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:

• 

  Good car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By south bay sean - January 13 - 3:15 am

  I really wouldnt want any other car at this point. I am VERY tall and cruise control would be nice so that I could stretch my right leg sometimes. Other than that it is great!

• 

  da s2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By dherhsthj - January 12 - 8:46 pm

  Well the s2000 is a extrordinary vechicle the speed are enormus but mine is different cause i supped mine up.

• 

  Reminds me of a MG A Twin Cam - 2004 Honda S2000
  By W&G S2K - January 12 - 1:21 pm

  I just purchased an S 2000, after considering a BMW Z4. This car is a hoot, and in my opinion a much better value as a true sports car than the BMW. When I was in college my roommate had a new MG A Twin Cam. Yes, I am over 65! Any way, the MG, as I recall was red lined over 7000 RPM, and it would screem at high revs, just like the S2K. I recall that most of those MGs experienced a total engine failure after about 10,000 miles. Everything about the S2000 is great except the cover for the top (its a chore to put on properly). I am also disappointed in the lack of oil pressure and electric gauges.

• 

  Comfortable, agile, manual transmission sedan - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Nicholas Keen - January 12 - 7:56 am

  The car doesnt corner as flat as a BMW and doesnt have the most powerful engine at this trim level, but it is quite fast and toss-able on a country road. The slightly gruff, very responsive character of the non-turbocharged 4-cylinder has won me over. The engine loves to rev, feels alive and is your friend for a fast drive, as is the handling, which is agile and sure footed as long as you feed the car some power through fast corners -- if you lift off or are timid with it, it can get a bit twitchy and nervous. On balance Id much sooner have this car with its absence of electronic add-ons, than an option-laden front-heavy V6 that is great for freeway acceleration but doesnt not have the balance of a four and is lumbered with an automatic transmission. Having come from European and U.S brands, it was great to get into a new car and have simply nothing wrong with it. Best points: engine performance; handling; steering; reliability; the standard halogen headlights are very effective -- really as good as HIDs; value for money; passenger space; San Marino Red color. Worst points, minor stuff but: stereo sounds boxy and tinny with a treble bias that cant really be dialed out (lessons to be learned from GMs ability to get decent balanced sound from a modest system); Bluetooth radio streaming sometimes fails -- may be the iPhone at fault; Im not doubt in the minority on this but I would prefer a fully manual climate control system -- this one does not seem good at holding a comfortable temperature and airflow volume in winter when set to full auto with a setting of, say, 72 degrees (but summer A/C performance seems strong). Overall, this car does pretty much everything I care about very well and I am glad I bought it.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - January 11 - 11:16 pm

  I was hesitant at first, traded in my Chrysler for the Honda - but quite happy now - enjoy most everything about the car - has better speed and get up that I thought it would have. Quite pleased.

• 

  Gotta Have Factor - 10/10! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Spike - January 11 - 8:13 pm

  This is as impractical but as much fun as a motorcycle. Its got clean lines and turns heads all the time. This thing revs like my R6. I have to admit that I need to take some driving lessons w/ this car since its very unforgiving and I have had a couple of close calls when I sled the rear-end, it was a result of my inexperience with sports cars though. Im very satisfied w/ this car.

• 

  I love it - 1996 Honda Accord
  By HOnd - January 11 - 12:05 pm

  I bought that car with a salvage title. It was in two major wrecks before. Recently it was totaled again. I decided to rebuild it - thats how much I like my Honda! The car runs exceptionally well. It has 115,000 miles on it, but it looks and drives like brand new. My recommnedation is to buy 4 cyl. EX with 5spd - it is fair on gas and yet when the VTEC kicks in... say astalavista.

• 

  My Ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By genia - January 11 - 7:43 am

  The drive of this vehicle is so wonderful it is hard to describe. I must say that engine is seems like a low lull that sometimes I forget that it is. It doesnt use too much gas. I was able to get from Northern California (San Jose) to Southern California (L.A.) with a single tank of gas, furthermore, I a tank of gas last me a whole week of driving on L.A. streets and freeways.

• 

  Love the car, not great gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bostonbob - January 10 - 9:00 pm

  We purchased this great car to mimic the utility of our huge Mercedes R350 without the high purchase price and to have a more maneuverable car for our around town. The CR-V is really, really fun to drive and has a very high quality feel to it. It is comfortable and quiet at all speeds. Its every bit as solid as the Mercedes vehicles we have been driving for last 15 years. The only negative is the gas mileage. Our overall mileage, which includes 550 miles of straight highway travel, is only 20.5 mpg. Our Mercedes RE350 (a much larger, much heavier and more powerful vehicle)has averaged exactly 20 mpg over the past 10,000 miles. Its hard to understand.

• 

  simple ergonic Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By divot97 - January 10 - 6:41 pm

  the car in cavernous on the interior. Great headroom. handles great in snow. suprising nimble for a car as tall as it is.