and he let us talk through the differences.