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:

• 

  One great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mike - September 30 - 6:36 pm

  Smooth ride; great looking, classy exterior. Roomy interior; excellent control panel.

• 

  My First Honda Too!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By My First Honda Too!! - September 29 - 5:10 pm

  Drives and Handles great! Dont think you need the V-6 Model for power. The Vtech I-4 190 hp is more that enough to get the car moving!! Steering is very tight which is great on a small car. The looks of the car itself turns heads, every time we go somewhere, someone is always looking....Overall i think you will not regret buying this Honda

• 

  A true sports car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Skip - September 29 - 1:46 pm

  I spent a lot of time reviewing and driving all the competitive 2 seaters out there and chose the S2000 and I couldnt be happier with my choice. I have always wanted to drive a sports car and Honda has built one that meets all my expectations including having to put it away for most of our New Hamphire Winter. It does not do well on ice and snow to say the least but I knew that and planned for it. I have seen a few out there this Winter so some people must add snow tires and probably studs and survive. The rest of the year is pure joy. The suspension and handling are consistant and predictable. It is a real 50/50 rear wheel drive car. The engine is smooth and very powerful for a 2.2 L.

• 

  Shouldve been a "Jazz". - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joe P - September 29 - 2:56 am

  This is an excellent little car. I waited nearly 5 months to ge it and it was worth it. Its fun to drive, gets great mileage and cuts through heavy traffic. Ive driven on twisty roads and had a blast. Lots of room, solid build quality, great handling, great mileage. In Europe its called a Jazz. Should have stuck with that name.

• 

  Always go with your gut... Love it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Riley520 - September 28 - 9:23 pm

  At first, all I wanted was a Honda Accord Coupe, then I saw the Nissan Altima Coupe. I waited and waited and one day I told my husband to stop at Honda to look at the Honda Coupe to compare the size. Once I sat inside the Honda I was hooked! You cant even compare the Nissan to this car. I love how heavy this car is, how safe I feel in it. Like I said, always go with your gut, and after 18 months of waiting for the Nissan, I ended up with the Honda I wanted originally.

• 

  My favorite Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Paul R - September 28 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car lightly used (19K miles) a few months ago. The EX is THE model to get. I have been very happy with this car so far. It replaced a 97 Camry 4cyl and since it is a much larger/safer/heavier/more powerful car, it gets a little less MPG. With conservative driving, I get about 24 city/34 hwy (properly manually calculated). The seats are very comfortable & supportive. I test drove an EX-L and felt the seats were too firm (plus, the EX-L seemed too slow..maybe not broken in yet). FWIW, mine is from Japan. I drove/compared to a dozen other cars.

• 

  Disappointing, really! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Don - September 28 - 1:23 pm

  I expected much more out of this car based on the many reviews I read; they all seemed to ignore actual performance under real world conditions. Cornering is good but comfort doesnt approach the Elantra and the engine needs heavy-revvin. Reliability has been very disappointing with six trips to the dealer and various repairs.

• 

  RDX killer - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By SBNP - September 28 - 12:14 pm

  People doing reviews in this should be in the high end class like the Audi, Lexus, etc. Once you see the features and tech on par compare the price and save some money.

• 

  A lot of fun! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Eric - September 28 - 7:36 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. Yes, it may not be as quick as a mazdaspeed 3 or even a VW GTi, but it left the biggest smile on my face. I test drove a Mini Cooper S, Mazdaspeed 3, VW GTi, and the Civic Si. Now i actually didnt even consider the Si in my original list but I thought I would drive it just for fun. It went from not on my list to top of my list in a matter of a hard test drive. It left me with the biggest smile, a lot of space, and the most money left in my wallet (out the door $21,800). Didnt think I would be a fan of the high revving engine but I am now. I highly recommend to take it for a test drive and make sure you open it up to get the full effect.

• 

  First gas grizzlers from Honda? - 2003 Honda Element
  By RobertCollins - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Hey I have just bought the car, I love the space inside, it is like another little living room just for myself and my dog. But, wait, why does it consume so much gas???? I thought that Honda cars are better than others in terms of gas-mileage. Does anyone else has the same problem? I averaged only about 18 mpg in 90% city and 10% freeway of driving. My civic gives me 28 mpg in same driving manner.