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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  Best small suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 18 - 6:26 am

  Compared with Toyota RAV4 both good vehicles but price and comfort CRV beats it

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  Very Hard To Get - But Worth It! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By David - December 18 - 4:30 am

  Finding a 6mt coupe was more difficult than finding Bigfoot. Had to order this car as there were simply none on dealership lots in a 5 state radius. Luckily car was already being built for another dealership, so they traded cars with my dealership, therefore only had to wait 3 weeks for the car to be built. Honda is slowly eliminating manual transmission cars from the US market, so if you want one of these get it while you still can. As frustrating as it was to buy, the end result is a car that is beautiful to look at, comfortable, and lots of fun to drive. Goes like stink (powerful engine), transmission is a joy to shift and the clutch has a natural, progressive take up. Car is a keeper!

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  Excellent car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Realist731 - December 17 - 10:52 pm

  The car is built very well and will last for a very long time if not driven like a race car and oil changed as scheduled. I have 177K on mine right now and cant imagine it not making it to 250-300K. It runs great and its the most dependable car Ive ever had.

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  Fun to Drive - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Monroe Freeman Jr - December 17 - 9:43 pm

  I have only had my 2017 CR-V AWD for about 2 weeks; however, I am enjoying it immensely. Three family members have one and they are very pleased with theirs.

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  2000 Accord Coupe Review - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Les Lang - December 17 - 1:40 pm

  I thought overall this car had what it took to be a contender. Ive driven other coupes and realized that my heart is still with honda products. Its quick, sleak, and on top of it all fun to drive.

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  2dr EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By norseman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. Quite roomy for the class, 127 hp is more than enough for daily driving. It gets out of its own way without a problem. Braking is excellent. The VTech engine just purrs. It alone is worth the difference in price over the LX/DX models. Seats are comfortable, although at 510" I just have enough headroom with the seat lowered all the way. The shifter is sublime

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  06 Honda Ridgeline is the top dog! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tex - December 17 - 1:16 am

  drives like a caddy works like a truck. got the tonneau cover and runnning boards...a must have items. its a dream vehicle combining sub and pick-up trucks. RTL w/ moon roof and XM radio is super plus!

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  Maine Pilot lover - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John T - December 16 - 8:27 pm

  Have now had our Pilot for one year. Its been a pleasure to own and drive. We have taken a couple of long trips (Maine to Ohio and back, Maine to PA and back) and have always exceeded the EPA highway mileage of 22 mpg. We get 18 city and 24 highway.

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  A car enthusiasts car! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By CUL8ER - December 16 - 6:22 pm

  I traded in my 2002 BMW 330I with only 6K miles 4 this car. I was really nervous at 1st because I loved the BMW but I am so glad I did. This car is so much fun to drive and it is so cool looking (I am 50 years old). You will not believe how many people stop to look at the car. Most do not even know what it is because there r so few of them. I had a man pull up next to me that said he was a Jag/Porch/MB saleman and wanted to know if it was an Italian sports car. I have joined S2K clubs and autocross events and am having a blast with this car. U will learn what v-tec is all about. I must warn u that it is easy to add aftermarket parts to customize this car and it gets addictive. Love it!!!

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  Amazed - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Cobb8606@yahoo.com - December 16 - 12:57 pm

  Rides great I’m in love 😍