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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  Best Used Car for the Price - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Richard - March 8 - 6:44 pm

  Was lucky to find an 01 with only 17 K miles, ride and build quality outstanding. Handles great, lots of room easy to park. Get 34 mpg in city.

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  Nice Surprise! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dans - March 8 - 2:46 pm

  I decided to clean house and reorganize my "rolling stock." Got rid of my 03 Dodge Ram and my power boat . . . and get a Honda Civic LX. What a switch, huh? I never could park that Ram! Actually, I drive to and from work almost exclusively, and the economy and comfort of the Civic is just right for me (Im 6 2" tall, mid-50s, male). The build quality seems very nice, and the paint is thick and smooth. It came well equipped for an economy car, and I am very pleased. Also, Ive gone from 10 mpg to 29 mpg in town. Now that is nice! My gas savings alone will make the payment.

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  Are you Unsure between the 4 or 6 Cylinder? Read on for why the 4 is Awesome - 2013 Honda Accord
  By baltimorebill - March 8 - 3:53 am

  I seldom write reviews but given how much I was unsure about whether to lease the 4 or 6, and how much I LOVE the 4, I thought a review might be helpful to those in the same boat. I drove both the 4 and the 6 and am coming from a 1999 Accord with 178,000 miles that had a powerful V-6. I drove both the 2013 EX-L with Navi 6 and 4 Cylinder. The 6 Cylinder just seemed kind of heavy and I felt as if I had to keep my foot on the pedal all the time. On the other hand, the 4 is very smooth and has plenty of power when needed. And the gas mileage so far that I am getting on the highway (in eco mode) is slightly over 36 on the highway and around 25 in the city. Its an awesome car.

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  2006 Best Choice - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - March 7 - 8:48 am

  Decided on the 2006 due to the 2007s lack of a manual trans. The CR-V has done everything Ive asked of it. Trips to the hardware store, plowing through snow storms, hauling people and gear with ease, its just about the perfect vehicle. Fuel economy hovers in the upper 20s in the summer, low 20s in the winter. Recommend the CR-V to anyone who asks.

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  Perfect Van and Good Gas Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David Hitchcock - March 6 - 10:23 pm

  I read several of the previous reviews and had to comment. I am surprised at how many Odyssey owners are so disappointed. I guess we are lucky. I think its perfect. The fuel economy is never going to be what the sticker says on any vehicle. We all bought the van because we had to haul multiple people. The more you haul, the heavier the van and the lower your fuel economy. Improve your driving habits, properly inflate your tires, etc. and youll get better fuel economy. It drives smooth, handles well, strong engine, good looks, luxurious, and storage is great. Ive driven Sienna, Grand Caravan, Uplander, Freestar, Sedona, SUVs in the last two years. Hands down winner is Odyssey.

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  Nice, economical car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Espiridion - March 6 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my LX Sedan about a month ago and really like it. I put a pair of wrist (sweat) bands around the emergency brake. The brake hurt my leg due to its placement but now its fine with the pad. I live in a very cold environment which kills MPG but I am getting 30 MPG Combined City/Hwy. The motor is new, and Im sure MPG will improve when its breken in and the weather warms up. It has plenty of power, I have owned vettes and trans ams, and Im happy with the acceleration of my new Honda. Its not noisy on the highway like some have reported. It is a small car and you do hear the road a little, and you feel all the bumps, but as I pass the gas stations ($3.39 a gallon) I am smiling!

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  Outstanding Value - 2013 Honda Accord
  By aoawol - March 6 - 2:57 pm

  I have owned many cars in my past. Ive owned 9 Hondas, 3 Toyotas, 2 Chyrslers, 3 Chevrolets, and two Fords. Before buying the Accord, I test drove everything in its class. I kept coming back to the Accord. Its by far the best bang for the buck, its sized just right, and the performance it good for what youre buying. Ive not had any issues with it except for the seat. I think a car in this price should include the power drivers seat. I could use another adjustment or two. But its not bad enough to have changed my mind. I love the extended Warrenty. Im covered to 100K miles bumper to bumper. It did cost me a little, but its well worth it.

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  A car that makes sense - 2006 Honda Accord
  By atlom - March 6 - 7:53 am

  We own an 02 Accord EX which we are very happy with. Still, I was surprised at just how much finer our new one is: its peppier, the leather is nicer, the mileage is better, the interior is more luxurious, and the price is just about what we paid for the 02! This is a thinking persons car - it does what a car should do, reliably, and with comfort, practicality and economy. I rent a lot of mid-sized cars in my job and there is not a one of them that even comes close.

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  Love it - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - March 6 - 3:58 am

  Honda quality. Great design and roomy for a small SUV . We love it

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  Great, great vehicle! - 2007 Honda Element
  By New Element Owner - March 5 - 8:09 pm

  We just bought our 2007 Element a few weeks ago, and we already cant get enough of it. My wife and I wanted something different, and we are now the envy of all of our friends. No one can believe how roomy it is. There is plenty of room for your gadgetry and other stuff. The back seat has plenty of leg room for your guests. Would definitely recommend for anyone that is looking to wow their friends and family! LOVE the in dash XM Satellite Radio - I dont know how we lived w/o it before buying this car. All of this cool stuff - AND Honda quality! Overall grade is A+.