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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  Fabulous reliable car, love it - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By eagle3 - January 12 - 10:40 am

  We have had this car for almost ten years and have only replaced the battery and the tires. We have more than 250 000 km on the car, we take it back and forth to the cottage. We have towed things behind it, moved stuff in it. We have utilized this vehicle to its full capacity and it has given us no aggravations or problems. We would not hesitate to buy it again.

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  Nice coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Colorado - January 12 - 8:56 am

  Have the car for about 6 months now. Not many complaints at all. The biggest one is that the I still can not find a seating position that is 100% comfortable. I am 6ft tall and whatever seat position I adjust to, it feels not really comfy. Getting good gas milage (32-35mpg). No problems so far.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Susan Brown - January 12 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our CRV because it was recommended for towing behind our motorhome. We love the gas mileage we get with it and it is just a simple, affordable car.

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  Fits the bill - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carzzy - January 11 - 9:00 pm

  I was looking for a mid size coupe with style, performance and all season traction capability. I was also looking at a price that would not murder my budget. I found all this with the new for 08 Honda Accord EXL V6 MT Coupe! The car is roomy inside, comfortable, handles and performs great and is fun to drive. I have also received many "thumbs ups" from enthusiastic onlookers.

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  Best Civic Ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mystick - January 11 - 7:43 pm

  Its simply the best honda civic ever build. Its so much fun to drive this car. Everywhere I go people is looking at it. I sold my old 2000 civic EX for this one and this have so much more power and feels so much more sporty.

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  does not downshift well when you want to pass - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By lee casler - January 11 - 7:30 pm

  Shifting problems but seems better after a software fix.

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  EPA mpg VERY misleading - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Ken P - January 11 - 5:26 pm

  I own a 2004 Honda Civic EX which gets very very good mileage, STILL. Just recently purchased (09/2015) the 2015 model, and it is much worse in terms of gas mileage. I loved Honda up until this. I have no bad words for Honda, but this just sucks in terms of quality. I am averaging 24-26 mpg in the city, and that is with grandma type driving. I purposely have been driving that way, to test the mileage accurately. Update (08/2016): We noticed the navigation system is just awful, after multiple attempts at use. The gps does not work properly in relation to the navigation, because it will give you locations of items in states thousands of miles away. If you dont search under the proper category, you will not find your desired item. Basically, you need to know the proper category to search for each destination. Also, the sirius xm radio has too many dead areas within a large metropolis. It could also be a problem with the cars system or antennae. Overall, the ENTIRE computer system that handles the navigation and entertainment is SLOW SLOW SLOW. As for mileage, it seems to have gotten a little better. However, its still not on par with the ratings on the sticker.

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  Pseudo-Ode to My Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda Honey - January 11 - 4:11 pm

  Civic you were not the best looking, fastest or not even that exciting, but you were dependable and you gave me a lot of miles off one tank of gas. You had to be pushed up even the small hills and the road and wind noise a nuisance, but you made every trip just fine. Your sound system was just there and comfort could have been better, but I still loved you and miss you to this day. But alas I will try something new and more exciting in the near future even though I will never forget you... the one who I could count on to cheerfully start each morning no matter what abuse I dished out.

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  Sporty looks - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Craig Taylor - January 10 - 9:45 pm

  The sport model needs the V6 or twin turbos.

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  2005 Honda Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - January 10 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this Honda new because I had an 89 that ran like a champ! The car gets great gas mileage and I only use it for commuting to work. I have 60K miles on it and the manual transmission is screaming! Dealer says new trans. It sounds like a bearing inside the trans. Honda will not do anything about it. They gave me the run around and told me it is my fault. I have a 1966 Ford Bronco with the original manual transmission, never rebuilt! I wont buy another Honda.