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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  Great minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Hari Krishna - February 21 - 4:27 am

  smooth comfortable ride, spacious, little bit lag on power

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  9REVS - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Justin - February 21 - 1:37 am

  The Honda S2000 is everything in one package affordable, stylish, and a hell of a lot fun to drive.

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  My experience - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rusty - February 20 - 3:00 pm

  Finally Honda has a good a/c unit. Great car but then need to get rid of the black only interior, shows the dirt to easily. Gas mileage is not that good around town.

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  06 Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - February 20 - 2:30 pm

  I recently purchased a the Civic Hybrid for the fuel savings and HOV lane useage. So far the car has averaged 52 MPG. I commute between Eastern Suffolk County (Long Island) and Queens NY, so its a mixed bag of Highway and city driving. Car is excellent and handling is great. Highly recommended!

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  Nice utilitarian ride, great cargo space - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Driver - February 20 - 12:22 pm

  Weve had our Pilot for about 2 months and have enjoyed it. Seats are comfortable for long rides and the interior is very spacious. With the 3rd row down we have plenty of space for our 2 dogs. The technology package is nice, although on curvy roads the collision avoidance system warns "Brake" when a car is in the curve with you. Steering assist and adaptive cruise control are very handy. AWD is nice, weve driven up a steep snowy driveway and along snow and ice covered roads and its always felt very stable.

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  Great SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Victor Ponce - February 20 - 12:19 pm

  Sporty, spacious ,good fuel economy is a great family car

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  Problems on ice - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Travis H. John - February 20 - 5:46 am

  I definitely am satisfied with the performence of my Civic on wet, dry, and mountain roads. I was very disturbed by the lack of control I had of the vehicle on ice and snow. With front wheel drive, I expected better than what I got but at 10-15 mph the car would not run straight while other vehicles were passing me at twice my speed. I will not be taking this vehicle into snow country again. Road noise is a bit excessive and the transmission is suprisingly rough. Fuel economy is excellent. Handling on dry and even wet roads is exceptional, but it cannot hold its own on ice.

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  Just plain fun to drive - 2005 Honda S2000
  By rob o - February 20 - 12:33 am

  The only down side so far has been that I can only share the driving experience with only one person at a time.

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  Another Great Honda! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dougery - February 19 - 7:13 pm

  Im a life-long Honda owner. I had stints with Plymouth, Subaru, and Jeep but always go back to Honda. This little car is the perfect example why. Although not as flashy (Mazda 3), Luxurious (Toyota Corolla), or fast (Dodge Neon) as other brands, this car offers a complete package and does it VERY well. No other model can touch the the design and ergonomics of Honda. Only Honda and Toyota offer top notch quality, safety, reliablity and resale value. If your priorities are reliability, fuel economy, quality construction, and roomy interior, this is the car for you! If you want a car that is fun to drive but drops in value like a concrete balloon go with almost any domestic sedan.

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  7000 miles and happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By review by George - February 19 - 4:15 pm

  When shopping for a vehicle I wanted one that was very versatile and got decent gas mileage. This CR-V does just that. Most of my driving is around town so my 23-25 mpg is OK and is higher on the highway. There is very slight torque steer to the right only on acceleration but it isnt a problem. Ive been able to carry my bike laying inside and at other times much stuff from home supply stores or lawn and garden stores.