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:

• 

  loveit, ya gotta buy one - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By fordman - June 27 - 2:06 am

  This car is great, I have five kids and they love it, especially with the dvd entertainment system. The enterior is great, and it is also very roomy. Not to mention its not noisy at all, has heated side mirrors, easy to use audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, great cargo room(can easily move the back bench up to the middle row) and the list goes on. Thumbs up!!

• 

  Best Choice on the Market - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike - June 26 - 9:56 pm

  I had always thought of Accords as boring sedans, after over a month of test driving at least 15 cars it was clearly the best choice. I looked at all competing mid-size sedans along with a few luxury mid-size sedans, there was no comparison. The Accord is as nice as the 3 series BMW but the quality and reliability blows it out of the water. The Camry was just ok, but I personally prefer the sporty tight driving Accord.

• 

  A l - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Wendy Adams - June 26 - 12:58 am

• 

  Out of Subaru into Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - June 25 - 6:03 am

  I have driven Subarus for twenty years. Ive owned six of them. I was about to trade in my 98 Legacy Outback Limited for an 08. But then I hesitated and decided to enjoy the shopping process since I was going to be buying a new car. I looked at the Nissan briefly and then on to the Honda store. There I took a brief drive in the demo. That did it. That night I decided to give up my Subaru loyalty (theyre great cars) and buy a Honda. I got the EX-L because I wanted the heated seats and leather upholstery. I had the store add the rain deflectors. This past weekend I took a 500-mile round trip to Maine and back. I got 29.4 mpg. I had a good experience in the trading process.

• 

  Fun in a package that looks more expensive - 2016 Honda Civic
  By MOnte Morast - June 25 - 5:05 am

• 

  like no other - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2000whiz - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Zs and have driven practically every other kind of sports car while making up my mind what to buy. My decision was based upon the pure visceral enjoyment of speed and the ability to control it.

• 

  THE BEST CAR EVER!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By george p. - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a Honda Civic 93 LX Sedan for almost 11 years now, and I have to say that this is the best economy car Ive ever driven. Its reliable, fun to drive, has a big interior and low-cost.

• 

  BUY ONE - 2008 Honda Civic
  By WashingtonDCDriver - June 24 - 11:20 pm

  I have had a Pontiac Formula, Chevy Cavalier, Acura 3.0 CL and now the royal blue Honda Civic! Beats all of the others. I test drove others but was SO impressed with it I had to take it. I got the car out the door for 20k. Although I miss a v6, the engine is peppy. Drove it from DC to SC within the first week! 37 MPG averaging 70+ mph and sunroof/windows open most of the way. Handled great and study. reliability cannot be beat. Get the leather...seat heaters are great and the car comes with a bunch of standard features...stereo isnt bad either. I would highly suggest! Car shifts with ease too...really an all around great car. Actually roomy too...size of older accords.

• 

  Honda Civic LXSE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Brioninn - June 24 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in my Accord for this. And enjoy it so much more. Despite the loss of horsepower between the two, its a much smoother, more enjoyable ride. And the SE package is enough to make it sporty while allowing me the motherly benefits that are a necessity. Its the best of both worlds for me.

• 

  Easy Decision - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hanleybc - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Hanles exceptionally well in the snow, we have two of these and we have never had any difficulty. Interior design is exceptional, large knobs and buttons are all at arms reach. Gas mileage is excellent, gets about 27 around town. The 4 cylinder is enough because this is a very light vehicle. Highly recommend.