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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  Car and Driver 10 best for a reason - 2003 Honda Accord
  By NFLEagles1 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. The V-6 is electric motor quiet in moderate acceleration, as well as silk smooth. Honda recommends regular gasoline unlike most other competitors. The interior is the best part. The Camry was too boring. The Camry doesnt come close to the Accord in standard features. The Accord doesnt have auto headlights, but it does have a way of doing it. If you leave the headlights on, the car will shut them off 15 seconds after you turn off the car, and leave. Youll have daytime running lamps during the day, and auto headlights at night.

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  The New Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ttamatt2 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I am a 16 year old driver, and I have to say that everywhere I go my Accord Coupe turns heads. Honda did a great job of re-designing it. The outside is aggresive looking and sporty, as is the inside with the brushed aluminum. The driving experience is great, and the ride is smooth. Before buying this, I looked at BMWs, the Toyotas, and Nissans. I am completly happy with my purchase, and have not had one single problem. The 4 cyclinder engine is peppy, and when I need to go I can go. Anyone debating about this car should deffinatly purchase it.

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  Love the new body style.... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By LG - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  Miniature version of the Pilot, not quite as smooth a ride, but close. Perfect small SUV for those who arent locked into the comfort of a larger one. I have a Pilot, daughter fell in love with CRV and traded her new Civic for it (shes 20). Much "sportier" than the prior years, kind of look like the new small BMW SUVs (much better reliability Im sure).

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  2007 Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike - September 19 - 6:43 pm

  I wanted a Hybrid so I could receive the CA Carpool sticker. The Toyota seemed like a slightly updated Tercel. Cheap feel, though lots of gadgets. I would not have bought a Hybrid if the Toyota Prius was my only option. The Honda Hybrid actually felt like a "real" car.

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  Fun To Drive - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Justin - September 19 - 5:22 pm

  The handling for this car is amazing for a convertible. The steering wheel and pedals are perfect in placement. The shifter has the shortest throws out of any of its competitors. It brakes 70- 0 in 162 ft. which is in the exotic car range. The only thing this car lacks is torque, but it has the highest horsepower for per liter, 120, than in any other mass produced street car.

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  This is such a nice car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ale - September 19 - 1:44 pm

  Im 17 and this is my first sports car. I think it handles better than any BMW or Lexus and the car takes turns like a dream.

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  Catches your eye on the road! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By lise gray - September 19 - 9:21 am

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  outstanding! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Xena - September 18 - 9:23 pm

  I originally looked at this vehicle because of the ever rising gas prices. After test driving one I fell in love with it. What is better than high gas mileage, futuristic styling, solid reliability, comfortable and fun to drive?

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Trzcinski - September 18 - 8:31 pm

  Traded in 2015 MDX, better value and utility, though drives more like a truck then a sporty MDX. Good for kids and dogs and teenage drivers. Best midsize SUV all around.

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  Old man that wanted a comfortable pickup - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By charles johnson - September 18 - 5:48 pm

  I have only had the vehicle a short time, but I love it. This is my first Honda.