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 Pleasure To Own - 1993 Honda Accord
  By rinkwide - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Im not looking forward to selling this car. I have so many great memories in it and its been so reliable that to me its priceless.

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  2016 Honda HRV EXL-NAVI ( EASY RIDER ) - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Geoffrey Alford - October 13 - 3:22 pm

  Smallish, Great electronics / safety features / dash & data display, very accurate & user friendly navigation system, great fuel efficiency ( subject to driving style - I got 26 city & 36-42 hwy depending on road conditions ) small engine ok for size of car but minimal acceleration at hwy speed, lane change camera great for big city driving where fast and safe lane changes are needed.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By newfit - October 13 - 10:20 am

  I live in the desert, so I always have the air on this car is a lot less peppy with the air on. The gas mileage suffers by about 7 hwy. MPG and 5 city MPG with the 5 speed manual having the air on. I think this car would be much better with a 6 speed transmission, on the Hwy. at 80 it is running at 4,800 rpms in 5th gear. The gas mileage is still great just not as great as I had dreamed about.

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  The Incredible Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - October 13 - 6:03 am

  I could not be happier with my new Ridgeline, the features in this truck outperform any other truck on the market.

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  Great so far - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Romano - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car. Have recieved more looks and inquirires about this vehicle than any other car Ive ever owned

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  Great Car - New and Improved Version - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Diane James - October 12 - 11:13 am

  This Accord has a smoother ride since the tires are 16" instead of 15" that were on my 2006 Accord. It sold me on it during the test drive. The 2017 Accord is a new, improved version of the 2006 model. The interior has been updated and the styling is much more attractive. It came in a pearl white which I love. Over all, it is very nice. I love it!

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  Simply the best bang for your buck! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By freddiemac - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Over 5 years now and absolutely zero problems (not that I expected any). Just change the gas, oil, and take it in for routine maintenance and it goes and goes. The steering seems just as tight as when it was new. and I really dont know what more you could ask for from a V4. The interior, exterior, and performance have not lost a beat from the day it rolled off the lot. I could not recommend another car more enthusiastically.

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  It does it all - 2003 Honda Element
  By JakeInTexas - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I HATE SUVs. With a passion. But I needed something to pull a jet ski and haul things. This car is amazing...it holds tons of stuff and pulls a 3-person WaveRunner without breaking a sweat. Its interior is terrific, and the exterior design really grows on you. The stereo on the EX is outstanding. Tint all the windows, it makes it look way better. The Element is in a class of its own...forget the Xterra and Escape. Theyre old school. The Element just makes sense.

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  Best SUV ... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sjkonig - October 12 - 10:00 am

  We test drove a lot of SUVs, but couldnt find the right one until we drove the Pilot. We were looking for an SUV that drove more like a car than a truck, had good power, 4WD capability, and versatility between cargo space and seating. The Pilot is exactly what we were looking for.

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  island of fun - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tiny - October 12 - 10:00 am

  i never thougt that i could be comfortable in a suv.the pilot is just as smooth as any mercedes.