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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  Very Cool Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Groovin - September 16 - 12:16 am

  Bought in January - $21.9K internet price and have not been disappointed in the least replacing a 99 DeVille. Overall MPG average has steadily increased to 45 MPG over 8000 miles as I have learned and adjusted driving habits. Last several tanks between 48 to 50. High tank was 56 MPG! Estimate $1K savings in gas over the Caddy so far which got 19-20 MPG & took premium & that is very noticeable in the checkbook. Fun to drive & my wife takes it when she can over her 02 Crown Vic.

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  I like it... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ree - September 15 - 7:50 am

  I just purchased my second Honda Accord. The first was a 1997 LX sedan, the second was this 2005 EX coupe. The style is great -- very sporty, with all the features of an Acura TL, but with a much lower price tag. This car is sleek, and gets much attention as Im driving. Its easy to handle and has great acceleration. Im glad I chose to stick with the Honda Accord.

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  Love my new car! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Anne - September 15 - 6:55 am

  This car is really, really nice. A lot of cool technology that I didnt have on my old car. Love the lane watch camera... I drive about 60 miles each day for work, mostly on the highway. So that camera really comes in handy. I get way better gas mileage then I did on my old car (Rogue), but this car has a smaller tank so I still have to fill it up about the same amount of times. The only thing that irritates me a bit is for whatever reason the front seat buckle really digs into me. Never had this problem with a previous car.

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  Reliable Transport - 1994 Honda Civic
  By jalama - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased about a year ago with 187k mi, needed new clutch and clutch master cylinder leaked. Drivers window upper forward seal has gnarled up from the sun so window is difficult to close and produces wind noise. Otherwise regular maintenance is all this car needs. It has a smooth response and predictable handling. Everything but the window nag still works. At 198k and 11yrs age I expect it to drive another 100k without major issues. Look for quiet tires when replacing them. Previous owner was original and had no problems, despite a front end crash repair, just kept up scheduled maintenance. It is not powerful, if you want a faster Civic buy the Si trim.

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  My 3rd Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By skb49 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 04...maybe should have held out for the 05 though !!!

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  2012 Honda Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Margo Adams - September 14 - 10:11 pm

  Love this car great for kids and family trips. Love the comfort and just enjoy having this SUV. Love the back up camera so easy to use. Very last row of seats short on leg room.

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  Good Decision - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jeff - September 14 - 6:13 pm

  My 09 Fit arrived over a week early. Ive been driving it now for just over a week and I really like it. If youre looking for a really flexible vehicle that looks great (if you like its look), gets great mileage (better than it EPA rating) has sufficient power and is a very high- quality build, then, youd better try to grab one. In the Portland area, you have to move fast to get one, though!

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  2013 CRV 100% Reliabilty - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guerry bethell - September 14 - 4:23 am

  A pleasure to own and operate. We added after market leather and heaters for both front seats.

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  Fantastic car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Lawrence - September 13 - 2:03 am

  I have purchased this car a couple of weeks ago. Brakes are excellent, comfort is superb, and engine is the best ever. If I must find something not as good as its competitors, it is the styling, classic but not as sharp, and the lack of external temperature indicator.

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  Totally fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By toydriver - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this rocket this weekend and have spent 2 days enjoying every corner and soaking up the rays with the top down. Sticks to the road like glue. I love looking at this thing. Never owned a roadster before. Didnt know what I was missing. Great build quality.