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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  Fabulous car for the money - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By curer - October 8 - 6:45 am

  just traded in an 08 highlander sport for crv ex-l.. this car is by far the best car i have ever owned- safety feature packed, nice interior, not a bunch of hard plastic, love the matte finish on the faux wood - only one complaint - they come with the cheapest floor mats ive ever seen .... purchased the all weather mats to throw over them because i suspect these that came with it wont hold up for a year or more..other than that minor issue the car is fantastic!!!

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  Simple, reliable machine - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Snowbelt Survivor - October 8 - 2:00 am

  With over 150,000 miles on it, our Hondas still running strong, and the steering is still tight and nimble. Uses zero quarts of oil between changes. Timing belt needs to be changed at regular intervals, and the slightest warping of your rotors will cause your steering wheel to shimmy going down the road. In the rust belt, the rear wheel well area rusts out even if the rest of your Hondas bohdy is in great shape. Water gets trapped in here with no way out. Fortunately, our local body shop cut out the rust and welded in new pre- formed sheet metal on both sides for under $800.

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  sweet car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By pook22 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i bought this accord exr only a couple months ago, and i love it! yeah i bought it old but i should get a few years out of it yet - its a honda! i love both the look and the drive

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  Changed Thinking - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Steve C. - October 7 - 7:06 pm

  Extremely happy with my Honda! Traded in a Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe. Loved that car...love this car! Im 64- very comfortable on long and short hops! Figured out how to drive efficiently from various hybrid websites. 48.7 overall mpg and have slowed way down! Right lane fun!

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  No vibration here - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - October 7 - 12:10 pm

  Apparently, I got one without the vibration issue. I already have 65,000 trouble-free miles on this vehicle and I have never noticed a vibration issue. It has been the second-best vehicle Ive ever owned, with the best being my 2005 CRV with 290,000 miles on it. Im sold on Honda quality. And, bonus, the 2015 was built in the U.S.

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  Great bang for the Buck - 2009 Honda Accord
  By MJ - October 7 - 9:23 am

  I have had my Honda for 8months now and thought I would relay my remarks. I currently have 10.5k miles. Now Im a pretty picky man and take attention to detail. The Honda took my expectations above and beyond. Nothing broke or had I had a problem with. It did well in the Chicago winter with heated mirrors and the defrosters are placed well. I love this car. I am getting paint chips but I do ride on the Highways mostly. For those that complain about road noise get better/bigger tires - I hear no noise with the stock 18 low profile tires. Those that complain about the seat, well I never have a problem, perhaps my model has a better seat. Great car - I expected to ride this into the ground at 200k+.

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  The Best - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Mr Frank - October 7 - 2:00 am

  There is no reason to buy any other car the Accord works great, last forever and is fun to drive

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  So happy we chose the CR-V EX! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MCJ - October 7 - 12:01 am

  The Honda CR-Vs spacious interior and comfort is great. Love the side view camera that shows a wide view when changing lanes. Just packed the college student up and it held A LOT more than expected. Great car in every way!

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  Fantastic value!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By DRwatch - October 6 - 3:10 am

  Wanted to downsize a little from my 2007 Acura TL-Type S. Test drove an 2008 Fit to see what was all the hype. It was great. Couldnt wait for the 2009. Went to my local dealer and put a deposit on one even before they came in... the car was that much in demand. Glad I did. It is amazing. Not as fast (or flashy) as the Acura, BUT, it is so nimble and just plain fun to drive. The folding rear seats (up and flat) allow for an AMAZING amount of room! Dont miss the Acura at all. Average just around 37-38 mpg in city driving... and sometimes I really push using the paddle shifters :-). Test drove many cars before I settled on the Fit. Easily outclasses ANY car in its class. Get one!

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  pretty aint she - 1995 Honda Civic
  By James diggy - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from my sis at 116k miles. It is fun to drive, heater worked great, A/C sometimes is weak, just needs freon. worked great no big mechanical problems. The muffler had some trouble, but what do you expect with over 100k miles. It was a good car. The biggest problem that I have had with it though is Thieves. I owned the car for 1 year, and it was broken into and almost stolen once, and a couple days ago It was stolen and the punks ruined it. that is the problem with it, thieves love these things, and apparently they are easy to still cause 3 other civics were stolen in my same neighborhood and we have a relatively low crime rate.