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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  In my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By mmurphy162 - February 14 - 12:20 pm

  I fell in love with these at the Car Show in San Diego. I went out the next day and bought one. The acceleration is impressive considering its only a 4 cylinder. After installing an after market intake from AEM it is down right scary. My wife and I love it for our dogs. On long trips we donÂ’t worry about them being in the back of a pick up truck.

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  Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ethan - February 14 - 9:23 am

  This car has lots of interior space, outstanding performance, and the reliability that Honda is known for. The 5-spd is fun to drive and is quite zippy. The standard safety features also offer great protection from all of the gas-guzzling SUVs out there.

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  Uhh, its pretty awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chevster - February 14 - 9:10 am

  The car overall is excellent, great handling, awesome gas mileage, and decent power as long as you stay in the power band. The only problem I have with the car is the spongy clutch which feels like a video game, causing me at least, to grind a gear or two every once in a while.

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  Great buy - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Jc - February 14 - 1:32 am

  Base model but a great car! Quick, quiet and a great highway cruiser . 35 mpg plus on highway trips at 75-80. Car has great visibility, a huge trunk , and a spacious back seat. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power . The original equipment Dunlap tired were horrible, I put Bridgestones on at 30,000 miles and shes quiet and smooth. Love this car.

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  Honda 2013 Accord LX - 2013 Honda Accord
  By hondalx - February 13 - 6:14 pm

  I bought the car only three weeks ago. I dont drive to much because I have a short commute. So far I dont have any complains about this Honda. This is my first Honda. I drove a Mazda Millenia before for 13 years. I have a percepcion that Honda is more reliable and hold its value better than Mazda and many others cars .

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  CR-Vs Keep Getting Better! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Eldridge - February 13 - 2:34 am

  This is the fourth CR-Vs weve owned and every year and they keep getting better!

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  Today is a sad day.... - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Lyle - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my civic since it was brand new on the dealers lot 13years ago. It has been the best and most reliable car Ive ever owned. I see new vehicles on the side of the road with car trouble all the time and my civic drives on. Excellent in all weather conditions including below zero temps.. she starts up every morning and keeps going and going. Today I sold my beautiful civic for $1700 in order to upgrade to a 4door. I sure hope my new 4door CRV can give me 13 years..

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  sweet thang - 1995 Honda Civic
  By studly male - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that the honda Civic 2 door Ex coupe is one of the best vehicles of that year. Not only does it look good it also performes well. Plus for a high school kid it is very fuel efficient. I can also soup it up make look even nicer.

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  excellent for travel - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sharon264 - February 12 - 1:06 pm

  I took this car on a road trip, over 5,000 miles, with my two sons (8&13)and it was excellent. There were no complaints of discomfort. I highly recommend this vehicle or any Honda. I had an Accord for 12 years with over 200,000 miles and it was excellent.

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  Millenium Transporter - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Heb - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This Little Car is a 10. The only complaint ... its affected by crosswinds because of its low weight. Tailwinds provide up to 90 MPG. Average MPG has been 61.