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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  Honda missed a few "nice to have" - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By mikee - September 7 - 12:19 pm

  I switched from an Acura to the Hybrid Accord to save on fuel cost. The Touring model was the closest to the Acura insofar as interior comfort, technology, and "toys", but do not expect the power or performance of an Acura. Some of the items I miss include: no access from trunk to the interior of car, so cannot carry fishing rods or other long items. Side mirrors are not connected to the driver 1 and 2 setting. "navigation" through the display options is not as intuitive as could be so unless you continually change displays, it is hard to remember how to. Otherwise, the car is what I expected. Looks great, drives great, and offers gas mileage thats almost double that of my Acura (same travel habits and roads)

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  Basic fun - 1997 Honda Civic
  By wrb - September 7 - 2:00 am

  bought base model ( lightest, nothing power but brakes, no options ) for 10800.- Put AEM airintake for better breathing and 10 more hp, sport springs and -shocks ( stiffer and 1.5" lower ), front and rear -swaybars, front strut towerbar, 15" alloys w. 195/55-15 -V rated performance tires, all for much improved handling, race breakpads in front to compensate for weak rear drumbrakes . Total cost for improvements : $ 3000.- Overall result: a small ,light, fast, good handling, cheap car with 40 mls. plus mileage, very reliable and lots of fun !! A 9.5 overall for sure.

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  AWESOME CAR!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By curty - September 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is amazing!

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  hondas H2? - 2003 Honda Element
  By joe gun - September 7 - 2:00 am

  ive already put almost 1,000 miles in one week on my honda H2 ; that is what most people say to me it looks like a mini hummer. Comfort is excellent, fun to drive well a 10! Interior design kids think its a playhouse and adults are wowed by the space. My trip took me from san francisco to pismo beach and i heard mostly good things from people as they mugged me in parking lots like i was j-lo! by the way most men loved it 4/5 while females where unsure 3/5. It satisfy that H2 hunger for less than half the price!

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  Civic LX 2001 - 2001 Honda Civic
  By maria1 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted to buy the civic ... not any more. Car had so many problems. I could not belived it ... car was in shop almost every month. I had to wait 5 weeks for parts first time car broke (some computer problem), next time car broke I wait 6 weeks for air-bag sensor.The honda service was terrible. They totally do not care. I sold the car few weeks ago - what a relife. I done with honda.

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  accord ex v6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By nomad - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Its powerful, edgy and fun to drive. It is home away from home.

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  Love this Car - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Curcio Joann - September 7 - 12:31 am

  Realibility, performance and good looking .

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  My First Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Dan Rhodes - September 6 - 10:51 pm

  The ride is a bit stiff. Overall very dependable. I particularly noticed that this car felt solid and has remained so even after 50k miles, unlike most competitive vehicles (I have rented other cars for my work).

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By KenVW - September 6 - 12:38 pm

  This is my best car I have bought. I have had many cars and this is by far the most comfortable and quality SUV I have had. I also own the Odyssey and it is fantastic too. I love Honda. This is a car is extremely fun and reliable to drive. The gas mileage isnt that bad. Anyway if you are looking to buy a SUV the Pilot is the way to go!

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  This is a great truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By dog - September 5 - 8:23 pm

  It will pull my ski boat, and looks good doing it. Interior room wonderful lots of magic places to store stuff, comfortable ride..the 245hp goes great, comes standard with all the good stuff. It is a good buy. For the price.. its a good purchase.. you want rear splash guards.. buy some.