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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  Drive it before buying - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Emilio - May 31 - 11:52 pm

  Had quite a few Civics before so decided to buy the 2017 for its looks and power with excellent mileage. Should have asked to drive it for half a day before doing it.Did not take long to find a few things wrong with it. The main one was when I noticed the navigation system did not have a CD player like 99% of the others do. It actually looked like an after market unit on it. The steering wheel controls are not intuitive or in the wrong place. The volume control is very hard to adjust and the cruise control easy to turn off by accident. Should have gone for the Kia Forte which for about the same price it comes with Cadillac features, like seats with both A/C and Heat, memory power seats for two drivers and two remote controls for gates and garage doors. Not to mention the 5 year instead of 3 warranty. The main reason I decided not go buy it was for its lousy gas mileage. If you decide to buy the Civic I sugges you insist in getting at least two years of free maintenance from your salesman which is not hard to get.

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  1st Time Honda Owner & Loves It - 2003 Honda Accord
  By raysgirl - May 31 - 7:40 pm

  I have owned several sporty cars of varying makes and models and this is by far the BEST car Ive owned. The V6 engine accelerates quickly and easily. Love the navigation system...wont own a car again without one. No complaints at all! Highly recommend. If you test drive it, youll fall in love!

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MomOf2SmallKids - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  This is a great car. I have had an SUV (Ford) for the last 3 years, and it is so great to have a car, and one that I know is going to last a long time! My SUV had issues at 24000 miles, and got 15 MPG! I had a Civic 15 years ago and it was a great car. I can see Honda has just improved on them. I have two small kids and the car seats fit fine (one booster and one for a 23 lb forward facing child.) I cant wait to enjoy the 30+ MPG (city). I have had the car for a week and havent even used 1/2 a tank of gas yet.

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  Great mileage in a tough economy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By melissa0414 - May 31 - 11:17 am

  I purchased the 2009 CRV EX just a week ago. I had a 2004 Xterra (which got, at best, 17 mpgs highway). I figured instead of spending $400/mo in gas this summer, I needed something more practical, but did not want to compromise on size. The CRV is just as big inside, if not bigger, than the Xterra. Although it appears much smaller on the outside? Love the digital display...it has current mpgs, average mpgs (on that tank), tire pressure monitor, and the Maintenance Meter (reminds you to get your oil changed, etc). Does not have a center console. Instead its a drop-down walk-through (like a minivan would have). The 2.4L 4-banger really has some pep comparable to my old V6.

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  A Blast - 2004 Honda S2000
  By BW - May 31 - 9:01 am

  I had wanted this car since it came on the market. The sound of the exhaust, its strong, sporty appearance. All of its lure comes to life once you are behind the wheel. Im a 1970s TR6 owner, so in being a sports car purest, the S2000 is marvelous fun. The cars handling is perfection and makes you hunt out winding roads for afternoon drives not to mention how much fun just driving to work can be. I enjoy every second behind the wheel. If you want an exciting ride, this is it!

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  Mixed bag - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dkwells1029 - May 31 - 2:06 am

  Traded in my 2006 Accord SE. Loved it. The driver seat in the 2008 is much more comfy. Pick-up is much worse. Stereo sound quality is worse. There is much more room in the 08. Ride noise is similar. Tires on the 06 were of better quality - I got over 80,000 on my 06 Michelins. So its a mixed bag. Overall, Im satisfied. The 08 is a nice car and still offers the best combination of size and fuel efficiency.

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  V6 EX-L Loaded w Nav - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sandy - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at E 350 MB and Acura RLs both very nice cars. The Acura comes loaded but is made by Honda so we figured to try the Honda Accord v6. It didnt have as much luxury inside but the car was hard to beat. What a GREAT car! My first Honda and so much fun to drive. Loaded with Deep tinted windows, black leather w nickel trim, sweet. Outside is Polished metal. Really great with Tinted windows. Navigation system is WELL worth the money. It is so powerful and takes you anywhere. Blue tooth was very easy to pair with the car and talking on the phone in the car is great. Everyone hears well and it is a surreal feeling. The car is so cool. I cant say there is anything I dont like about this car.

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  Wish it had a quieter ride, but love the rest - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Habib - May 31 - 12:04 am

  We checked out the Sienna, Odyssey and Caravan. We felt that the Odyssey offered the best combination of handling (still not very good, but it is a van), interior layout, safety and resale value. Overall weve been very happy with the van in our first 15 months of ownership. The only thing that I would change if I could would be to add extra sound insulation in the wheel wells. Maybe its because we are in the PNW, but many of the roads here elicit massive tire noise inside the van. It gets really fatiguing to drive for distances on certain highways. Other than the tire noise, love the van. We went with the EX for power doors, but didnt want to spend all the extra money for leather in the EX-L. We get 26-27 mpg going 75mph on road trips over the mountains, only about 19-20 in day to day driving.

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  Great Car - Bang For The Buck - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BigJam - May 30 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Honda Civic Si coupe about a week and a half ago. Although the dash is a little unusual, Ive adjusted to it. The fit and finish is great. I couldnt have made a better choice. The Civic won over the Scion Tc, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW GTI. In the first week I already put over 500 miles on my car and hit 100mph. I couldnt believe the car had a $5,999 market adjustment price on top of the sticker. However, I only paid $700 over the dealers invoice.

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  Value for the money - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By gp - May 30 - 12:57 pm

  Solid performance. Strong build. Excellent fuel economy (got 23 mile on long trip and inner city around 19).