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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  Awful Seat Design! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By marvelous2 - September 25 - 7:30 pm

  I just traded this car after owning it for a few months! It cost me thousands of dollars to get rid of it, but the seats gave me and my wife back pain after 20 minutes of driving! No one, the dealer or American Honda, would help me. Take a long test drive before buying this car. Wish I had! Buyer beware!

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  The best commuter car gets better. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mattyjrich - September 25 - 12:40 pm

  I traded an 03 Civic LX for an 06. Honda addressed the all the areas where the older Civic needed updating. Power, the new motor is amazing; better mileage (I got 42 MPG on the first tank), smoother and more power! The manual says 10,000 miles between oil changes, save money on gas and oil! Style, updated inside and out; the aerodynamic design of the body is complemented perfectly with the futuristic/functional design inside. Safety, stanard anti lock brakes and side impact air bags. The steering wheel with the tilt and telescoping adjustments and drivers seat hieght adjustments make it easy to find the perfect driving position and adjust your position when needed.

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  Very satisfied - quality vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stan - September 25 - 9:10 am

  Ive had my Accord for about 4 months, and recently returned from a 1200+ mile trip, averaging 35 mpg (mostly highway). There is more than adequate power for me with the 4cyl engine (and use of regular gas is a plus). Even though the drive is on the sporty/stiff side, its quite comfortable. The interior is tastefully and thoughtfully designed. I feel like Im in a luxury sports sedan without the luxury price. Not a stand-out car (seems like Im always passing one on the street), but a solid/reliable vehicle. If only it werent one of the top stolen vehicles in my city...

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  2006 Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill Sewell - September 25 - 12:16 am

  I have enjoyed my 2006 honda civic. I get lots of compliments on my car. I really like the digital features on the dash. The four cyclinder in this car is almost as good as the v6 in my 02 accord. I also really like the body style all though i would like for the tail lights to be euro lights.

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  Second review for my Labrador Retrievers car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By My Labrador Retrievers Car - September 24 - 10:11 pm

  I took a huge loss on this car in order to get rid of it because Honda currently has no means to fix it. Honda sent the recall letter in March stating the drivers air-bag inflator could fail and kill the driver. They refused timely rental for me at the dealer and at Honda Corp. because I transport dogs and the rental will get messy. By August, I had an unnamed Honda Corp case manager in the works but no real action taken. It was my choice, but enough is enough and I gave up waiting for Honda to act and disposed of the 2013 Honda Fit at about 6 month into this quandary. I was open and honest with both the local dealer and the Honda recall hotline. I let them know in mid-August that I was done waiting and a close call with a yellow Cadillac is why I am tired of the unsafe situation and lack of action to resolve my car issue. In general, it appears they are flooded with calls and lack manpower to deal with people with unique situations like me. To wrap things up, yes, it was a good affordable dog hauler but it is gone now because Honda failed to provide any sort of accommodation until it can be made safe to drive again. If Honda thought that I was going to park my only insured dog hauler vehicle for what has already been almost 6 months and just wait until some day when they might have a way to fix it and make it safe once again, they were mistaken. It is very wrong that Honda would send me a letter stating that the car is unsafe to drive, yet have no remedy for me after already almost 6 months. Ill never own another Honda.

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  peppy, comfortable ride but low mileage - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chilehead - September 24 - 9:03 pm

  I recently bought this used to have a cash car and to get into something with better gas mileage than my truck. I love the styling and would say it on of my favorite years for being sporty and practical all in one car. I have lots of trunk space, the seats are comfortable and the stereo even sounds good. My main issue is Im getting poor gas mileage. I wasnt expecting the EPA mileage, but for a 4-cyl, I was hoping for better than 20/30. I average about 23-24 mpg. I have explored all the gas saving tune ups too. I was getting 19-20 in my v-8 truck. I wish I would have opted for the 6-cyl as the mileage is about same with more oomph.

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  97 Accord Over-rated - 1997 Honda Accord
  By bernerjc - September 24 - 8:26 pm

  97 Accord -not so reliable Lost trans. ($2400) due to a faulty trans. pump just after warranty (per mechanic-was a mfg defect) Honda did finally pay for 15% of repair 3 A/C repairs in last yr. $3650 of repairs in 45,500 mi $0.08 per mi repairs 27 MPG Worth $9500 now vs $18K new (not bad val. retention) Overall ownership cost incl purch. price minus curr. val., insurance, title, repairs, gas: $0.40/mi. (above $0.365 normal avg) well above my Civics $0.31

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  Looks like a great vehicle, if you could buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Hanchett - September 24 - 3:59 pm

  We actually looked at and drove an RTL (very nice), but we decided that we wanted some of the features on the RTL-E (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot warning, collision braking). Apparently everyone else likes them too! Sales people have told me these are literally sold as soon as a VIN is assigned *before it is built*! Sales people kept trying to get me to buy the RTL (which they sometimes had available sporadically), but if Im going to pay that much for a car I want it to be what I want, not what I might settle for. (Also, dont expect them to give any discount, even through Edmunds.)

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - September 24 - 2:04 pm

  Average over 20K miles/year with 4 kids and have had minimal issues. Replaced 2 motor mount and other than that just normal maintenance of tires, battery, brakes, etc. Driven to east coast and Florida numerous times from Midwest. Tow boat and wave runner regularly. Excellent responsiveness and great maneuverability.

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  Get it now!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Basil S - September 24 - 7:55 am