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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  like it so far - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vtfit - August 18 - 3:08 pm

  Bought a new Fit in 2007. So far weve seen an incredible savings in gas: anywhere from 32-38. Zoomy, responsive. Seats are a bit cheap and uncomfortable on long drives. We bring a pillow to sit on. Drivers legroom is not great for tall people. My husband is just 6 feet and needs the pillow to give his legs another few inches. Not many bells and whistles but thats not why we bought it. Very dependable so far. Great cargo space. We have been able to fit a TON of stuff in the back when you put the seats down. We joke that we can "fit" it in any parking space and we can "fit" anything into it. Handled well in the Vermont snow. Backseat is not super roomy but its not terrible.

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  Daughter s first big purchase - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Rena - August 18 - 12:17 pm

  This car is perfect for a single active person or a couple with only one child. The front seats are great. An adult man can sit comfortably in the driver or passengers seat. The back seat is designed well so a tall item can sit upright with the removal of it. A huge plus for moving storage boxes, plants, or Great Dane. The gas mileage is superb close to 28-32 in the city.

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  Very reliable car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Fan - August 18 - 10:56 am

  Ive driven it for 2.5 years has 50,000 miles on it, not a single problem on it so far. Replaced 4 tires at 38,000 miles. What surprised me was when I replace the brake pads at 44,000 miles, the car shop told me the pads on lt wore less than half, which means its still good! What a brake!

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  Great Family Sedan! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Matt - August 18 - 9:39 am

  We traded our 06 MB C-230 for the 2007 EX-L V6 and couldnt be happier. The MB was in the shop almost every other month. The Accord has been absolutely maintenance free, other than oil changes. The performance is terrific, and I much prefer the styling of this one to the new 08s - like most everyone else too! The only issue weve noticed is when the transmission downshifts during normal braking (@ around 30 mi/hr) it causes the car to lurch (it feels like the driver tapped the brakes hard) for a brief sec. If this is the worse that we experience, were extremely happy. I previously had a 2003 EX-L V6 and the leather began to deteriorate after only 1 yr, hopefully this will hold up better.

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  Hondas winner////10 best - 2005 Honda Civic
  By h - August 18 - 12:50 am

  This is a great car,easy & fun to drive,very practical. Great looks and handling, very roomy....A bargain compared to a mini cooper.

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  Great Gas Saver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By davemattb - August 17 - 11:43 pm

  We sold out Mitsubishi Evolution in an effort to decrease our car payment and decrease our gas consumption. The civic seemed like the obvious winner in our minds. We wanted a bigger vehicle (Accord or Acura TL) but their real world gas mileage isnt that great. We settled with the smaller civic and are very happy. The leather is great and Im sure the heated seats will be nice this winter. We started around 32-33 MPG and the last 2 tanks have been 35+. We drive 85% highway @ 80 MPH. The engine power isnt bad considering we live +7k feet elevation. It should be more than adequate everywhere else in the country. Maybe not as quick as the competitors (mazda3) but a great car!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Gail - August 17 - 10:16 pm

  We just leased a 2008 Odyssey last week of May. Barely three months old, on our way for a vacation the car broke down. It was brought into a Honda dealer and they found that there was a leak on the transmission and the clutch was burned. Good thing we were able to stop at the nearest area. So scared of what happened as we were with our five year old son. Now, even if we take it back and they changed the whole transmission, i will never feel safe again especially for our son.

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Hugh - August 17 - 7:29 pm

  I bought this CR-V with 41,000 miles on it, and now have 156,000 on it. Change oil at 3000 miles always with a Honda dealer. Have had 2 minor brake jobs, set of struts, 1 radiator, 1 back-up light, timing belt with belts and water pump (at same time) these were not generic. My son is a cert. mech. wiper blades 2 times,2 tune ups, 3 sets of tires. Only lasting problem is in the hot Texas summers my auto tranny does not want to shift at certain times, it kinda hangs in gear until I give it more gas. I take it in and have the tranny oil changed (3 qt.) 3 times a year, thats a lot cheaper than an AT overhaul or new tranny. Gas mileage never less than 24 to 25 tollway/city.

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  Love our CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Grayczyk - August 17 - 6:29 pm

  Zero repairs. Good view of the road. Brakes last forever. 21 mpg city 33 mpg Hwy. Could do with less road noise. Large cargo area with seats folded down.

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  Newbob1 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By NewBob - August 17 - 10:50 am

  I am very impressed with the power that the Accord 4-door Sedan Hybrids V6 engine with 255hp has. Addtionally, the car handles so smoothly and is so quite it sometimes is hard to realize the motors even running. I have gotten the gas mileage the EPA expects while on road trips, but slightly less while taking in-town trips.