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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  Great Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Loyal Honda Owner - February 25 - 2:50 pm

  Great SUV! I did a tremendous amount of research before purchasing. For the price this vehicle had the best standard features (interior). Further, this vehicle even cornered better than a 2007 Camary. I have no regrets with my purchase and recommend it highly.

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  I dig my HX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By belrod - February 25 - 1:33 pm

  Im the proud 2nd owner of a manual HX, and, overall, Ive been very satisfied with the car. With about 65,000 miles on it, this car sees mostly urban roads (especially the Capital Beltway), and is mainly used for shorts trips and commutes. This daily wear and tear has started to affect the starter and clutch a little bit (which hesitate or slip occasionally), but the car is still very reliable. Ive only had one major issue with it: the muffler rusted and fell off at about 57,500 miles. Otherwise, shes running strong and still looks great. And, except for newer diesels or hybrids, you cant beat the MPG. Recommended for anyone shopping for the ideal commuter car.

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  Almost ideal minivan falls short on driver comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By William Picard - February 25 - 10:56 am

  After about a month of daily use, I have only two complaints about the 2016 Odyssey EX. First, there is very little legroom for the drivers left leg. Because of the front cabin shape and wheel well placement, its impossible to stretch out the left leg while driving. Im comparing this to my previous car, a Honda Accord; I havent driven any other minivans, so I dont know whether the Toyota Sienna, for instance, is more comfortable for the driver. This may sound minor, but its making me dread my upcoming cross-country move, during which my leg will be bent at an unpleasant angle for 9+ hours each day. The second complaint is about the entertainment/information panels. My last car was a 1998, so I cant compare this to its modern peers, but the all-digital interface makes me pine for the days of physical knobs controlling simple things like balance and tone. I cant navigate through multiple menu screens while driving, just to control the bass or the balance. And overall, I find the computer controls to be un-intuitive.

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  Winner! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mike in Albany - February 25 - 8:19 am

  A truly excellent car all the way around. Keep it maintained and you will be very, very pleased.

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  Not carpeted - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By L.L.A. - February 24 - 12:58 pm

  I didnt realize that the car did not have carpeting until I got it home the next day. Everything in the car was black and the emphasis with the dealer was the controls. Ive never heard of a car without carpeting. I have the EX. I guess because they put in a moon roof and heated seats they had to cut cost somewhere else. I scotch guard everything in the car anyway and do not have kids. The seats fit my body perfect. Overall I like the HR-V, a step down from my previous CR-V.

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  Greeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Jeanne - February 24 - 12:55 pm

  This car has given me a new perspective on vehicles in general. While Ive always tended to make prudent purchases to fit my lifestyle, this ones been the best so far. While the car handles like a bat-outta-hell, gets mileage worthy of boasting, and has been comfortable and reliable for me, I realize its not for everyone, especially those with children. I own a retina-fryingly green Insight, and find that it does have what designers refer to as neck-break appeal. Mileage exceeds that of most hybrids, 54-79 mpg, depending on conditions & driving. Every friend I have shops, hunts & dreams about that better car to own in his/her future. I feel no need to do so. Im thrilled with this car!

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  perfect - 2003 Honda S2000
  By chile1955 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I am more in love with this car every time I drive it .The way it performs in all repects in unbelievable.

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  S2k - 2003 Honda S2000
  By S2K - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, consider I drive over 35,000 miles per year. It does have a rather harsh ride, compare to my old Prelude and Integra GSR. Nevery the less, it is a beautiful machine. If paying cash for the car, should look into a low mile used NSX.

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  A good "every day" car!! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Rank - February 24 - 2:00 am

  First, I must apologise for the not so good quality of my english... So, my 93 Chevy broked down last april and I bought this 150 000 Km Honda Civic knowing that its not a sport car, but an economic one! Its realy good at what it is suposed to do! But, I love powerfull cars... so... The 102hp/98lbs.ft. is not satisfying my need for speed! but shes good with my wallet! The most fun to have with a Civic is... at the gas station! but, it still handle very well and, with a manual transmission, it is possible to pass the slow ones on the highway!

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  Good choice for me. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mr K. - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Good car over all, but its not something that will knock your socks of (unless you are upgrading from Yugo.) Its a good choice for my needs, but its overpriced and overrated.