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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  Like most Hondas - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Orville Morris - December 29 - 11:44 am

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  Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Rodriguez - December 29 - 1:40 am

  Ive had the crv for 13 months now its great. Incredible power out of a 4 cylinder very impressed.Wife says it rides like a car unlike minivan she drove before. would recomend to others.

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  I Love My Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My New Car - December 28 - 2:23 am

  I bought my Honda In July 08 And fell in love with it right away, from the way it drives to the style of the interior, exterior. Drove from New England to North Carolina and after 12 hrs of driving I still wanted to be in my car driving. I love my Honda Civic

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  Sleek & Stylish - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Gramercy Todd - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  So far so good! Ive had my 2017 Honda Civic EX for 3 months & 2 days. I now have 12,000 miles on my Civic. The gas mileage is amazing I literally get 44 mpg highway. Ive drove to the city of Atlanta 3 times & I have to go back for a forth time in two weeks. The driver seat isnt totally confortable with no way to adjust the lumber bar. The steering wheel has the perfect balance. The screen in my EX model is easy to use & has the perfect sloped centered location. Apple CarPlay is good to have for navigation on the screen from your iPhone. Remote start came standard on my EX and I absolutely love it. Push button start is always a perk to have. Sometimes the CVT shifts at the wrong time which causes my Civic to jump when in stop in & go traffic at times. The daytime running lights are such a eye catcher. The Civic does sit low to the ground so having 4 average size adults would make the car weigh more to the ground. A full tank of gas says between 380-390 miles to E & a half tank says between190-200 miles to E. If you over fill the gas tank it will says between 430-460 miles to E. The 16 inch rims on my EX has a fresh looking appearance. Half the car is literally painted plastic & the other half is fiberglass. I typically drive on long stretch of highways minimum 40 miles one way to maximum 70 miles one way. So in one day I drive 80 miles to 140 miles on a highway.

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  Sleek & Stylish - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Gramercy Todd - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  So far so good! Ive had my 2017 Honda Civic EX for 3 months & 2 days. I now have 12,000 miles on my Civic. The gas mileage is amazing I literally get 44 mpg highway. Ive drove to the city of Atlanta 3 times & I have to go back for a forth time in two weeks. The driver seat isnt totally confortable with no way to adjust the lumber bar. The steering wheel has the perfect balance. The screen in my EX model is easy to use & has the perfect sloped centered location. Apple CarPlay is good to have for navigation on the screen from your iPhone. Remote start came standard on my EX and I absolutely love it. Push button start is always a perk to have. Sometimes the CVT shifts at the wrong time which causes my Civic to jump when in stop in & go traffic at times. The daytime running lights are such a eye catcher. The Civic does sit low to the ground so having 4 average size adults would make the car weigh more to the ground. A full tank of gas says between 380-390 miles to E & a half tank says between190-200 miles to E. If you over fill the gas tank it will says between 430-460 miles to E. The 16 inch rims on my EX has a fresh looking appearance. Half the car is literally painted plastic & the other half is fiberglass. I typically drive on long stretch of highways minimum 40 miles one way to maximum 70 miles one way. So in one day I drive 80 miles to 140 miles on a highway.

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  Sleek & Stylish - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Gramercy Todd - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  So far so good! Ive had my 2017 Honda Civic EX for 3 months & 2 days. I now have 12,000 miles on my Civic. The gas mileage is amazing I literally get 44 mpg highway. Ive drove to the city of Atlanta 3 times & I have to go back for a forth time in two weeks. The driver seat isnt totally confortable with no way to adjust the lumber bar. The steering wheel has the perfect balance. The screen in my EX model is easy to use & has the perfect sloped centered location. Apple CarPlay is good to have for navigation on the screen from your iPhone. Remote start came standard on my EX and I absolutely love it. Push button start is always a perk to have. Sometimes the CVT shifts at the wrong time which causes my Civic to jump when in stop in & go traffic at times. The daytime running lights are such a eye catcher. The Civic does sit low to the ground so having 4 average size adults would make the car weigh more to the ground. A full tank of gas says between 380-390 miles to E & a half tank says between190-200 miles to E. If you over fill the gas tank it will says between 430-460 miles to E. The 16 inch rims on my EX has a fresh looking appearance. Half the car is literally painted plastic & the other half is fiberglass. I typically drive on long stretch of highways minimum 40 miles one way to maximum 70 miles one way. So in one day I drive 80 miles to 140 miles on a highway.

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  Visibility when it rains - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Donna - December 24 - 5:40 pm

  I have a problem...rain on the outside of the window and the mirror makes for a difficult time changing lanes. You cant see.

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  Close to great for the first 20,000 km - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Yuri - December 23 - 9:13 pm

  Hoped marks would speak for themselves but strangely even those reviewers who seem to dislike the car still give 6 and up. In my opinion, 6 to 8 is good, anything higher - excellent. While performance can be praised as nearly excellent, there are still some obvious shortcomings. For ex., a special care needs to be exercised when driving in the dark while its raining, in particular, when making the left turn. The view is badly obstructed by the frame fragment connecting roof with the hood. AC modes and vents placement also appear to contribute to the problem. Minor but annoying: theres always oily dirt on the front wheels that is unlikely an indication of the brakes serious issue.

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  Just Because its Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Prityboy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Just because its Honda made this SUV a bit overpriced. No doubt great ride and such ... but, a little bit more options should have come out as a standard feature because of its price.Good Luck to all of us 1st year buyers.I wish Honda would take into accounts our comments and give us a recall and reward current owners(only75k units) to make some features standard. Keeping my finger cross ...

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  Love the Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bdell - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love driving this vehicle. Its my first Honda and wont be my last. I paid under sticker and had a great experience with this purchase.