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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  Buy this car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Victoria - May 11 - 10:36 pm

  Pledged to my very green children to do the right thing (as opposed to buying the Infiniti M35 I really wanted) when, in December 07 I made my every-10-year new auto purchase, I vacillated between the Prius and Honda Civic. The Prius was satisfying, but the Honda was fun, and I wanted fun. Now, almost 5000 later, I am so very happy with my Honda Hybrid. I drive 82 miles roundtrip to work, 99% of which is on state highways that are over rolling hills and traversing three tiny towns. In this car, Im getting 44 mpg and putting out very few emissions. My kids are happy and so am I.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda256 - May 11 - 6:00 am

  I drove a Maxima SE until it was totaled in a crash. I went smaller due to gas mileage. Looked at & considered Scion tC & Subaru Impreza & Accord Coupe. The Civic won on looks, trim level & handling. I definitely made the right decision. I fill up once every other week & absolutely love driving it. Theres a couple of blind spots, but once you get used to them, they are not a problem. Stereo system is awesome. This car has exceeded my expectations, especially going from a V6 to a small 4 cyl. I plain old have "fun" driving it. I added the auto-dimming mirror w/compass (dealer installed).

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lady d - May 10 - 11:33 pm

  Previously, I owned a Honda civic and held on to it for 8 years. I put a lot of mileage on a car and my civic was the first car I had ever owned that had lasted so long (8 years) with no major malfunctions, so I was already a Honda fan. Ive had my CR-V a week now, but I do really enjoy it. Its fun and easy to drive, and comfortable, with great gas mileage for its class. Ive had no problems at all with it so far, and love many of the features of the EX-L style. I would highly recommend this vehicle to others - its a fun, convenient car, with plenty of space, good driving, and Hondas impressive reliability.

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  This car is perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Indiana - May 10 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased a new 1986 Honda Accord DX in 1986. That car was with me through thick and thin. My new car is quite a step up. But the old cars reliability allowed for a big down payment on the new car. I test drove a BMW 325i, Infiniti G35 and Acura TL. The 2004 Honda Accord that I purchased proved to be the best buy for the money. A 240 horsepower engine that runs on regular gas sealed the deal for me. I would have liked the Acura but the Honda is the next best thing. I drive it daily and love the XM radio and Navigation. Voice recognition makes quit an impression on passengers. Leather seats are comfortable. The back seat space allows for maximum comfort rear seat passengers.

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  On par with my s2000 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Wil - May 10 - 2:30 am

  Wonderful daily driver to replace my S2000 that is now the garage queen. 10X better than an EX that I test drove.

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  Comfy Cozy - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob SMITH - May 9 - 2:23 pm

  This is our third Honda Odyssey and it doesnt disappoint. We just took our first road trip and it was a joy.

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  All I wanted n a minvan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By David Exley - May 9 - 5:52 am

  Have had this car for 8 years and have had no problems. Would buy again without hesitation. Only down side was mileage, but dont know what similar vans do. Can haul 4 adults plus 2 smaller people on backseat with no problem. Runs great with same acceleration. Easy to get in and out which becomes more and more difficult as you get older and joints dont not move like they did when younger. Van is a 2008 Honda Odyssey bought new.

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  Best Chioce - 1994 Honda Accord
  By PSU student - May 9 - 5:49 am

  11 years old and still strong! This is my first car and Ive owned it for nearly six years. Ive been beating the hell out of this car since high school and it never breaks. Got it with 60K and now with 140K it still runs 100%. With a 5-sp manual and the EXs V-Tec system you can really get exciting performance from this car however, if youre looking for a fun/fast performer dont get an automatic. I still get 30+ MPG on the highway at 80+ MPH. Other than replacing the master clutch cylender at 70K, only routine maintenance.

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  my review - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BluePearl - May 9 - 2:43 am

  Purchased the FIT April 22, Vivid Blue Pearl. MT-base model. Went on a road trip a few weeks back, about 2hrs 45 mins on back country roads, to camp for the weekend. One tank last the trip there/back and then some. Fuel light came on @ 398 miles! Its fun to drive handles well on all driving conditions. I love this car!

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Wm. Randar - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a work vehicle,the Honda Element&the Nissan Ex- terra were my two choices. After test driving each manual transmission vehicles my choice was clear. I had a trailer hitch installed last week,will be hauling two Harley Davidson motorcycles soon behind the Element.