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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  The winner and STILL miniute champion - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By icvci - August 31 - 2:00 am

  How can you go wrong? Great MPG for a ute. Very flexible interior. Solid build. We didnt even consider this vehicle until we test drove it. I was ready to get a RAV4 and immediately changed my mind when I saw the interior.

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  2003 2 DR EX COUPE - 2003 Honda Civic
  By MOVADO - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i just got my car and its a little to early to notice anything wrong with it , i only have about 300 miles on it right now . but as far as i know , this look really good , i went from a tahoe to this civic and iam loving the mpg this car can gives . you cant expect to much performance out of a 4 cyl car , but is better than what i expected , and the seats feel great . like the "si" look alike wheels too .

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  One of the real mini-vans - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Iamav - August 31 - 12:00 am

  Without question Honda hit a bug homerun when they designed and built the 1999 Odyssey. Having been the past owner of one of Hondas first attempts to enter the mini-van market - a 1996 Odyssey - the 1999 is hands-down a completely different car. Larger, more comfortable and possessing the powerful and smooth Vtec V-6 engine block, this vehical has really no similarilities with its earlier models. The mini-van drives like a car - a smooth one at that. Aside from being a little thirsty for fuel - especially around town and in stop and go traffic, the Odyssey performs at its best on the interstates and open highway.

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  Honda EX 1992 - 1992 Honda Accord
  By EXBOY - August 30 - 9:15 pm

  I have been driving this 1992 EX Sedan since I got it right off the truck with 4 miles on it. The car still runs like a brand new Honda.

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  Great Fun Sport Car! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By NGEPOT - August 30 - 5:58 pm

  This car is fast, sporty, gets lots of looks and positive comments and blasting around on backroads and even around town is a great deal of fun. Ride is good, handling is solid and the engine and transmission 6 speeds are an absolute joy. It runs great and handles very well indeed. S2000 is really fun to drive!

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Barbara Grube - August 30 - 6:18 am

  Love this car! Handles great, fast pickup, cute design, only problem Ive had is the touch screen went black and it was difficult to get back. Not sure how I did it. So far has not happened again.

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  A Good Buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - August 30 - 6:06 am

  Got this car a month after its release and originally wanted the navigation but there was a 6 month waiting list so I opted for the ex coupe. Used to get a ton of compliments on the styling which is always a good thing. The two tier dash took a while to get used to, but I really like it now. Quality of the materials are great! Coming from an IS300...this car is actually pretty fun to drive, considering its a compact 4-cyl. Engine needs more torque but has good power delivery, I think Im just used to the V6 torque. Drove this car from Seattle to LA and back and its surprisingly comfortable! This car is very economical which is what I needed. I saved $800 last year on gas compared to my IS.

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  I couldnt be more pleased... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By chuck - August 29 - 7:36 pm

  I travel the country a lot and have it in all terrain. You name it. Never off-road though. It has been completely reliable.

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  Great for the Money - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jennie - August 29 - 8:16 am

  Fun car to drive, great on gas. I have only had the car a week but I cant get enough of driving this, it is so quiet and handles great. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at mid size sedans.

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  Awesome. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By tyler - August 29 - 4:12 am

  Love this car. Nothing to hate about it. After all was said and done, I bought the Civic brand new for about $13,000. Mine only has 39,500 miles on it. New tires at 32k, new battery at 38k (but the car was almost 6 years old, so I expected it) Love the STANDARD air, CD, Keyless entry. Add a trunk light and illuminated ignition as standard for all models. Could use more power, but has plenty for Value Package. Make a power package (power mirros, door locks, and windows) an option for the VP model. But no complaining here.. $13,000 for a new Civic?! Awesome I say! Keep up the good work Honda!