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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  1996 Honda Passport 4 DR LX 4WD Wagon - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Imposter - November 13 - 2:46 pm

  Wow. Honda sure pulled the wool over the eyes of some of us naive Honda lovers. I am driving nothing more than an Isuzu Rodeo with Honda emblems. Bought this vehicle with 80K miles in 03. Since then, I have replaced 3 electric window motors, two rear gate gas shocks and it has a constant lifter ticking for which there doesnt seem to be a solution. A good looking SUV, especially in 1996 but this one is "egg on the face" for Honda Motors.

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  My 2 Cents - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Darin - November 12 - 7:40 pm

  Overall Im happy w/ my car, I bought it 7/31/09 and have put a little over 3k miles on it thus far. My one complaint and I knew this going in is the road noise. Im just not sure what theyve missed but the road noise isnt as good as it should be. Other then that its a great car fun to drive plenty of pickup for a 4 Cylinder. MPG seems to be about 27 thus far (I drive almost exclusively freeway) would like a bit better (my 97 Accord got around 28).

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  Pretty good car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Chris - November 12 - 4:57 pm

  It drives pretty well, I have the 5 speed manual, and it can go, iv done alot of mods to it, and tons more to come, and very easy to customize. New H22a engine on the way too. WOOHOO!

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  2 years - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By markw17 - November 12 - 2:01 pm

  Still really like the car a lot. Wins, mpg of about 41.5, drives great, hugs the road well and cruises quietly on the highway. The local dealer has done all maintenance and they are efficient and polite, and the price is very competitive. I think the Car is still as nice looking as when I bought it and prefer it over the newer models look. Opportunities, small rattles, something in each front door panel buzzes most of the time and its close to my ear...very annoying but I never brought it in to be looked at. Another rattle in the back either the panel behind rear seat or the headliner, cant tell. Small trunk because of the battery can be a challenge at times. It will be hard for me to not move to over to a Model 3 in a couple of years, Honda needs to step it up!

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  Love This Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Rebecca - November 12 - 1:52 pm

  I love this vehicle. It is everything I could have asked for in a suv. I love the fact that it seats eight. I dont know how comfortable it would be for an adult to sit in the third row but kids would be just fine back there. My husband bought this vehicle for me for my 30th birthday and I am ecstatic!

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  Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Brian Crow - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is flat out fun to drive. What an engine! The handling is terrific.

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  Great Roadster without sticker shock! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By blankcave - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It has exceeded my expectations! Looked at Porsche, BMW, and it was close with Mercedes, but maintenace is cheap and got a 2002 with 500 miles used from a private party below sticker.

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  very sturdy and worthy car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By bughugger - November 12 - 2:00 am

  amazingly sturdy, never broke down once in 7 years. Saved my life in a serious autwreck actually really quick, large trunk lots of interior space, basically lived out of it.

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  Pimp Ride - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Special K - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is so cool! There are so many modifications you can do to the Civic! The car is very comfortable. Its very fun to drive too, it has some get up and go! If you have not driven one get down to the dealer! What are you Waiting For. . . GO!

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  great ride - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sancarlos - November 12 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for more