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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  Hondas greatest car, excluding the NSX of course. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By juegavivobuay - January 10 - 1:32 pm

  Bought my lude at 252,000 miles for 1600 from someone in my area. Original engine. Weekly commutes between ATL and Charlotte by previous owner. It had 4ws(amazing in the parking lot, seamless at cruising speeds). it was auto(booo) but the 2.3 motor was still pretty quick. smoked eclipses, civic, integras, even a vtec lude. interior comfortable. 6 spkr audio setup amazing. car carries sub base extremely well. very fun to drive, almost gokart like. Totaled her at 305,000 miles, car split in half, roof smashed down, could touch the pavement from drivers seat through floorboard, and i still walked away without even a cut. Speed sensor went out and a/c lights went out. Thats it.

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  LOVE!!! I dread the day I have to replace it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tessa77 - January 4 - 1:32 pm

  This is the best car I have ever purchased!!!! I bought my 2003 Cr-V brand new and 9 years later have put 160,000 miles on it. I have had no major repair issues that are not associated with normal wear and tear. I did have to replace the A/C compressor, but only once and after 100,000 miles of use. I put mainly highway miles on it in New England with snow, ice, road salt, and a heavy lead foot without a problem. It drives like a dream and I have no issues with noise. I have been rearended on the highway 3 times and only sustained significant damage with the 3rd accident. This car is very well built and incredibly safe. I wish Honda still made them the same way.

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  Excellent Value For the Money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mrevan63 - December 31 - 8:38 pm

  I researched this vehicle quite a bit before buying, honestly not my favorite looking SUV, but when comparing to its competion, it is lower priced than the Toyota RAV-4. The write up by Edmunds in regards to highway performance, or the lack of, is false! If your comparing it to something with a V-8, then yes, it does not pass a car as well. But its not using a V-8! Ive driven many V-8s, and V-6s, this little SUV gets along great! Im getting 24 mpg combined, and 28-30 highway.

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  Delighted Honda Owner! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By luckyresorts - December 30 - 7:32 pm

  I bought this dream machine 2 days ago and am in love with it! The VP has a numerous amount of features. I paid $15K with only 15,000 super low miles! Driving this car is like being on a cloud. The handling is very good, no road noise, which some owners said is common in this year Accord. When I drove it the first night on my way home, the suspension seemed a bit firm and rough, then a day or so later felt much more soft and comfortable. Im disappointed the car has no VP logo on the trunk. Very strange. Plenty of power and very smooth shifting. The ride is so quiet, its unbelievable. Im so happy with my car and recommended it to anyone looking to find forever reliability!!!

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  2012 Fit Sport with 5 speed manual - 2012 Honda Fit
  By eighthhonda - December 26 - 8:33 pm

  I really like this car. I was concerned I would not like a relatively inexpensive car. The Fit Sport has exceeded my expectations. I had read so many positive reviews by national media and was hoping they were right. I agree, a lot of car for the money! I drove the Fit Sport with an automatic/paddle shifters was not that impressed, then I drove the Fit Sport with the manual. I was sold. That transmission "fits" the small engine well. Acceleration is surprisingly strong. Tourqe too.

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  The Best Yet - 2012 Honda Civic
  By nmskies - December 26 - 8:27 pm

  I have owned seven Civics: an 83 hatchback, a 91 DX sedan, a 95 hatchback, a 99 LX sedan, an 05 hybrid, an 07 EX coupe and now, my 12 EX Coupe. I loved my 07, and I believe the 12 is an upgrade on the gen 8. What has improved? I like the softened lines, the road noise has decreased, and the A pillar blind spot has been eliminated by thinning the pillars. Streaming music through Bluetooth from my iPhone is incredible. The quality of the Bluetooth is exceptional. I dont believe the dash is busy at all. The control buttons for the iMid on the steering wheel are intuitive and extremely ergonomic. I have never had a problem with my Civics, and I expect the same from this one.

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  WOW! What a great car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By mark_p - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  I purchased my fit in Feb. 2011, in the dead of winter here in VT. I used to drive a Chevy Colorado, and thought that I might be making a huge mistake downsizing to a petite FWD scooter, such as this. Boy, was I wrong! I tried to purchase every other make of similar car, and every time I came back to the Fit. In fact, I had a cashiers check in my pocket to purchase a Volvo C-30, and Ive never regretted the decision to buy the Fit. Of course, I have never had a problem with the Fit. Acceleration and handling are good. I didnt expect a Ferrari, & I am happy with the Fits perky attitude.

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  Best car ever - 2006 Honda Element
  By elementgal - December 20 - 9:48 pm

  I have owned 2 Elements and I have loved them both. Best cars ever. Great gas mileage and roomy! Can clean out easy so if you have 1-2 kids this car is perfect. Very roomy in the backseat for your passengers. This car goes anywhere! Snow, Ice, Grass, Water... You name it, it goes!

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  What an amazing little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By gmlover777 - December 20 - 8:28 am

  This was an amazing car, we bought it in 2000 with 15,000km on it, so it was basically new. Its a 5-speed manual gas millage was amazing. We only changed the breaks and the oil on it, and the only problem we had was the gauge light would come on for no reason but we got it fixed which cost use 35 bucks$!!. Well its one of the most reliable cars weve ever had, gas millage is amazing. We got rid of it this year because we dint need it anymore it was more of a spare vehicle for use. We got ride of it with 277,500km on it, and there was only a little rust on it. I could of kept it but it served no more use for use since it was a bit old as well.

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  First Month of Ownership - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zville46077 - December 18 - 8:25 pm

  Great family car! It is full size and fits our family of four perfectly. Weve logged 2500 miles so far. MPG mixed is 25 and highway trips have been 30. Havent seen the rated 34 yet. Seats are firm and you have to find comfortable position for driving. The electric drivers seat in the EX model helps to locate the comfortable position. Lower back can hurt and butt goes numb sometimes. Plenty of room inside and a huge trunk. Pretty quiet on the road, although you can hear road noise. Bought it for Honda reliability.