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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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Klein - December 17 - 1:26 pm

  We bought the hybrid civic new in 12/07. After 6500 miles I am more impressed than the day I bought it. My best MPG is to date is 58.5! Thats 600.7 miles when I filled up I could only fit 10.26 gallons in the tank. I have twice averaged 56 MPG and easily can do 50-53 MPG. It is all in how you drive these cars, I spend a lot of time keeping momentum and if you are at speeds less than 45 mph you can very lightly press the throttle pedal and run only on the electric motor. I love this car! Great fuel mileage and Honda build quality.

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  06 Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Shannon - December 17 - 5:40 am

  Great car! The dash is a little much but you get used to it. I love the exterior design and smooth handling. Definitely worth the money, not to mention to huge savings at the pump.

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  IM IN LOVE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By B. Gray - December 17 - 2:43 am

  This is probably my last hoorah.......so far....love at first sight

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  Hondas for me - 1995 Honda Passport
  By nannymom - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Passport for 7 years and have not had one single problem. We love the Honda reliability and resale value. We will never own anything else. I still prefer our older model to the newer bubbly looking ones. Its very sleek and sporty. Plenty of room inside for 5 people comfortably. The interior has held up well: upholstery, carpeting moldings look great even with 2 dogs and 1 child. No rattles, drafts, nothing. This SUV has not decomposed in the least.

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  my Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JESUS - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars i ever drove. it catches everyones attention even when its parked.

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  Raggedy Ridgeline to RAMBUNCTIOUS Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deafdog007 - December 16 - 7:38 pm

  NOW this looks, feels & functions as a truck! However you have the extremely comfortable, quiet & luxurious ride like the Honda Pilot. Plus you have all the little fun yet very functional additions of under the bed storage/ice cooler (with drain plug), storage under the rear seats (that fold up for large items) & all 4 door panels have divided storage. A/C for the rear section makes for chilled out passengers & super safe child restraints for car seats. Weve only had for a few months so cant speak to longer term issues like maintenance, resale or warranty, but if it holds true to the Honda tradition it should do extremely well.

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  HONDAS BEST KEPT SECRET - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By lugbolt1 - December 16 - 12:05 pm

  Honda has really missed the boat on promoting the crosstour. It has been classed with the Toyota Venza and Subaru, but unless you really need the few extra cubic feet of cargo, there is no comparison. This is the nicest road trip vehicle I have ever purchased including 3 bmws and 2 cadillacs. Trip right out of the box to Florida from Pa and got 28 Mpg and an incredible ride and this is 4wd. If word really got out on this car there wouldnt be any on the lot. Also $34,920 list price went down to $29,900 plus sales tx and title! We decided to look at this car initially because our sons 2009 Accord V6 Coupe has been such an incredible car.

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  Excellent car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By brem - December 16 - 10:00 am

  smooth, plenty of rooms, never have a problem with the car for over 7 years, everyday used, and very quick for a mid-size car.

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  Excellent Car for the Money - 1997 Honda Accord
  By gatorkat - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone. It is stylish, yet functional and economical. AWESOME GAS MILEAGE and the engine (2.2L, 4 cyl.)is pretty peppy. I have the EX-L and the interior is stylish without being too frilly, very spacious as well. No mechanical problems whatsoever, very sound car. Rides nicely too. Definitely recommend this car to anyone interested in buying one!

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  What a buy? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By airaj - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this minivan than anything. It is a combination of luxury, power, and design. I trade-in my 2001 honda accord v6 with this minivan, I was a little upset when I did that but now I am 100% convinced, I did the best thing after driving this vehilce for over 8 months now.