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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  My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SUV - May 13 - 10:10 am

  Vehicle handles well. Has lots of safety features that are important to me. The inside is roomy and comfortable and rides well.

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  It aint your grandmas Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By William S. Rannells - May 13 - 3:46 am

  A few more "add-ons" and I would never look at another car. Performs like cars costing $10,000 - $20,000 more. Gas milage on the highway around 32 mph and 20 mph around town. Bought another just like it for my son;he got the 4cyl, I got the jet!

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  Funny what the editors pick as best - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Honda Owner - May 12 - 11:06 am

  Funny how the editors pick the Ford as "Best SUV" when they rate it lower than the Pilot, its smaller, gets worse fuel economy, is less safe, MUCH less reliable, and its "true cost to own" by their own rating over 5 years is over $10,000 more. Gee, thats a no brainer to me. Ill keep my Pilot any day.

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  Sweet Ride!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By grayday - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 02 S2K for about a month now and I cant say enough good things about it! I love the 240hp/4 cyl combo. It did take me a couple days to learn how to drive it the way it was intended. It took some getting used to due to the "rev" factor. Although the radio has often been called "weak", I find it sufficient with the top up or down...or you could turn it off and just humm to the exhaust note! This car is not for everyone as the ride is very stiff and the interior is not as plush as say the Audi TTs. However, for those looking for something different and edgy or if you want to feel like a Formula One driver, this is the car for you!

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  1999 Honda Civis LX Sedan - 1999 Honda Civic
  By SLS - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it. The only reason I am leaving the Honda feel is to check out the new Passats.

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  How can anyone compete? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tim - May 11 - 11:33 pm

  I am totally impressed with the new Civic overall. The build quality is first rate, and the level of standard equipment at this price point is amazing. Styling is a huge improvement from the previous generation, and I often find myself just staring at it, taking in all the details. I couldnt be happier with the car, and I plan on keeping it a long time. This is coming from someone whos owned 7 new cars in the last 10 years.

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  First Impressions - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Quizmaster - May 11 - 6:53 pm

  This is our first Honda and after the first two weeks we are very happy with it. It has amazing power for a 4 cylinder. I have driven mainly 6 cylinder cars but i think a 6 cylinder in an Accord would be overkill. We got 26 mpg on our 1st tank which mainly consisited of city driving. The Honda tradition of building quality cars is reflected in our vehicle. All the controls are just where they should be and fall easily to hand. The Honda Accord would be a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable car which also gets very good gas mileage. This may be my first Honda but if it continues to impress it wont be my last.

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  If youre looking for a really good SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Morehouse - May 11 - 11:16 am

  Only down side is they dont provide a hard copy manual, so if you need to look up something right away, you have to go to the CD they supply. Very inconvenient.

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  Honda could not have done better !!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph - May 11 - 2:40 am

  I have had the car for over two weeks now and really enjoy it. It is fun to drive and it is a must test-drive for those looking at other Small SUVs. For a SUV that is priced under $25,000 it seems to fit in the class of the BMW-X3. Great job Honda!

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  As good as its reputation... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By lawchica - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my little silver Civic because it is reliable, comfortable, and bigger than it looks. Need I say that it is great on fuel economy and low mantinentce? My major issue is that exterior is cheaply made, which makes this car very vulnerable to dings and scratches. Likewise, I have had more flat tires in four years than some people have their whole lives, but maybe that is just me. The performance is decent for the price and size of the engine, but if you want horsepower, opt for the si version. Repairs to date: new front brakes, new exhaust and lots of new tires.