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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  Still the champ - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rocco - January 27 - 12:06 am

  After driving GM, Ford and Chrysler competitor cars plus Toyota Camry and Solara and Nissan Altima, Honda beat them all on total performance and predicted reliability. The Accord isnt much for looks, but it drives like a dream, accelerates great and is well put together. Best car for the money on the market.

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  Tight and controllable - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Takeout - January 26 - 6:35 pm

  Since day one, this car has been a pleasure. You tell it to turn, it turns immediately and not too much. You tell it to go, it goes and exceeds your expectations. Chicks galore! This car is the bomb, not A bomb, and affordable too. The only thing I could possibly complain about is how many times Ive spilled drinks in my lap or in my console because the drink holder/console is always full of change and other stuff that the drink doesnt fit.

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  great car under 30K - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pat - January 26 - 5:46 pm

  I just purchased a Honda CRV EX and I am very happy with my purchase. A great car to zip around town and has great mpg on the HWY I am getting 29 mpg on the highway. It handles very well and the view is excellent. There doesnt seem to be many blind spots. Its built very well. The doors are solid and the interior is well designed. There is a lot of room in the car and plenty of storage areas. There is plenty of leg room in the rear seats and could fit two car seats very comfortably. Its a great value for the price!!

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  Satisfaction - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 983K - January 26 - 12:46 am

  The Odyssey is a great minivan. The ride is smooth; engine is quiet and has some horses when needed. Good gas mileage too--one nice feature is the shutting down of three of the cylinders when not needed (like using cruise control on the interstate). There is plenty of cargo space. First experience with Honda has been good so far.

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  Superb transportation - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Richard - January 25 - 9:26 pm

  To me, this car exceeds advertised expectations which is unique in todays world. 95% of my driving is in the city and I easily get in excess of 45 mpg. I am surprised after reading some of the more recent reviews, that no one seems to mention the paddle shifters. This is a real innovation in my opinion. Not only does Honda allow you to drive in the most economic mode possible, but when you need some extra acceleration (such as an on-ramp to an interstate), you can REALLY make this car go. It feels just like driving a stick shift without the need for a clutch. Naturally, this will not get you the best mileage, but for those situations when you need some added boost, it is there.

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  Nice dependable car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Michael Ross - January 25 - 6:23 pm

  Weve driven this Civic in all sorts of situations, city and country, and found it very reliable and very much what we were looking for. The fuel economy is good. Our single complaint is that the rear bumper is very easily damaged, and when damaged the whole bumper cover must be replaced. It would be nice if they would make it a little more crash resistant at low speeds.

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  Just Right! Could use more! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - January 25 - 11:56 am

  Have had the CRV for three weeks, and drove 1700 miles so far. Comfortable front seats, decent back seat with three sections that individually recline. I carry two children booster seats on the outboard sides and a third child that doesnt require a booster in the center. Not a rocket, does not need more power for sensible drivers. First tank yielded 25.5 mpg, subsequent tanks yield 26.1 mpg in 70/30 mix of highway and city. Like the trip computer and maintenance minder system. Surprised to see no coin holder. Center console has a place for CD Changer on the Navigation Model that is not accessible for storage on EX-L model. The LX and EX have the folding tray.

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  Feelin Right at Home! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Patty Wharton - January 25 - 11:51 am

  From the test drive to almost two thousand miles of driving this vehicle, I feel more comfortable and in control than I have in previous cars I have owned for a few years. I can manuever into extremely small, tight places with ease. I can park amazingly well using the rear view camera, The ride is so wonderfully smooth and quiet. I feel so safe with my nine and seven year old in the rear seat, and my two Standard Poodles teathered in the hatch. When I walk out of the grocery store, I cant help but giggle a little inside realizing that the strikingly beautiful, shiny car parked in the lot is actually mine!!

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  The best car I have ever bought. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Scottoh23 - January 25 - 6:53 am

  I just picked up my new white Fit yesterday after waiting almost 2 months to get. I thought that I was getting a black one, but when the white one came in I totally loved it. Its an exhilarating car to drive and I love its versatility. Its a little slow on the start, but if you have and use the sport model (I have that) you can shift through the gears and you feel with the use of the paddles that your in a raise car. I already cannot wait for an arm rest to come available as an option, because I really miss that from my Jeep and my previous Honda Civic!

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  Perfect...but - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kaio - January 25 - 6:20 am

  I have owned the car for 15 months and I love it. However, there are some things that are just poorly thought out. 1> Map lights - these are unusable. The moment my wife turns them on, I can barely see anything on the road. 2> Tires - Within a week of buying the car, the inner wall on one tire cracked. Dealer refused to fix (Herb Chambers). Went to Sears and got free replacement. For a family car like this, a V speed rated $200 tire is an overkill.