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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  Sharp and comfortable - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ryan - July 1 - 10:45 am

  In and out will be different than a SUV. Quality seems very good. Layout is simple and logical, and well thought out. Performance seem good and ride is smooth enough. Happy purchase ! Still new.. Bought May 2017, the pull down on this form for year not working.

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  Sharp and comfortable - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ryan - July 1 - 10:45 am

  In and out will be different than a SUV. Quality seems very good. Layout is simple and logical, and well thought out. Performance seem good and ride is smooth enough. Happy purchase ! Still new.. Bought May 2017, the pull down on this form for year not working.

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  Im lovin it! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Olga - July 1 - 8:43 am

  I traded my 2002 honda coupe for the hybrid. I wanted to save on gas. Its too soon to tell but I drove it for nearly 100 miles and didnt use a quarter tank yet. The car is really powerful and I have to keep track of how fast I go. The interior is very nice a spacious. I dont want to get out of my car.

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  Honda did it right - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dopplerdon - June 30 - 6:53 pm

  Excellent truck. This is my 5th truck I have owned by far the best. Price was a little high, but the Honda quality is worth it. I recommend this truck for anyone who needs a 4 door 4WD medium duty pickup.

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  New EX-L Owner - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jim U - June 30 - 9:33 am

  Just got my new EX-L on 3/15. I love it. I had some accessories added, like wood trim, towing package etc. It looks and feels like an Acura, for a lot less. I like it better than our Highlander. It could be quieter inside, but all in all a very good buy.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JS - June 30 - 9:23 am

  Fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable for a small car. Great quality and nice features. Very appealing exterior design by Honda. Excellent investment during these tough times of rising gas prices. Tough decision after test driving both the Prius and Honda and ended up purchasing the Honda.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis - June 29 - 7:50 pm

  Test drove this car before I purchased it and find take off wasnt as fast as I wanted it but, It is only a for a 4 cyl.. Other than that Im very happy with my purchase. Very dependable. I take care of my cars and plan to have this for many years to come....

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  Sports Sedan Sleeper - 2007 Honda Accord
  By daninoah - June 29 - 5:40 pm

  Very few know that you can get an accord V6 with 244 hp and a S2000 6 speed manual transmission. The car is really a less luxury version of the Acura TL type S. It is fast, quiet, responsive, and just saucy!! All that, plus a lease payment under $300 including tax! This car has a sensible and ergonomic interior, a great sound system, carbon fiber look accents, great trunk, and good looks

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  great reliable suprisingly quiet car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By p g - June 29 - 4:06 pm

  this car has been very reliable. timing belt was the only major service done since 60K miles. It is quiet and nice with the right tires on it.

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  The Fhantm Strikes - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Aleeza St. Clair - June 28 - 9:59 pm

  Ive never had a car that I enjoy driving so much and Ive owned many different models including those with turbos. It does lose speed on steep inclines, but other than that it has quick pick up and is truly fun to drive. It also handles well in the ice and snow which is a must here in Alaska and I also love the sound system. My friend and I had room for two sets of golf clubs, two pieces of luggage, and a cooler with room to spare on a recent golf trip. I had to wait 8 months from the time that I ordered it until I received it, but it was well worth the wait!