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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  I love my Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dispatch5150 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My Accord drives like a dream. It actually has more cabin room than my explorer. It gets wonderful gas milage and makes my commute fun!

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  Go for Jetta NOT Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Fremont CA - July 20 - 6:10 pm

  1. Leather Seats are not good. I already see wrinkles - Bad quality leather 2. Bad pickup. 3. Mileage is not as promised. 4. Has 6 Speaker and 1 woofer but woofer is very bad (Honda or the Dealer continue to claim its good but its not good). Creates buuurrrr sound at volume 9. 5. Definitely need re-engineering in all aspects. 6. Buy EX-L if the on-road price is $14,000.

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  Cheap Ride - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jim Webb - July 20 - 10:06 am

  The 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid performs as expected from a Honda product, but has a battery located behind the back seat. The battery provides additional power to the small but adequate gasoline engine. As a manager I purchased the automobile for frequent short distance trips and have been very pleased to find out that the fuel economy is enhanced by stop and go driving. Each time the vehicle stops, the battery charges and is used to boost the gasoline engine. The most interesting part of the vehicle(s), we purchased two, is that when it is at a stop, you cannot hear the engine at all. The ones we purchased have all of the bells and whistles of any other car, but is very practical.

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  Still happy - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By carzilla - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the one vehicle I have owned (of many) that I feel was money well spent after years of ownership. No major drawbacks other than the lack of options like leather and a DVD when I bought it. A minor annoyance is the road noise on the expressway but maybe better tires would fix that problem.

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  A perfect 10! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By gingerg1218 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My first new Honda Civic was in 1992 with the new body style. Im on my fourth Civic - graduating to the EX. I have beaten every one of them up and they never fail me. Im ready to buy #5 soon - probably the 2003. They hold their value no matter how long youve had your Honda. Ive never lost money in the sales of my Civics. Highly Recommended to younger females because of reliability!!!

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  Resale value higher than sales price - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By ric - July 20 - 10:00 am

  A great ride and keeps my family very safe. I paid less than what I see the same used models selling for today. Imagine buying a car and making money on it!

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  2000 Civic Si ROCKS! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By CJH - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Make no mistake, this is a drivers car. The highlight of the car is the VTEC engine, reportedly a result of Hondas involvement in racing...oh, so thats why when you get on it, it sounds like a NASCAR stocker screaming down the backstretch at Watkins Glenn. This car make sounds that are very pleasing to the auto enthusiest, but may be annoying to others. The transmission is so smooth and there is hardly any lean in the corners. This car is hard to drive slow. Even with this excellent performance, the car gets 26 to 31 mpg.

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  The Perfect Sized SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By RedondoMel - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This great SUV is just the right size. Big enough to carry 5 adults or a large amount of cargo, but small enough to be easy to drive, park in compact spaces, and fit in my garage. The big 4 cylinder engine/transmission combination is smooth and powerful, and feels like a small 6 cyliner. Visibility out the front is excellant, but out the rear is somewhat limited by the spare tire. Ride and handling is a little firm but acceptable for a SUV. Honda biggest mistake was not producing the EX version with 2 wheel drive.

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  Pretty, Peppy but Too Techy - 2018 Honda Accord
  By m.j. gosdeck - July 20 - 9:53 am

  It sits low on the passenger side but weve had worse with KIA several years ago. At least you can see out of the entire window . A short person like me has good visibility and feels comfortable even with the low slung look. Like Hondas weve had before, it has a lot of pep, as though it wants to take off if only youd let it. It isnt quiet compared to Toyota, Hyundai or KIA even with the white noise adjustment. I looked everywhere to find how you know if it is on. Only the service tech could find it. I look at the manual a lot. In other words it has too much tech stuff for us that young and younger people like to play with but well never use. But then it is aimed at persuading the younger driver to switch from an SUV. We looked at Toyota too but liked the Hondas styling better.Ours is pretty to look at (red) and people have come up and asked about it. One day I found forehead prints all over the windows. Hope they werent planning to steal it.

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  John Do Couto Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda Accord - July 20 - 2:23 am

  The 2008 Honda Accord LX is a great car. Fun to drive, economic, very comfortable, and excellent on the highway. This Honda must be the no 1 car in the USA.