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 love my car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By mbell42 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Vroom. Great handling in all types of weather. Even nice on long trips. The Sport-shift in the base automatic gives you the fun of a manual without all the annoyances in rush-hour traffic (no clutch!).

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  AWESOME - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jryan - September 15 - 10:13 am

  Great car. Went from the luxury 07 Nissan Maxima to this Honda. Great choice. Gas mileage is awesome. Has all the toys (voice nav, bluetooth, XM). Cant beat that.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Owner - September 15 - 9:23 am

  I have only had the Odyssey for a week, but am delighted with this van. I have previously owned vans, but this is the best one yet. It is also superior to any other van out there, including the Siena for handling, comfort and value.

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  best car in the wh0le w0rld! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By arwen - September 15 - 6:56 am

  this is the best car anyone can ever drive! its small... fast... fun to drive... its very spacious for a small car, so anything and anyone can fit in there.

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  One more thing - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By teacher2 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I forgot to add in my previous review that there is air noise in the cabin. That was the main reason I wanted to write the review! It is a little too noisy as compared to the Honda Accord.

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  1998 CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By teacher - September 15 - 2:00 am

  We absolutely love our CR-V. We have always had great luck with Honda anyway. We like the manual transmision and found this very fun to drive. We did test drive the Toyota 4-Runner and there was no comparison. The Honda was better built, had more room (3 seat belts in the back), and hey ! it has the folding picnic table! What great use of space ! :-) Being able to drive and get gas mileage of a car but the versatility of a SUV without looking like a mini-van-- this is great!

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  Best Honda Yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By szq1977 - September 14 - 11:43 pm

  This is my third car from the Honda/Acura family, and this is by far the best. The interior was so well thought out and is good quality as well. I love all the features that come standard with the EX model that you would have to pay extra for with other cars! It is so much fun to drive, I dont mind going on long trips anymore! :)

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  The Civic is FUN! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By FirstHonda - September 14 - 6:00 pm

  I traded my ideal vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, due to rising gas prices and mileage on the vehicle. This is my first Honda and my first brand new car purchase. I test drove a lot of subcompact cars before deciding on the Civic. All the others gave me the feeling that I was giving up a quality vehicle for a lesser one. I didnt feel that with the Civic. I commute close to 2 hours round trip 6 days a week. My gas bill has been literally cut in half with this car. Its fun to drive, sporty, and solidly built. I like the 5-speed automatic transmission as it adds to the driving experience. The ride is comfortable, too. Overall, its a great value!

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  Perfect AWD Size; saving me $$ at the pump! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By KW - September 14 - 4:02 pm

  Love the size of this AWD Honda, great on gas, sits up higher than a car and has the peace of mind that Honda and AWD offers. Nice cargo space with the hatch back but lacks a little change compartment/ limited on storage compartments in the front or back seat area. The biggest disappointment thus far is the lack of technology----let me explain. The navigation system does not seem to "re-route" you if you take a different road? My phone seems to do a better job and I would really like the car nav to be just as good if not better because of the large screen and the sound throughout my car--very disappointed. It would be nice if they would have an update and also install on the 2016 models too. Another disappointment is that it can not read text messages from I phones!!?? Or emails or even email notifications!! Very disappointed once again....perhaps Honda will send out a recall for all of us to go in for a system update?" Another feature that seems a little clunky is the voice prompts? But perhaps I just need more practice? Overall I really do love this vehicle and I think it is a great value. I would just like to see Honda offer a few more bells and whistles like a heated steering wheel and a remote control start app that I can start my car from anywhere not having to be so close in case I am in the long check out line at the grocery store. I know the other ladies know where I am coming from especially those of us who live in cold weather!! The last option on my wish list for Honda would be to add the built in "booster seat" like some other high quality/safety car companies do. It makes it so nice and convient no matter who you are taking along for a ride.

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  The best car Ive owned - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Billie - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive gone thought 5 cars in 2 years a toyota pickup, 90 honda accord, 92 toyota paseo, 89 ford tempo, 93 honda prelude. I love this car. its quicker than any Ive had. It can hold its own without adding the stuff that will eventually destroy your engine, nos, turbo, supercharger. I love that kids in civics try to play with my car and they get torn up.