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 SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By AndiKev - April 29 - 4:43 am

  A little shaky on the highway, but an excellent overall SUV. Love it!

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  Almost There - 2007 Honda Accord
  By anon - April 28 - 8:10 am

  A solid car but one that has real but not fatal flaws. Build quality is very high but it does however have some quirks: the engine shut-off feature is too aggressive, especially in common stop-and-go traffic. The battery recharge process that occurs during braking causes a shudder towards the end of slowing to a stop (<10mph to 0 mph) almost like the car is trying to stall (which it doesnt). The steering is smooth and especially easy at slow speeds. Aggressive acceleration is fairly jerky as the motor assist comes and goes as the car shifts gears. Good news - most of this stuff is probably just software fixes. Bad news - Honda let this car out of the lab before it was totally baked.

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  Lousy gas mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By M. Henry - April 26 - 4:33 am

  This is the last Honda I will buy, owned a 2003 and traded it in hoping I would get better gas mileage. Well since I have owned it I have never gotten more than 20 miles to gallon in local traffic, which is where most of my driving is. On longer trips, yes I do get 30 mpg. but since most of my driving is local it is costing me a fortune in gas for a 4 cyl. car. it said 24 to 32 mpg. Never go by that sticker on the side of the window. the inside is exactly the same as my 2003 accord they had 4 yrs. and changed nothing to the interior. I will go back to owning Toyotas after this car.

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  Handling is down from previous generation - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Evan Lau - April 25 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had my 2dr Civic coupe (1.5L turbo) for 3 weeks. I spent a lot of time in the beginning setting and resetting the programs like auto door lock (which doors to lock) or unlock, auto ignition as some were not practical or suited to me. With the "drive by wire" steering, theres a somewhat disconnected feel to the steering compared to previous generation Civics. The car is also wider and longer than the previous generation, so steering control did not feel as precise and the tail wagged during hard corner. Pick up is uninspiring below 50mph. The turbo only kicks in at speeds above 3,500 rpm and usually above 50mph. It rarely kicks in in the economy mode. To feel the turbo, turn off the "Eco" button, but your fuel economy will suffer. Best of all is the fuel efficiency - I drove ~240 miles on the highway on a hot 90 degree day with air conditioner on, at 74mph, and averaged 41mpg. Its that incredible for a non-hybrid.

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  Reliable at an Affordable Price - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Fred Cardi - April 25 - 4:06 am

  Great car with excellent mpg. On a recent trip to Canada we averaged 38mpg. The only minor complaint that I have is the passenger front seat is uncomfortable on an extended drive. I had hoped the cabin noise would be quieter with less road noise.

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  Surprised - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Surprisedd - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall the van is good. Took several trips to the dealership to correct the bad pull to the left. Turns out that the engine was not sitting in the cradle square. Seems OK now but still concerned. The van rides nice. I am very disapointed with the gas mileage. We are slow drivers and still only get 13.5 - 14.5 MPG around town. 22 MPG on highway.

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  Disappointed with the interior - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed1 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Extremely disappointed with all the rattles in the dash and console. Dealers have been unable to correct problems. Seats are uncomfortable, however I just came from a Dodge Intredpid which was very comfortable.

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  2,000 mile update - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Zack - April 22 - 4:30 pm

  After two months, my 08 Accord LX has 2,000 problem-free miles on it. I love the amount of interior room of this car. Fuel economy is good for its size (24 mpg with the 177-hp engine). The engine provides enough power for my daily routine. It has a comfortable ride and most controls are logical, but the location of the volume knobs takes some getting used to. Also, its fairly agile. However, I do have a few complaints. The dash board curves and sticks out when trying to get in. Therefore, both I and front seat passengers have banged our knees while getting in. Also, for a $20,000 car, Honda should have had Maintenance Minder standard. Lastly, the LXs wheel covers look very cheap IMO.

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  Very Good SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Smolenski7 - April 22 - 1:43 pm

  Overall I very much like my CR-V. Before this I had a 02 Saturn Vue, and although I definitely miss it (I miss the control of the manual tranny), I prefer the CR-V. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl. engine, handles well, and the fit and finish cant be beat for the price.

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  Very Convenient Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ram - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other minivans from ford and chrysler. While chrysler minivans are fun to drive, this is the most comforatble and convenient minivan. The major compliant I have is that it is too noisy and Im having lot of trouble with the sliding doors.