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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  1 month in - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bryan Hamilton - September 26 - 3:22 pm

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  1 month in - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bryan Hamilton - September 26 - 3:22 pm

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  Honda Civic Nothing But Trouble - 2001 Honda Civic
  By DJ - September 26 - 3:02 pm

  I bought my Honda with 30,000 miles on it. It now has 147,000. I have never had such a disappointing car in all my life. The struts went out at 60,000. The air conditioner went out at 85,000. I had multiple oil leaks repaired. The engine burns about 1 quart between oil changes. Also had electric windows repaired and bushing replaced multiple times. But the worst problem has been replacing the transmission, it died at 130,000.

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  Great Great Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mommy of 3 - September 26 - 1:01 pm

  I have to admit I have always been a Toyota Camry woman until this car. Love it. I am so pleased with the car, rides great, good on gas, very very roomy. I have the silver which is very good on dirt. This is just a great car and I would tell anyone to get one.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  Best Civic YET! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tina - September 26 - 3:36 am

  This car is sleek and so fun to drive- It feels like much more than a civic with all of the accesories built in!Its peppy, quiet, easy to manuever and beautiful in and out-Its very stylish and comfy

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  Theres nothing negative to say - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Emily - September 25 - 10:11 pm

  I love this car. Thats all I have to say. It runs like a champ. Its quiet, comfortable. Has great visibility and roominess inside. You wont feel claustrophobic in this car. Has plenty of room for backseat riders as well. Ive only owned mine for 16 mo. but I love it and I dont think I would ever own another vehicle. The cargo area is nice and roomy and yet the crv manages to be a small suv with great manueverability. I just love this car. The cup holder in front of the control dials can be annoying if you have a really large cup, but if thats the biggest complaint, thats more than you can say about most! :) BUY ONE! Youll love it!

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  Easy Rider - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Finley - September 25 - 10:00 pm

  Shopped and compared trucks for 9 months before setteling on this truck. I wanted a truck that I could use in my surveying business and that I could use for travelling to my second home which is 500 miles one way. This is by far the most comfortable riding truck I have ever ridden in. The rear seat area allows for the transporting of expensive and sensitive survey instruments without worry. The in bed trunk keeps other field supplies handy and I dont have to unload these items everyday when I return to the office. This means that the truck bed area is almost always available for use. The safety features standard on this truck were not available on competitors models. I will buy another one.

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  Best Minivan in its class - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Craig Miller - September 25 - 2:30 pm

  I researched every domestic minivan on the market. By far the Honda was built the best. It has the smoothest ride, plus it doesnt feel like I am driving a bus. The Toyota felt cheap and dont get me started on the Chevy. Honda must have gone to great lengths perfecting their van. Its a Ten!!