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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  Dog car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Stewart Gingrich - August 1 - 3:32 pm

  Great car

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  Still goin ( like energizer bunny ) - 2000 Honda Civic
  By daily commuter - August 1 - 3:31 pm

  Had this car going on 2 yrs. Ive put 26,000 miles on it so far. Its never let me down mechanically. I had to replace all four tires and have a 4-wheel alignment at 54k. I have to say, that really improved the gas mileage. I have oil changed at 3k mile intervals. Gas mileage is great (with reg going for $3.20 a gal, its a must ). The A/C blows very cold ( its about 100 degrees as I write this ). I dont think this car will ever die (knock on wood). Would definitely consider a new Civic with the improvements that have been made.

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  Pretty good, but some annoying issues - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Evelyn - August 1 - 2:16 pm

  I have manual & had to bring it in for clutch issues 6x (free). The rear wiper only rotates apx. 60 degrees w/rear windows open you get a horrid air noise no int wipers & wipers grind on windshield crappy upgraded sound system locks are funny based on key position in ignition other than that, the car has held up well & will probably resell well also. It could have been better, but at least it never broke down on the road. I beat on it too.

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  3 and counting - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dawuud - August 1 - 9:56 am

  This is my third Accord and the third Accord I love. I gave up the last one with 194,000 miles and it now has over 250,000. After a brief stint with a 94 Acura, Im back with the Accord and its a wonderful car to drive. Its very comfortable and the heated seats are great this time of year. Driving up a mountain was easy the one time I did. The car has very good road manners and the steering is much better than I thought.

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  A Pure Drivers Car. Period. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JBG - August 1 - 4:38 am

  Ive owned an 05 S2G since Nov. 2004. This car is built for one purpose. To perform. Everything from the engineering is built to precision. The powerful normally aspirated 2.2 liter VTEC 4 cylinder engine. Best gearbox in the business. World class handling from its super rigid chassis and suspension. Classic and not over the top design. New and old competitors tries to be like it or tries to surpass it. But nothing compares to this cars balance in terms of performance, price, maintenance, build quality and reliability. Get this one of a kind gem before they stop making them.

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  From BMW to Honda and HAPPY!!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By RND1 - August 1 - 1:33 am

  After my wallet was being drained monthly to repair and maintain my aging BMW, I decided to go back to Honda. Ive only put 1500 miles on it so far, but this Accord is great! Solid build quality, V6 is getting 27 mpg with regular gas, plenty of room for the family, and excellent overall design. Expect to keep this 200K.

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  First small car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 1 - 12:10 am

  I love this car. It is fun to drive and the mileage is better the futher you drive it. Excellent manufactures assistance and concern. Dealer satifaction is high. Very nice people. I bought the car for gas mileage around town and it has satisfied me.

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  MOST RELIABLE - 1992 Honda Accord
  By J Cruz - July 31 - 9:35 pm

  This car is very reliable. I went from a newer car to the 1992 Honda Accord and it was a very smart choice. I drive a lot and this car takes a beating in the HOT Florida weather. After driving it all day this car feels same way, never sluggish and no rough idle, runs like a true champ.

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  92 honda accord ex-r sedan - 1992 Honda Accord
  By m98 - July 31 - 7:53 pm

  this car rides exceptionally smooth on the freeway and streets. the steering is also pretty smooth. on the performance, this car could use a bit more power since it is a very heavy car. i suggest that this vehicle should of been built with the honda prelude vtec motor. my accord i have done some modifications in performance and its much better than stock. passing is way way easier especially because my car is auto. other than that the motor runs pretty quiet and outside noise isnt so bad.

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  S2000 = Jet Fighter - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Brandon - July 31 - 6:52 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 1999 M3. Havent looked back. The car can play nice little roadster and the sporty feeling stays hidden if you keep it under 6k rpms. But when you see the curve up ahead an you hit 6k rpms, no more nice little honda, the sound becomes better than anything else youve heard, you turn in sharp and the car sticks like super glue. The S2000 can beat the boxsters in the turns if youre a good driver. This car feels so willing to turn in an accel. The interior is perfect, everything is in the right spot, the transmission is the best Ive ever driven with. The digital dash is very driver oriented. Honda somehow made a great car, even better. Not too many cars can compare.