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:

• 

  all around vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By larry potts - October 21 - 5:43 pm

  This truck is fun to drive, comfortable, roomy back seat, lots of storage compartments, excellent radio and CD sound.Especially the XM and CD.I like the chunky look. Comfortable seats.Wish back seats would recline though.Glad we bought it

• 

  Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By petitelady - October 21 - 7:56 am

  Very comfortable ride and interior. Good visibility and tons of storage space. Good for short and tall people. Great offroad.

• 

  My 2008 Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By barney - October 21 - 6:36 am

  After few years of driving a Chrysler 300 I found the car of my dreams. Having dealt with Honda for years on a supplier basis, I have found that quality does mean a lot to Honda. This is a sweet car with all the comforts of home expect a refrig with a cold beer!

• 

  A solid compact SUV! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By emanky - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Well-built, solid, small-size SUV. The reliability is great (what you expect from Honda), have owned for 3 years, not one problem. The AWD is great in bad weather conditions. Cargo area is spacious, a good car for longer trips, as well as, carting the family around town. The fuel economy is good as well. Only shortcoming is four cylinder engines horsepower, its adequate, but engine struggles in passing situations and up steep hills. I believe Honda has improved this in later models

• 

  Solid, Reliable, and Great Resale Value - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Our 2001 EX has 45,000 miles on it to date and we have not had a single problem. As a matter of fact, we are still on our original tires. Honda has delivered, in our opinion, exactly what they promised - a quality van that is reliable and unmatched by any other on the road. Our dealer was so confident that they included a 5 yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty at no cost. But were glad we have not had to collect on it!

• 

  2017 Honda CR-V Touring - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - October 21 - 12:30 am

  Be sure to shop around as some dealers arent likely to give best price.

• 

  Its a BLAST! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BLAST - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is really a race car and its fabulous!

• 

  s2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By dfarrelly - October 20 - 2:00 am

  very solid. excellent handling right amount of oversteer for experienced driver. peaky engine great modulation in turns. good seats. best shifter to come out of a factory.

• 

  thats a real sport car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By bug slug 007 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  too bad that it didnt came with power seats and ajustable lumbar suport and a little extra torqe whoudnt hurt.

• 

  Ok, did nickle & dime us a bit - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mike823 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Got this 5spd from my wife when she went mini-van for the kids. I sold my auto trans 1992 Accord. This one has been a good car, except for two major repairs. We had to do the AC 2 seasons ago for a few thousand, brakes once, and a new radiator (blew out on me and almost left me stranded). Other than that, pretty reliable and durable car. At 122K still on original timing belt!