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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  The best choice in small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mycle1000 - November 16 - 11:30 am

  As of now we have about 3500 miles on our CR-V and we are totally smitten with our purchase. We compared the Rav4, the small Jeeps and some others and figured we got the best value for the money with the EX model. Mileage is in the mid 20s hiway so far and we assume it will improve as the drivetrain loosens up a bit. It is mostly comfortable for drivers and passengers of all sizes, with plenty of leg- and headroom, and nice seats.

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  Dramatic change for the good - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Alan S. Altman - November 16 - 4:36 am

  More solidly built, more rugged, larger, more confortable, and better performance than any other Accord and Camry that I have ever owned or driven in. Will buy no other brand in the future. Have driven since 1960!!! The new (American) Accord is a luxury car that provides the greatest value for the dollar on the highway.....PERIOD!!!!

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  Honda Civic will stay with us - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Bob - November 15 - 10:32 pm

  Weve owned 8 new Honda vehicles over many years. Right now we own a 2002 CRV and our trusty 1999 Civic with 105,000 miles on the odometer. This Civic runs as well now as it day on day of delivery and we are constantly amazed at the high quality of Honda products. Although we really like the new 2007 Civic, we cannot think of one reason to let our 1999 go. We change the oil(s) and do regular maintenance on this Honda as weve done on all of our others which have NEVER failed us.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Johnny Jones - November 15 - 1:09 pm

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  Honda rocks - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By BOBBY GORUN - November 14 - 10:23 pm

  I wanted an SUV that was going to be fun to drive,and spacious. Honda is the one brand all the other manufactures use as a benchmark. That opened my eyes. If all the other guys want to talk about Honda it must be that good!! And it is. Thank you Honda...

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  Blues car:( ~~you were so good to me~~ - 1996 Honda Accord
  By blueskeye - November 14 - 7:42 pm

  I just cant say enough about the Honda. From the day I bought it, until last week, Nov2nd,06,(265k mi) it was sooo good to me, fun to drive, got me back and forth comfortably to work, and back and forth on many trips to Florida:) and other places,dependably, safely...where is it now? at the collision shop, the rear bumper & trunk smashed in while I and GF were at a complete stop, the 2007 Audi SUV plowed into the back of it, at approx 35 mph, he didnt even brake! We were only minorly hurt (I hope, not all the test results are back yet), the unibody design, and the correct crumple zones did what they were supposed to do. the Adjuster considered it "A Total Loss"...I say it is NOT a total loss

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  Best of the best. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 70SS502 - November 14 - 4:40 pm

  I have tried hard to find fault with this car and cant. It is very fun to drive and I am getting 30mpg in the city. The two tier instrument panel is awesome. Most people who have looked at it ask if this is a Hybrid, I guess because the dash looks so unique. I have no issues with the "blind" spots others have reported. The cup holders are the best Ive ever seen but I will probably not enjoy cleaning them out. The cruise control works very good and the speeds dont waiver up and down hills like others Ive had. The steering wheel is simply a work of art and just feels good in your hands. The power steering is perfect too and is easy to park with one hand. Great car with awesome looks!

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  I love my Prelude Type SH!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By hardrock75 - November 14 - 2:31 pm

  I purchased this car used from an owner who had done all of the routine maintenance (oil changes, etc) on time , at the Honda dealer in Kirkland, WA. The auto had 42,000 miles when I purchased it in Mar, 2006. No "dings" and no apparent mechanical problems. It had an excellent stereo (Alpine. I recently replaced the original equipment tires (205-50r 16) with 225-50r 16s and like them more. I have driven back and forth from Las Vegas NV to Seattle WA 3 times and averaged 28.9 MPG-at an average of 70+ MPH! I drove thru Oregon (US 395) which is a fun highway for a sports car and had a ball! So far, I have had no problems to report and I have changed the oil as required.

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  Another great Honda Accord story - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Darren - November 14 - 9:55 am

  Purchased this car used to be second car and save on gas from SUV. Third Accord of this style generation. Although this car required more repairs then my others, its still a great running and looking car. Fuel economy is always very impressive. Great ergonomics, quality craftsmanship and materials, fun 5 speed manual, good handling and ride combo. Super dependable with decent maintenance.

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  Solid family sedan with a great V6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Deems - November 14 - 8:29 am

  If you like to drive and want a solid family sedan with a powerful engine that sounds great, the Accord V6 is a good choice. After owning a BMW 3 series for 8 years, it was hard to adjust to this car. It felt too big and too soft. But as Ive gotten to know this car, it drives much smaller than it is, it rides great, its quiet on most roads and the V6 loves to rev. It does its job very well without making a fuss. This car is like a good friend. The better you know it, the more you like it. I enjoy driving it so much that I make up excuses to run errands. And it gets amazing gas mileage on the highway given its size and power. Add great reliability to all of that and Ive got a winner. It doesnt drive as well or feel as good as the best German sedans, but for the money, you cant beat it. Ive concluded that if you are an enthusiast that can afford the best German sedans, they might be worth the premium, especially if you lease them and get the advantages without the disadvantages (long term maintenance and repair costs). But for most enthusiasts with limited means, buying an Accord and spending a a few grand more for that great V6 is a winning proposition.