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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  Insight Is Better Than The Naysayers Say - 2010 Honda Insight
  By 3rd Honda man - September 24 - 9:20 pm

  Researched 2010 Insight heavily. Test drove several times here in Colorado. Test drove Civic. Replacing my 97 Civic HX wasnt easy but the Insight exceeds my expectations. Styling is superb and high end. Comfort is excellent for average height like myself. MPG already coming in high 40s, low 50s. Drove in snow second day of ownership today and handled great. Cons by many people are not typical of a superbly designed hybrid, so dont expect big power. Plastic? Nothing wrong with the interior plastic, it is light and saves on weight. I do agree mats should come standard, but overall the Insight EX is a beautiful vehicle, my 3rd Honda. I will keep for many years!

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  Review from a satisfied customer. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By edmundsdon - September 24 - 8:41 am

  I purchased my Accord in January. I commute to work with it daily, and we use it for road trips whenever we can. Despite what a few individuals in the automotive press are saying, this Accord DOES achieve the EPA mileage stated of 47mpg highway / 50 city. As an actual owner, I can truthfully state this is the case. If anything, the EPA mpg estimates are LOW, as Ive been able to get far better mileage without any special effort on my part. Two things will affect the mileage you get with this car: cold weather, and running the A/C climate controls in manual. Best to use Automatic.

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  113,000 and Still Kickn Butt!!!!!!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By GOKB - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car, actually the best I have ever owned. Will never buy a domestic vehicle again. Only general mantinance required. New clutch at 98,000. Good pep with the 5 speed. Still drives very close to when it was new. Mine was made in Japan. Awaiting the new 2003 Coupe, thinking about trading if the price is right. I will not be gouged just because it is a new design. I will be glad to keep this one for an other year or more. Hope the Hondas made here in the USA are as good as my current model.

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  04 EX - AWD - Love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By mtown67 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I can only say that this vehicle is very practical and fun. I have only owned it for a few days and find it very pleasant to drive. Get one, you will love it.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bridget - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my Odyssey and I wouldnt trade it for anything except another one!!!! It handles very good in bad weather, I was really surprised how well. Its very comfortable to drive. My children love to the way it drives/rides.

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  My wifes best friend. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rottydoggg - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Pilot labor-day weekend 2002. This is my wifes car and she loves it. Refers to it as her best non- human friend. We have had no problems with it whatsoever.

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  My 2004 honda pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chuck lavoie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I have one and love it..nice on the road..and great gas mileage, especially since gas prices are going up.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By SUVguy - September 23 - 6:30 pm

  This is my first SUV - have only driven sedans until now. Was amazed how the Pilot handles like a car, despite its 4400 lbs! It does seem big behind the wheel, but thats because of its height -- and its not too big to handle -- same length as my old Accord. It gives an unbelievably smooth ride on the highway, and I feel very safe in it. Despite some reviews/reviewers, I love the styling of the exterior. The interior is beautiful too. I am biased toward Hondas, and this Pilot isnt likely to change my mind on that...

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  What a Car! - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Tim - September 23 - 7:53 am

  Shocked by how nice this vehicle is designed. Third Accord the family has owned.

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  1993 Accord SE is excellent - 1993 Honda Accord
  By andyb889 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. I bought it at 190k miles and it has been running excellent. I guess it will last for another 10 years.