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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  LX-V6... Good Value, Excellent Car!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jason H. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This was my first BIG purchase right out of college and Im glad I made this choice. The exterior design of the car took a little getting used to. Otherwise, the cars performance is great! It handles well and gets great gas mileage (about 30-31 on the freeway and 24-25 in the city). Seating is comfortable (in the front and back), plenty of trunk space and tons of power on the LX-V6.

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  honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jim martin - July 10 - 10:00 am

  honda quality, snug seats,interior same as acura tsx.

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  My sexy Silver LX - 2006 Honda Accord
  By andrew - July 9 - 9:26 pm

  The Honda Accord has always been an excellent car. Very impressed. I drove over crappy roads and at 6400 miles I have a couple of rattles: one in the passengers door area and one in the rear panel by the back window. The 06 has a firm, sporty ride, unlike the Camrys soft ride (for grandpa!) I get a lot of compliments at work and on the street. Love the Alabaster Silver w black interior color combo....very sexy.

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  Im a Believer! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken Moore - July 9 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the first non-American vehicle I have ever owned new. All I can say is WOW. There is just no comparison on the other side. Need I say more?

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  I Loved this car sooo much that... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Tamila Darling - July 8 - 9:02 pm

  We just purchased our second CRV last night. We also own a 2000 SE model, that we just love! We are now a His & Hers owner! This one had most of the additional dealer add on accessories, running boards, cargo mat, brushed nickel trim, splash guards, luggage rack. Drove the 2000 SE for 6 yrs, the 2006 CRV SE has a lot of nice features that make this car even more of a value than the original one I purchased. Ive never had any problems with the 2000 SE, which now has 65,000 miles and Ive been sold on the CRV largely due to the low maintenance costs and safety record. Definitely worth the money, the CRV will not disappoint you!!!

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  Excellent car. Best value for the dollar - 2008 Honda Fit
  By EXCELLENT VALUE! - July 8 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent! I will have this car for at least 300,000 miles (like my Dodge Colt from years back. 248,000 miles same engine/transmissions also 5 spd) the fit is phenomenal! First tank of gas around 37 mpg (city/hghwy combined. If you drive the speed limit meticulously as I am doing now you can easily get 39-41 mpg! The Toyota yaris is smaller and $1800 more. Base fit comes with abs, pwr doors, am/FM/single cd - 160 Watt stereo. 5 spd shifts like butter. Short throws. Rides nice. Practical yet not cheap. Great build, ,excellent brakes, steering, road manners and of course its a Honda. So I am certain it will last easy 300,000 miles (just ride it easy and change the oil every 6,000 miles

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  Love my Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Karenn - July 8 - 5:23 pm

  Have had my 97 Special Edition for almost 9 years and am looking for another one! Loved the car reliable, reliable, reliable. Only issues were a weak air conditioning system - even when was working after being repaired several times due to leaking inside the car and just warm air coming from the vents, it was still weak A/C - barely kept the car cool. And the drivers window never had much power going up once it was down - tended to freeze up in the winter - not good after paying a toll and not being able to get the window back up. Those were my only complaints with the car and I think subsequent models have taken care of that.

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  I love my Smart Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sharon - July 8 - 4:56 pm

  I have the Blaze Orange Fit and this is the smartest car I have ever owned! I love the looks and enjoy the utility. I am an outdoor cat so I love the fact that I can put my bike in it with relative ease and it will hold a great deal of cargo for camping and hiking trips. Looking at it from the outside, you would never guess how much head room and utility it actually has on the inside! It is a very comfortable ride for such a small car and the gas mileage is outstanding.

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  Best family mid size suv - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ram sharma - July 8 - 1:24 pm

  7 adults can be seated comfortably, superior handling on freeways and village roads too, city 20/21 mpg, highway 26.1 mpg. Best inclass outward visibility, lots of storage space and cup holders, only downside Honda should offer navigation on the available 8" touch screen.

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  Car has been babied from day one. - 2000 Honda Accord
  By WILLIAM FLOREZ - July 8 - 11:21 am

  This vehicle is a durable and a very comfortable automobile that will be around for a long time. All the service has been done to this car and it still runs like its new.