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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  Another Honda in the Garage - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Neal Ingram - December 28 - 6:46 am

  Wow!! My family has added a third Honda! I had hoped that this car would be available when it was time to add to our Honda car family. We already had an Accord and a Pilot. Both vehicles have served us well and it was an easy decision to buy another Honda. The only real decision was how to get as big a vehicle as possible without it being a full size SUV or minvan. I can say without hesitation that the Crosstour is a great addition to the Honda family.

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  5 Years Later — Still love it - 1999 Honda Accord
  By gdwriter - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Five years after I bought it, I still love this car— and plan to drive it as long as it lasts. That could be a while. Honda builds amazing engines even with the 4-cylinder, it has plenty of get-up-and go—love it when the V-TEC kicks in over 4,000 RPM. Its comfortable, capable, and completely reliable. Ive only had to do regular maintenance—not a single repair. Plus its sleek and handsome. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Honda HRV-elwith navi - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By rick mannoia - December 28 - 12:44 am

  Best car for the money. I bought the 100,000 mile 10 yer bumper to bumper. I should keep this car 10 years

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  Great versatility for the money! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By littlemissthing - December 27 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in a Honda Accord EX - we wanted a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle. The other MAJOR bonus is the possible seat configurations. For those of you who may occasionally need to haul something, but dont want an SUV, the seats are awesome. The interior space feels much larger than the car actually is; I was worried that the car might feel toy-like because of the size. I should have known better. Its a Honda - it feels solid and rides smoothly. The amazing part is, there isnt very much difference in seating and storage space than the Accord I had. The only significant difference we noticed was the depth b/t the front and back seats. Overall, were loving our little FIT! GO!

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  A must buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied - December 27 - 8:30 pm

  A great investment in terms of resale value, reliability, luxury, and sporty.

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  GREAT little SUV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rhonda L. Bonfiglio - December 27 - 7:03 am

  This car is reliable and handles the road well. My version has heated seats and electric drives seat as well as factory tint and electric sun roolf. The seats are leather and easy to maintain. I inititally intended to buy a brand-new Honda and select all my extras, but I bought instead a two-year old certified used because I SO appreciated the color; further, it had all of the add-ons I wanted. Its just a great HONDA. Love it love it love it.

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  Everything I expected from Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HondaSC - December 27 - 5:06 am

  Waited until this car was released to purchase new car. Was considering Lexus IS350, Acura TL, and Toyota Camry. This car was so impressive that I am glad we waited. We were a little leary of the Toyota engines since we already own a 1998 Lexus ES300 and have had engine sludge problems that seem to doom several of the Toyota V6 engines. Very impressed with the added room with the new body style and the power of the new 3.5 L engine is a nice step up for Honda. Was curious to test the VCM to see if it was noticeable but was very impressed with its ability to drop and add the cylinders as needed without notice to the driver or passengers. Very impressed with this car!

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  Fit to be happy! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Frankiepaz - December 27 - 2:10 am

  The car really feels much bigger than it really is. I was trying to drive it under 55 and it wasnt easy! The car responds and is very willing. 75 miles and the gas gauge has hardly moved. Should get better after break in! Took bumps very well. Didnt feel like the car was gonna shake apart! Got passed by some big rigs on route 80 on my way to upstate NY and the car held the road. I didnt feel small at all!

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  Honda Insight - A Drivers Car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Lawson - December 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first purchased the Honda Insight, it was for the uniqueness of the hybrid drive system combined with the uncompromised design. After driving the car I was astounded at how well it handled, and how fun it was to drive. One of my other cars is a Lotus and I consider the Insights handling to be on par with it. With all the sophisticated instrumentation, a driver is aware at any moment just how efficiently they are driving. That makes driving a lot more fun.

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  Driving a 5000 mile trip to Iowa - 2003 Honda Insight
  By onlyjazz - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The handling up and through mountain passes was amazing. I passed many other cars going up the passes. The batteries charged well going down the other side. I had the opportunity in Montana to test for top speed on a long level road. I was amazed at the result: 105 mph. The car was overload with travel necessities, but performed and handled well.