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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  I is a college Grad - 2002 Honda S2000
  By owUdoin - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Happy B-day to me!And I graduated!I need a head turning,heart pumping,juices flowing,girl just smiled at me!,neighbors are coveting,wanna a ride girls?,high fiving,G- forcing,ragtop!I found it! Heres a toast to all S200 owners! P.S.....After you park it,how many times do you look back to admire?

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  Love my CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Deann - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car this is my second Honda My first is an 91 Accord EX I brought it new swore I would never drive anything els it has 130,000 miles still going I look forward to many years in my CRV even used

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oliver - September 26 - 2:53 pm

  This vehicle is awesome. The design and engineering is leading edge. It wont be long before all pick-up trucks come with trunks. I traded in a Dodge Dakota for the Ridgeline and there is simply no comparison. The Navigation system, moonroof and plush back seat make the Dakota a dinosaur whos time has passed.

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  Top suv under 40K - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Brandon - September 26 - 4:39 am

  Pilot ex-l is a fantastic vehicle. You will not find a comparable suv in this price range (under 40k). The highlander is close but the features of the pilot ex-l are much greater than the comparable trimmed highlander.

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  A Champ Car for the Street - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Spider - September 26 - 2:00 am

  9000 Rpm usable redline is a beautiful thing. The sound is sports car music. The seats make me feel like Mike Andretti or Montoya in that carbon- fiber tub. The power rush through the Rpm band feels like an F16 Fighter Jet! The handling is superb thanks to those sticky Bridgestone S-02s and tight suspension. The shifter feels like a trigger to unleash more power! Honda please, please, please dont stop making this machine!

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  Dont know where Id be without it. - 2005 Honda Element
  By The Lazer Viking - September 26 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car because I am in a band, and I needed a strong and rugged car to haul all of my equipment in. At first sight I thought it was the ugliest thing in the world, but as time went on I became much more attached. I love the seats; not only are they comfortable, but they are waterproof and stain resistant. The audio system is amazing and the fact that the rear seats fold up easily makes it very easy to transport my stuff. What really surprised me, and something that I havent seen mentioned, is the incredible handling and sharp turning capability of this car compared to others in the same price range. I would highly recommend the Element, even if you think it looks funny.

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  Steel Gray - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Schumacher - September 25 - 2:05 pm

  Top of the line but it doesnt have back up obstacle warning buzers

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  Practical and Practically Perfect - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - September 25 - 8:43 am

  I love my 2007 Civic EX (as much, if not more than my previous 1986 and 1998 models). Civics are well made, and the 2007 model has improved handling, better safety features, and excellent gas mileage. The sleek style makes it a handsome car to look at too ("pretty" for the ladies) Theyre great on short trips to the grocery store and on weekend road trips. I can fill up the tank in Miami on a Friday morning, drive to Orlando without stopping, and still have half a tank of gas left when I get there. Ill drive around Orlando all weekend and wont need to refuel until Im halfway back to Miami. Thats great mileage. It translates into great value.

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  First Honda, 3rd Japanese car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jesse - September 25 - 4:56 am

  I work for ASIANA AIRLINES as a shuttle driver, and bought this as a second car because my shuttle (we use our own cars) is a 2008 GMC YUKON XL, which uses a lot of fuel, and i usually need to drive 1 or 2 people. i drive an average of 3600 miles a week (CT to NY to MA to PA) and this car gets an average of 36 to the gallon! I like the maintenance minder( even though im getting oil changes every week) because i sometimes lose track. The Accord has served me well, and now im waiting for it to be traded in because i have 240k miles on it (no lease for me).

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  Best Car Ever - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Edward.J. - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with roughly 88000 miles, and now have around 115000. I paid around $4500. For a kid making 7 dollars an hour it took a lot of work before I could afford it and Im glad to say it was worth every penny.The gas mileage is amazing doing speeds around 80-85 I still get roughly 36 mpg. For a first car, or just in the need of something realible, this is the car. The only work needed is required maintence, and one or two little things. The car has never failed me and has never left me on the side of the road. The handling is exceptionally sporty and extremly confident handling in turns.