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 Ski Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Runmaster - January 28 - 8:52 pm

  I purchased an 06 knowing that changes were going to made in the 07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.

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  We Love Our Ody - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Occam49 - January 28 - 5:53 pm

  The only knock I can give this fine vehicle is the road noise. This probably from the tires. No problems except a broken A/C radiator which was hit by rock kicked up on the freeway. The dealer fixed at no charge even though it was not a equipment failure. I dont know how much VCO helps mileage but it must since it is active even while cruising at 70 mph.

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  been a nice ride still is a nice ride - 1997 Honda Accord
  By steve moore - January 28 - 4:35 pm

  am/FM/cassette factory system still works great!!! a couple of shopping cart dings. still has factory hub caps!!!

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  A VW -level problem with fuel economy - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By calcritic - January 28 - 4:17 pm

  I average 29-30 mpg in primarily city driving. Instruments tell me I am always driving in a fuel efficient way, but the gasoline running through the engine says something different. Dont notice much variation with level of traffic, but real stop and go really turns on the gasoline engine. Dealer says computer works fine, so car must work fine . Dealer kept it for a week so they could do test drives- their best average day on their own chosen time/traffic/distance was 34 mpg. Head of maintenance told me that was in line with the other Honda Accord Hybrids he sees, seemed unconcerned that was enormously lower than the "official mileage" promise. Complained to headquarters- they told me they would love to check it over, then gave me 20 reasons why they would find there were no problems. I didnt bother after that litany. Obviously Honda knows this is the mileage to expect from their Hybrid, but like VW, covered it up somehow in their tests. Truly HATE the car, would never buy another Honda even though I have been a Honda person for more than a decade. Feel like a sucker every time i drive it.

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  Love my new car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AGanes - January 28 - 3:00 pm

  We just recently bought this car for myself to drive with my two young children. I love driving it. It gets great gas mileage. The maintenance minder is very cool.

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  Sexy and reliable, all in one package - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - January 28 - 2:17 pm

  As a family sedan, the Honda Accord is legendary - its reliable, practical, powerful. It has outstanding engineering and ergonomics, and everything is just exactly where it should be. The coupe puts it all in a sleek, sexy package that gives up very little in the compromise - in other words, its still got a usable back seat and a real trunk, unlike most sport coupes. Honda also builds some of the best and smoothest engines and manual transmissions out there, something that goes very under appreciated, mostly because of the Accord sedans family image. And the navi is intuitive and easy to use. Oh, and the gas mileage is great, especially for a V6.

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  My 6 Honda - 4th Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By iflynrv - January 28 - 1:45 pm

  1st off, Id like to say that this is my 4 Accord. Have owned a 89, 92, 99 now the 06. This is least favourite. Ive owned the car for 6 months now (I drive about 35,000 miles per yr., mostly highway and I cannot get over the very poor gas mileage - the car is from the US but I live in Toronto. As all my cars I drive about 130 on the highway which is 75ish and this car has getting half what my 99 did with 280,000 kilos on it (original clutch/motor not touched) Ive got as bad as 275 miles to the tank and best was 375. I dont push it off the line but do drive at 75 and its by far the loudest Accord inside.

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  Wont Buy Another - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Harry - January 28 - 7:13 am

  We have NEVER been so dissatisfied with this purchase. Traded a 2002 Sienna w/60K that had better gas mileage and was TROUBLE FREE. Tried trading this unit back in to two different Honda dealers, now with 8K. BOTH will only offer 4K BELOW TRADE! Must be because of the maintenance history! Engine throttle appears low, was reprogrammed, still the same. Windows fog on wet days, takes forever to defog. Headliner coming apart at windshield. Sunglass holder broke. Stone dead battery at only 5K. Have had SEVERAL electrical issues, shorted out headlamp switch and relays. Sometimes doors dont unlock. We wish we still had our old Toyota! What a mistake buying this van!

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  Amazing little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ed - January 27 - 11:50 pm

  I bought my Civic new in 1998 and kept it for nearly 11 years. In that time I had to make only two unscheduled repairs: first to replace the muffler and then the power window regulator. Overall its been a great car - reliable, fuel efficient, and pretty fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.

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  Hot car....HORRIBLE electronics! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Civic Lover - January 27 - 9:17 pm

  I have this car in Energy Green and it turns heads every day, I receive compliments on a daily basis. The leather interior is very nice. I traded my 2006 Civic EX for this one and the cabin space is HUGE in the 2016 but the trunk is much smaller. The downside of this car is the glitchy infotainment screen, it started not working within the first week! The dealership passes the blame on Honda, Honda customer service blames the dealership. I am waiting to get my headunit replaced and hopefully this will gix the problem. You can google to find more info about this problem. Bottom line is that this is a sexy, sporty car for under 25k with fun bells & whistles that are sure to excite.