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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  2005 Civic EX Special Edition Sedan - 2005 Honda Civic
  By M - May 2 - 7:40 am

  Honda has done a number on the interior of the Special Edition--very interesting to look at. Stereo looks like a higher-end after-market (6-disc-- great bass, clear treble, multiple graphic display). Magnesium metallic with graphite heated leather upgrade is a beautiful combination. The only problem I have is the lack of legroom in the front, and Im only 510"! Perfect car for small to medium sized people. Will be driven for many years to come. If you are looking to buy a regualar EX, DONT! SE comes standard with leather-wrapped steering wheel, better radio, spoiler, alloy wheels, etc. Overall paid $17,400 (sticker $19,175).

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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bob - May 2 - 6:13 am

  This is my fifth convt - I also still drive an RX-7. I thought the RX-7 was fun to drive until I got my hands on this machine. Right after I got it I took it on a week long trip up through NY, NH, MA, NYC and back to MD. It was a fab experience on all types of roads including tpks and NYC traffic and some very heavy rain in RI with no problems. I really enjoy its tight handling, road feel and ease of shifting. I did and still have difficulty getting the convert cover boot to snap in place. Dropping the top is certainly a lot easier than it is with an RX-7. I also like the acceleration reserve at high speeds - when Im at 70 or 80 I can easily step out and pass anything else on the roa

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Not sure yet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JOE - May 1 - 6:43 pm

  Great style, looks great in Black. Nice interior, great radio and A/C system. Nice performance from the 190 HP 4 cylinder. Smooth ride and handling under 60 mph.

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  Great family sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By rick - May 1 - 7:46 am

  I had the car for about a year now, it is great! It gets the stated or higher mileage, and the manual transmission is a joy to go through. Heated leather seats are great for those cool days, the XM I can live without, but its ok. No rattles, tight steering, it is a sport sedan for sure!!

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  You have to Drive it to Like it - 2005 Honda Element
  By michael riedel - April 30 - 7:33 pm

  It doesnt grab you on its looks - unless youre the type of driver that likes to set yourself apart even when standing still. The real love comes when you get behind the wheel and drive it. It has very nimble handling, a cavernous interior, versatility par excellence and simply solid quality. It is a bit buzzy on the freeway @ 3800 RPM but other than that, youll fall in love with the features, mileage, durability and versatility. Great for picnics, shopping, dogs, camping, etc. Love the stadium seating for 2nd row passengers. Great gas mileage. Only wish I had waited until the 2006 models when they will be all body color paint and not the gray plastic body panels.

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  2007 Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 2007 exl honda accor - April 30 - 7:16 pm

  This is the third Honda Accord that I have owned. Great cars lots of nice features for the money. My wife puts on 25000 miles a year. My first car was a 1979, 2004, 2007. Our 2004 had 77000 miles on it when we bought the 2007. Oil changes tire rotation and some time keeping the car clean so when we drove it we could enjoy it. In a nutshell, these are great cars.

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  Nice car SO FAR - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Terry Thompson - April 30 - 2:02 pm

  Nice car so far