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:

• 

  Great Car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By phil9164 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Accord since Dec 1993 with only 2 miles on it when I bought it. It is a very reliable car with superb fuel economy. I like that it has 6 speakers.

• 

  From Jaguar to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Smitty - February 2 - 3:16 am

  Turned in my leased Jaguar early to get my new SE CRV and love it!!! I drive a lot more miles now and the comfort and fun in driving the CRV is great. Easy to get in and out, great hauling space, beautiful interior (I had the wood grain added) with the leather seats and all of the compartments--its wonderful! With a lot of interstate driving it can move along with the best of them--a lot of zip!

• 

  nicest car i have ever owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By jacquelyn konchak - February 1 - 9:06 am

  love the sporty style of the car and nice wheels. interior is comfortable and well laid out. nice size trunk. very appealing car

• 

  the little car that could - 2001 Honda Insight
  By bruce mcgrew - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I was getting 75 M.P.G. when I owned this car .I also completed 961 miles on one tank.

• 

  2003 Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By BacchusGodofwine - February 1 - 2:00 am

  2003 Honda Element EX AWD w/ manual transmission. This vehicle is fun to drive, handles great and drives very good in the snow. The short wheel base allows some amazingly tight turns. You need to get the fog lights and side crash bars for asthetics. Getting in and out with the side step is much easier too. The optional arm rest/cargo box is mostly useless, I keep it up all of the time. The sun roof is is in the wrong place and not electric. American versions cannot get heated seats and mirrors even though the hardware in the seats is there. I love this vehicle. Its very practical and versatile. Fuel milage varies with driving style. My girlfriend gets 26MPG I get 22MPG.

• 

  All-Around Awesome Automible - 1999 Honda Accord
  By akid87 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I must conclude that this automobile is the most incredible thing Ive ever driven. It is fun to drive, quite quick, and yet- because of the 4- is incredibly economic on feul. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody who enjoys a fun, fast, exciting ride.

• 

  Better than Prius - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lcohen3152 - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  Less complicated and no PHD required to operate. Just drove a Prius and the instrumentation was not only confusing but distracting. HH gauges simple. Mileage and interior room good. Trunk bigger than Prius and enclosed. Better for the person who likes to drive without bothering with glitz. Radio only fair. I have the upgraded model and did not switch to an added cost radio.

• 

  Great Sedan! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jay L. - January 31 - 10:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord. I had looked for a good car/SUV for two years and had test-driven many. At last, after running a cycle and came back to the starting point. It is not a luxury car but it gives you a feeling of luxury. V-6 is quite and smooth. The reliability is needless to mention - rock-solid! The first tank of gas is giving me 25 mpg (local only). Ill see how the 2nd tank goes. So far so great!

• 

  Best Car Ever! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By rdimler - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord and I will probably always drive one. It is the most economical, dependable and attractive car Ive ever driven. The body is sleek and it handles very well. This car runs forever and is so economical on gas. Accessories are so varied, creative and cool it makes it easy to dress it up.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Kayaker - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks after purchace, drove to Canada from So Cal. We averaged 26 miles/gal for the whole trip, with air- conditioning running, freeway, city, mountain and off road. This car never skipped a beat and kept us very comfortable. While there is plenty of leg room in the rear seat area, my 61" body wold like the front seat to slide back about one more click. It isnt bad but that would be nice. It has plenty of power to handle every situation and a very large cargo area with or without the rear seats folded down. We are campers, Kayakers and white water rafters so space is very important to us.