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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  A Fun Car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By edl41 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car that is practical as well as well designed.And economical too.My wife and I prefer the Insight to our new Accord 4dr.Getting better than 50 m.p.g.running errands in the city.The CVT transmission is outstanding.Feels like a turbine.Ride is extra firm--which adds to handling.Disappointed in audio-but I like the car so much I may upgrade.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Grashka from Toronto - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V is a great car. I had very good expiriance driving it over last 4.5 years. I would and will consder replacing it with same model. Very reliable. I once drove this car across 23 states from Canada to Mexico and back during the summer heat, loaded to the roof with camping equipment. Always reliable !!!

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By 2swifts - February 7 - 9:13 pm

  My wife and I were reluctant to purchase a 4cyl vehicle. We drive the WVA turnpike twice a wear which will definitely wring out a car. I expected the CRV to bog down somewhat, even withe the 180hp engine. The cruse was set for 70mph, the CRV had no trouble negotiating the hills and the transmission, electronic throttle worked synergisticly with the cruise. WVA turnpike cannot be driven at 70 a good deal of the time because of tight curves, but we still kept up with the faster traffic in the inside lane. The engine shifts down smoothly and maintains speed. Some hills were quite steep and increased grade as we ascended. I pushed the throttle and the CRV advanced to 80 without strain or thrash.

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  New 08 Honda Civic Hybrid with Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joxes - February 7 - 8:23 pm

  With the gas price rocketing and the need of replacing my 02 Land Rover Freelander I decided to go for a hybrid. Decided quickly to go for the Honda Civic for a simple reason. I have long legs and I couldnt fit in the Prius. The Prius steering is not telescopic. The 08 Honda Civic Hybrid is great, I decided to get the nav which is by the way a great system very easy to use and the system even understand my foreign accent (french). Because of my back problems I needed to get a very comfortable car. The freelander was comfortable, the Civic is even more comfortable. The seats and the driving position are great. The gas mileage is excellent 44 MPG for combine driving.

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  Probably the best compact car ever made! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Soups - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my civic coupe in 1998 with 60,000 km on it and now in 2003 it has about 270,000 km. I have performed regular maitenance and have never had a najor problem except having to replace the oxygen sensor. My only regret is not buying a manual tranny instead of the automatic. Nevertheless, I plan to drive it for atleast another 40,000 km and then I will probably buy a used 1998-99 civic coupe.

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  2002 Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By vrdcman - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the S2K for about a year now. I must admit, I ask myself everyday why I bought convertible as a second car. But once I get inside of the vehicle, I am absolutely thrilled that I purchased it. It has the power and the "look" of any expensive $50M convertible, but half the price. I truly recommend this vehicle for any sports car enthusiast

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  Great value for features and style - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RAJA SHAIKH - February 6 - 9:19 am

  Compare other vehicles, look for great internet deals( i got mine at ~$2k less than sticker price)

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  1993 Honda Civic VX (Hatch) - 1993 Honda Civic
  By dvp560d - February 6 - 2:00 am

  No dragstrip performance, but what can be expected at a fantastic 50 mpg? Never any problems with anything only requires normal maitenance. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Grat car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Toby - February 5 - 11:46 pm

  This car is an eye catcher. Every body I know wants my car. Honda really hit the nail on the head with this car.

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  2006 Odyssey Touring is Awesome - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By venkat - February 5 - 7:46 pm

  Well after lot of deliberation beween Toyota Sienna XLE Ltd vs Honda Odyssey Touring, both are excellent minivans. We finally bought the Odyssey, the ride was nimble and handling was very good. It does not feel like a minivan or big vehicle. The interior is very meticulously designed. The seats are more comfortable than the Sienna