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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  Best family sedan for a young family - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ism4212 - April 6 - 7:33 am

  I love my new Accord. The Special Edition package has enough feature for me. No need to go overboard with the EX. I have been driving Hondas all my life, so my review might be a little biased. 88 Accord, 90 Civic, 92 Accord, and a 2000 Civic. I test drove the competition before purchasing my Accord. None compared to the Accord when weighing features, reliability, value, and performance against price. The engine is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Plenty of power. I like out running all the "punks" in thier tuner cars. The 5 speed automatic is so smooth. Drops gears fast for brisk acceleration. No regrets.

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  Summer fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By toydriver - April 6 - 12:23 am

  This car makes a mundane drive to the QuickShop a hoot! Ive driven 3K mi since buying it used last Fall. Couldnt wait to get it out of the garage this Spring. Every feature of driving with the top down is a pleasure. Accelerating on entrance ramps in 2nd gear to near redline will get your heart pounding. Its like riding in a very well built roller coaster, except youre in total control People still express compliments, envy,"wanna race", and cool depending on age.

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  2002 Honda Civic EX Coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Mike Callaghan - April 5 - 10:46 pm

  I bought my Civic after facing the facts. Insurance for someone under the age of 25 is outragous. I decided on this car in June of 2004. I was working at the local Honda dealership when an older women was trading it in for a brand new Civic. I saw the car and felt that this would be a wise investment. I bought the car the next day. I have loved this car since the day that I bought it. It has started up every single time and the car has run flawlessly. The car could use a little more power. But this car gets out of this world gas mileage. I keep a record of the gas mileage I get ever time I fill up. I usally average about 36 MPG.

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  Safe car for family! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MLopez - April 5 - 6:46 pm

  I recently had a major car accident in my crv and thankfully due to the stability of this vehicle myself and my three children only have bruises, and some back and neck pain to show. our vehicle was hit between the driver and rear passenger doors and did a complete rollover as well as a 360 degree spin before coming to a stop at a brick wall. The vehicle was totalled however I would definitely recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family to own due to how safe and secure we were! I will be purchasing honda again due to the reliability, and safety of their vehicles.

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  Cant beat a honda! Best bang for $$$$ - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rraallpphh13 - April 5 - 2:40 pm

  Car is way better than previous models. however, the door handles plastic under part scratches very easily, and when getting into vehicle its easy to bang your knee cap or shin bone on dash end. HURTS!! im averaging 29.5 mpg city/hghwy and not the 40 mpg highway as listed. all other features are awesome. in general the car is comfortable, very practical, great resale value and built quality. i traded an 04 mustang gt convertible for this, and i dont regret it. Dont hesistate to buy any civic model :)

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  Love It - Will Never Drive Anything Else - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TaxiGirl - April 5 - 8:53 am

  I have nothing else to add except that this has to be the most amazing vehicle Ive ever driven. Spacious, yet drives like a car. My family loves riding in it (and watching DVDs on those long trips).

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  Fun fun fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By maccve - April 3 - 7:06 pm

  I just picked it up last night, but it has been nothing but fun since then. This is my second SI, the first being a 1990 model when I was younger. I never owned a vehicle since then that had so much fun character to it, till now. Anyway, it has a great sound from the exhaust and is a blast to drive. I have not quite gotten the sound system adjusted, but I am coming from a BOSE system in the vehicle I have passed to my wife, so it may never sound that good. All I want to do today is drive drive drive!

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  Cant go wrong! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Johnny - April 3 - 6:24 pm

  Ive had this car for about 5 months, its been nothing but reliable for me! Oh and it gets 44MPG! Recommended over any hybrid that will cost you thousands more!

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  super - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Constance Brault - April 3 - 3:45 am

  Have driven many different makes over the years. Wasnt sure about the Honda but it was rated number one and I can see why.

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  Happy.. so far - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By budinct - April 3 - 3:00 am

  I reseached my purchase for several months. I am a previous Jeep GC and MB ML320 owner and current Odyssey owner. I am very happy with the style, comfort, finish or the truck. Plenty of room, power and refinement. I purchased an EXL for a great price with the current incentives. No regrets after 3000 miles.