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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  Good car but still has error. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By philong - October 27 - 6:42 pm

  I bought my 2014 Accord 2.4 EX-L one and a half month ago. The first time, due to I just moved to Georgia, they denied to give me a road test with another states driver license. The first time when I received it, it was a good car. But after 3 weeks, the Forward Collision Warning poped up random while nothing in front of my car and the camera was clear. I took it to Honda Service for 4 times about this problem. They told me that they checked everything and nothing wrong. When I drove the car home, it happened again and they told that it was weird situation. I need to bring it many weeks to check this problem, but nothing solved. The other problem is about the noise from the windows.

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  Great little car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By regularcarman - October 26 - 1:19 pm

  Having come from a manual 305hp Mustang, I was a little concerned about power but this car works well as a total vehicle for which its intended. The car feels powerful enough to accelerate and pass. It feels well integrated as the ride, noise and comfort levels are all more than adequate for me. Technology has delivered a car that is safe, rides well get amazing milage(I get 44-46mpg), and has lots of storage room. Hybrid cars look out, this car gets great mileage, costs less and holds more.

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  Typically solid Honda - 2014 Honda Civic
  By dafs - October 26 - 9:12 am

  Having already owned 3 Hondas, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the 2014 Civic. The superior build quality is typically Honda, as is the great gas mileage. The specifications and features are pretty high on the EX model, although there are some competitors (mainly Hyundai and Kia) who might offer 6 speed trans or satellite radio for example, within the same category/price range. That said, Im a firm believer in the durability and craftsmanship found in every Honda model, so these are small sacrifices in my eyes. The car is beautifully finished overall, from the solid feel of the switches and controls on the interior, to the fit of the exterior panels, lights and trim.

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  Not start from first month of new - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cazurra - October 25 - 9:44 pm

  The car is not starting from the time of work, the dealer is trying to convinc me of nothing happend to the car becose start right after the tech take a look in it. After coming back home next day stop running in the gas station, do not start again, after call the dealer in north Florida where I bot the car for help, send the car to three different dealer ships, service from all the dealers was with out help and the car continous having the same problem on a year time owner the car, Lemon, Lemon.

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  Great car, great mileage, but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By manihondas - October 25 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this fully equipped 2010 model as a Honda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle with 42K. I needed to add to my honda family, the Element getting higher in the mileage dept, 188K and I needed a fuel efficient car for commuting to my place of work.

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  2011 Honda CRV tire problem - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By richards3 - October 25 - 5:59 pm

  The Honda CRV is a good car until I hit almost 20.000 miles and had to get new tires because it would not pass NY inspection. Called Honda and got a run around and they would not admit that 20K is very poor tire life. I had to replace the tires before I got to 20K and will never buy another Honda Product,. The dealer in Binghamton NY is just as lame as Honda USA and they completely lost my trust.

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  Dangerous - 2013 Honda Accord
  By aggie89 - October 25 - 5:19 pm

  Honda should have never been allowed to sell a car with a CVT like this one has. Theres a rubber band effect. When pushing on the accelerator the motor goes into idle then takes off like a jet after slowing down. Honda is all too aware of this and the defective airbags but refuses to have a recall. Greed has overtaken the corporation, like it did GM, Toyota, and Ford. My guess is that there will be deaths before a recall might be forced. Look elsewhere.

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  Rattling noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By yblandin - October 23 - 8:43 am

  I have heard this rattling noise for months now. I have even taken it to 2 different Honda Shops and no one claims to hear the noise or even tell me where the noise is coming from.

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  In love with my Honda Accord! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By amyjv8 - October 21 - 11:19 am

  I love the power, the MPG, the look, the features, the drive - EVERYTHING about this car! I have never been so satisfied with a car purchase!

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  Definitely worth the money - 1997 Honda Accord
  By heyguysitsme - October 17 - 9:11 pm

  Bought the car from another college student. Already gone on multiple long road trips(100 miles or more one way), and it just keeps on plugging along at 250,000 miles. I drive 80 miles a day round trip on the freeway, and its done very well. 28 mpg average. Only problem is that these cars are supposed to have 17 gallon gas tanks, but when the needle is on empty, mine only takes 13. Not a major issue though. Definitely worth the 1000 dollars I paid for it.