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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  Cant beat it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Asti - May 7 - 8:51 pm

  Bought the car used, only 16k...Had the gas tank filled up twice, and both times I averaged 49.6 mpg. It probably would have worse gas mileage if driven harder, but I cannot complain about what I get (is a 5 speed one). It would be nice if would have a little more oomph, but...then no mileage. Nice piece of machinery and technology, I enjoy getting almost 600 miles per tank, happy with the residual value down the road...

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  Civic Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By curtis - May 7 - 7:56 pm

  A great car for driving around town. Very underpowered on the highway and suffers from extreme road/wind noise at highway speed. The car is comfortable enough but long trips get very laborious because of the noise. The relatively low power on the highway requires drivers to plan passing and other maneuvers rather than simply jumping into another lane and passing a group of slower cars. If you are a "cruise-comtrol at 65mph" type, this may not be as much of a handicap as it is for drivers used to a car with much more power. I averaged about 44mpg at 75mph through hilly terrain. Bottom line: If you drive it like a hybrid and accept the tradeoffs, you will probably be happy.

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  Great economical car! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By John Emilio - May 7 - 7:51 pm

  I have a basic Honda Civic lx sedan car is great on gas fair enough power meaning acceleration perfect car to go back and forth very reliable!

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  Love my little SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jill ONeill - May 7 - 6:18 pm

  11/16 I still love this little SUV, the one fault I have found with it is accelerating - sometimes when pulling out from a stop, I get no acceleration and it can be unnerving. I had it checked, they said it is because it is a 4 cylinder - well all my SUVs have been 4 cylinder and I have never had this problem. My last 4 cars were Honda CRVs, all basic models, great cars, but did not feel the need for a SUV that big. Tried out the Honda HRV & it was love at first ride - I still has an SUV feel, not low to the ground like I feel when I drive a sedan. And this time I purchased all the bells & whistles and so far I am extremely pleased.

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  awesome - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Joe Seda-Morales - May 6 - 11:53 pm

  This car is amazing . Great performance fun to drive .Also turns a lot of heads . Its sleek design sure has the kids talking about it as well the dealership cant keep the catalogs in stock . I was concerned i wouldnt like it as much as my accord but after a few minutes i knew the civic was truly a great car

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  Pull to the right????? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ben - May 6 - 8:48 pm

  Ive only had the car for three weeks and took it to back to the dealer because it was pulling heavily to the right. After I left it felt like nothing had been fixed and next time I had to ask my wife to take it back. The service people told her that there is nothing wrong with the car since Honda vehicles pull after a few seconds. This sounds like a big fat lie to me. Has this happened to anyone else?

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2000 Honda Accord
  By MrShaggs - May 6 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my 2000 LX 4cylinder coupe in June of 2000, and it has been nothing but good to me. I have driven many higher end cars that werent even as comfortable or responsive as this car. I have Koni/Neuspeed Suspention, forged rims, light flywheel, all sorts of mods, and it never lets me down. I have bent a lot of rims, but the car is solid. The only thing that would have made it better was if it came with an H22 5speed it would have been perfect. Over 100k on it and it still looks better than the day I bought it.

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  Best in class, by far - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SK - May 6 - 2:03 pm

  My favorite car. Exterior and interior design, styling, material quality, all impecable. Fun to drive, reliable, economical. When this gets old Im definitely buying another one.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Todd - May 6 - 3:13 am

  So far I love my Honda! I am a big guy and have always drove Tauruss. I was a Ford man. But no more! The Civic has great room and gets great mileage. Very fun to drive. I look forward going to work now!!!

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  Gas mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Susanne Jusino - May 5 - 7:03 pm

  I would never have traded in my Camry hybrid if I knew the Honda accord hybrid only got 39 mpg. What a disappointment. I have had many Hondas but now I will go back to Toyota.