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:

• 

  Happy Driver! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda Fan - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 4 door 5 speed for a short while. I enjoy it. I have driven quite a few 5 speed Hondas. Compared to the old 1.6 L Civics, this engine actually has decent torque between 1500RPM-2500RPM (even compared to a VTEC Del Sol). Good back seat spacing, big trunk. Its not easy to fill up all the space.

• 

  honda odometer problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By alanmj - February 14 - 12:16 am

  I took my first trip in my new 2015 Honda EX-L CRV. The odometer is high by almost 3 percent. Seems like Honda is repeating their 2006 odometer problem. Is this how honda improves the gas mileage? 3 % of 31 MPG is 30 MPG.

• 

  glad to own one - 2013 Honda Fit
  By derek c - February 13 - 11:13 am

  bought this car earlier this month. finding city mileage to less than listed, surprised that road noise is louder than expected (though I knew it wouldnt be stellar). on the other hand, i like the storage space, front seats are comfortable, it handled the surprise snow we had in town like a champ (where other folks were failing, we stayed on the road). the visibility is good and it is a fun car to drive.

• 

  Impressions after 2 weeks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GeoP - February 10 - 4:56 am

  Ive had the car for only two weeks now, but have formed some initial impressions. Pros: Quiet engine and smooth ride, almost no wind noise at highway speeds; gorgeous interior styling and color coordination (in Ivory leather); tilt/telescope steering wheel; comfortable, highly adjustable, heated drivers seat; fantastic satellite radio with controls in steering wheel; plenty of power at higher RPMs. Cons: questionable sales tactics by Honda dealer; just adequate power at lower RPMs; nasty creak/squeek at base of windshield over sharp bumps; a couple misaligned plastic pieces in console; tinny sounding when little rocks thrown up by tires hit underbody; high-pitched sound when playing CDs

• 

  Feels Cheap - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Esmond Leblanc - February 10 - 4:10 am

  I bought the 2003 Accord LX with 27,000 miles on it. Now it has 30,000 miles on it, and I am regretting my decision. The car as a whole seems cheap. The dash has a loud rattle. The glass in front of the gauges is not glass but cheap plastic. The material used for the entire exterior of the car is very thin and goes in with even the slightest pressure.

• 

  An appliance with class - 2008 Honda Accord
  By john - February 9 - 3:53 am

  Well, the 08 Accord (LX 4 cyl) is an awesome car. Honda delivers again. Except...its just ugly. The engine is the most refined in its class, maybe the world, the build quality is polished, and the transmission/chassis is superb. But it looks like something my grandma might buy if she wanted something "young and hip". Recently drove a new Malibu, and am hooked. Seriously considering a trade.

• 

  OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By student - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews and looking at specifications, the CRV was at the top of my list. Interior is well designed, the silver exterior is sweet. The first drive I was impressed with the acceleration from 0-60 mph. The 6 cd changer w/ cassette is pretty cool, now I can connect my mp3 player to the stereo. The speakers are ok but I needed a little more bass so I put a sub in. But what really disappointed me was the gas millage. I average b/t 17 and 18 in city and 20-21 hwy. These numbers more resemble a V6 rather than a 4 cylinder engine. Overall I have a little buyers remorse but I am satisfied with my purchase.

• 

  Good Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - February 8 - 4:40 pm

  The Accords ride is rough with alot of road noise on rough roads. The interior is well laid out. For the price of the car, there are many safety features with airbags front, side and rear side bags. The 4 cylinder gas mileage has been exceptional around 34-38 mpg driving on the highway going anywhere fron 65 - 80 mph.

• 

  Honda Civic LX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By CivicDriver - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is a good deal because of its low price. The engine is very rev happy and seems to ask for more. The gas mileage is wonderful. The car is well built and you know when you wake up in the morning the car will be waiting for you to start it up. The car is some what rommy and can fit 4 people nicely when there is 5 people it gets a little crowded. Another thing that could be better would be the accleration because you will need that extra pick up to merge on to the freeways. Besides that this is a great car and I have learned to love this little car.

• 

  so far so good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By k o - February 5 - 10:24 am

  The Edmunds "guarantee" price quote was not honored. It helped to get to a price but no where near their guaranteed price. New to this car but so far so good. Bought it due to the excellent experience with the 2007 Honda Odyssey we owned. Amazed at the upgrades. Loss of storage from the old model particularly under the front passenger seat and in the floor in front of the middle row seating. Ride is smooth and quiet