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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  Excellent car for the money. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JasonO - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone! Im in my early 20s and used to love the fast, sporty cars, with manual transmissions, but found that it wasnt too practical for an every day commute to work. Just about everything is perfect, and feels like a much more expensive car.

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  good pick - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sted - February 24 - 9:42 am

  Easy and fun to drive, great in the snow. good acceleration and brakes. safety features are impressive. Had an oil leak within first month, I believe it is a manufacturing problem with the original oil filter (put on too tight) on the O ring (this is where some of those fires occured), fixed under warranty. It has been great. Expected a little better in gas mileage. Remove the center headrest for better visibility.

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  Fast! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer Mom No More - February 24 - 6:40 am

  Ive driven an Expedition for the past 6 years and I loved it. Being a mother of 3 boys it was time to "get my soccer mom car". But, I really enjoy this vehicle and I dont believe it fits in that catagory. Its a lot faster than some other mini-vans I had tested. My husband even enjoys driving to our cottage up north. Love the mileage compared to SUV. Always felt safe in the SUV, but I like knowing that side curtain airbags are standard even on the lower models - dont know of another make/model that is. Only a few things that should be standard by now but arent.

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  Watch me race with the touring!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Annie Lor - February 23 - 11:45 pm

  Car runs phenomenally, very smooth. Everything about the car is just awesome. Reaction time is on point. Breaking and accelerating is very smooth. Im really enjoying the car so far. I love my car!

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  Watch me race with the touring!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Annie Lor - February 23 - 11:45 pm

  Car runs phenomenally, very smooth. Everything about the car is just awesome. Reaction time is on point. Breaking and accelerating is very smooth. Im really enjoying the car so far. I love my car!

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  Minor flaws - 2004 Honda Element
  By Q~top - February 23 - 6:53 pm

  Been driving my E for 5 month now, lovn it ever since the day i bought it. Not a high performance car but great for what i pay for. Suggest to get the EX model if your planning to buy a stick shift, where only EX come with a right armrest on the driver seat. Sunroof not recommended unless off road camping is your favorite activity. Its quite difficult to get any thing (including passengers) out the back seat in a tight parking lot (common problem with suicide doors). Large blind spot on driver side, suggest adding a smaller rear view mirror on the left side. Adding bigger and deeper trays in the middle, where things are not easily bump out to the back.

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  Quality car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mtbikernate - February 23 - 12:46 pm

  I have about 750 mi on my Fit and I find this car to be absolutely excellent. I dunno how folks claim this car to be underpowered. Its much quicker than many other 4cyl cars Ive owned in the past. Sure, my wifes 225hp V6 Jeep blows it away, but then again, the Jeep maxes at about 21mpg on the highway. No other car in this category can fit 3 mountain bikes on fork blocks in the back. They go inside the Fit with no trouble at all.

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  Worthwhile upgrade from driving an Accord - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Frank from Colorado - February 23 - 12:15 pm

  Good handling and fuel economy for an SUV

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  Fun and Great Value - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Laura - February 23 - 11:30 am

  I am very particular about cars and this Civic exceeds my expectations. I opted for the EX L with a manual transmission and absolutely love it. Interior is very nice especially compared to the other cars Ive owned and the ones I test drove before purchasing this one. Stereo has a nice sound, seats are super comfortable-love the wrap around feature. Easy for me to get in and out of the car. Like the button that remotely pops trunk. Manual transmission is smooth. Steering is nice and easy. Handles corners well. Fold down rear seats are great. For the price, this is an excellent car and value. If you want BMW features then you will have to pay a BMW price.

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  Keeping It - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By orig-owner - February 23 - 12:43 am

  We bought this vehicle new and are not giving it up! It is the perfect size for us and our two young kids, and will only get a little roomier as the kids get older (and their car seats are no longer needed.) It is the ideal blend of size, AWD performance and mileage neither of us wanted a road hog gas guzzler. It has served us very well on 3 summers of consecutive vacation "road trips" across the U.S. Great car, great value (well under average price for cars), and Honda reliability.