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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  Love the car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Judith kahn - March 21 - 5:21 am

  Car is great. Had a little trouble getting used to short front end. Not as crazy about the dealership

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  Awesome - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sarah Morris - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I love this car! Its comfortable, simple, and easy to use! I feel so safe driving my 6 month old in it!

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  Outstanding SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - March 20 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove a number of SUVs before settling on the Pilot. Its an outstanding value. It provides plenty of space for the kids and their friends, has great safety features and ratings, and gets decent gas mileage for its size. I have been very pleased so far.

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  great little car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By barry - March 20 - 10:13 am

  this car is so good on gas, i average 6.5 litres per 100 km, mix of city highway. the interior is very roomy, good head room for 62" driver. More rear seat room than most big cars. I put a trailer hitch on it pulls a single seadoo no problem. little 1.5 liter engine is nice and quiet. The car is quick, goes over 180 km/h. manual tranny is nice, precise shifting, if your not after status, this cant be beat.

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  Very close to perfect! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 20 - 9:22 am

  This car manages to keep my long commute fun even though it doesnÂ’t have much power. The 5-speed manual transmission still shifts like butter even with 120k of hard driving in southern California traffic. This car really doesnÂ’t feel like it has the miles that it does. It still handles very well but could use new struts (they are a bit weak). This car has aged very well and I plan to keep it for at least 4 more years. The only repair other then routine maintenance so far on this car was the headlight switch under warranty.

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  Our First Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By joesp8 - March 20 - 7:26 am

  We love our first new van EXL with DVD. The interior was very well designed, very spacious, and very comfortable and room. Not so crazy about the gas mileage but still better than our old SUV.

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  Best value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jolsen - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Got mine just below sticker. Excellent handling, very spacious interior, averaging 19 mpg city and highway. If you have an old SUV, you will not believe the difference.

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  03 Honda Pilot-Navi - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Biren - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Its the best SUV that Honda has come out with--

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By AliveinBoulder - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Accord! Its a wonderful car for me. Its very reliable, reasonably fun to drive, great get up and go for a 4cyl/5speed, and loaded with many power features. I would recommend Honda to anyone!

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  2002 Si Hatchback - 2003 Honda Civic
  By redsir - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Performance,interior finish and build quality are the best yet.Much higher than other Civics. Outstanding seats. Driving it makes you go out of your way find to find challenging roads. When was the last time you went to work early? Compared to other Civics you will find it noisier, runs at 3500-5000 RPM VS 2000 and uses more gas. Do not underestimate these issues if you are buying. At 4500 Km, V-Rated tires have a vibration. Minor, but still there. Final opinion....always a blast to drive, every time I drive it. Buy one!