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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  My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.

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  1998 better than 2015 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Don-Omaha,Ne - December 28 - 11:28 am

  Do not like the headlights on low beam that sharply cutoff the top of light beam and reduce visibility, this is especially bad when going downhill and then the road rises quickly. You cannot see the roadway ahead. My 1998 Honda Accord had a much better ride. The 2015 Accord ride is jarring, stiff and transmits every small bump to the passengers. I have had small sport cars that have had a more pleasant ride. Lumber wagon is the best way to describe the ride. The heater controls and radio controls are needlessly complicated. Where one knob could control the heater, there are three! On/Off, Speed Up, Speed Down. Each is distracting, you have to take your eyes off the road to use/find them. It is a safety hazard just as bad as someone texting while driving. Knobs are easy to use, and do not require that you take your eyes off the road to use them. The radio also, has too many buttons, where one multi-function knob would do. My 1998 Accord had a multi-level center console, which made holding small items convenient, and a soft-touch cover over the cup holders, which made for a more tidy appearance. Also, the courtesy/safety lights on all the four doors that were on the 1998 Accord, were not on this higher priced version, even though there are cutouts on the doors where they were intended to be placed. Road noise is still a problem for Honda to solve. I once owned a 1986 Toyota Cambry, and it was way more quiet than this 2015, or even the 1998. Also,one last item: Honda has to do something about the car colors they offer! Boring is and understatement. Look at the Ford red, and then at the pathetic, washed out red?? offered by Honda. Limited interior color choices and the sad attempt to suggest woodgrain accents on the dash, with only dull black plastic, dose not carry the image of even pretend luxury, for cars that can cost up $38,000+. Doubt if I would buy another Accord.

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  Ive been had. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By damian-fonseca - December 28 - 7:43 am

  The mpg is far lower then what is been advertised the AC is a definite problem. 250 miles on its 10.8 gallon tank, this is the real deal. Im not surprised it only lasted 2 years with a new remake now in 2009. Heads up dont believe the hype.

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  Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Andy - December 28 - 1:27 am

  The Overview basically sums it up... You just cant beat it for the money, used with aftermarket 5 yr 100K warranty for $7400. I did have a few slightly costly repairs from the previous owners minor accident, but it is well worth it in the long run. Everone should have their own Insight at least for a daily driver. Im sure the costs would drop dramatically if enough people were buying them for commutes.

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  2004 Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TOM - December 27 - 7:01 pm

  Great auto for 100 mile r/t to work. Comfortable for 62, 230 lb guy. No repairs as of 35,000 miles, except for service. Handles good in wet conditons but poor in snow.

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  Snookered - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Randal Moss - December 27 - 5:33 pm

  I used to own Honda motorcycles back in the 1970s. They were wonderful. So I thought this van would be the same. I was wrong. This thing is a gas pig (Im getting 19, with a light foot). It has also been in the shop twice. It is ponderous. Get this: For an extended stay in the shop, I was forced to rent a Chevy Tahoe. It got the same or better mileage, it drives better and, heck, it can at least tow my Honda when it breaks down in the future. I think Ill buy an SUV next time. Of course, then Ill have to endure the sneers of my environmental friends, who seem to forget that this whale of a minivan (4000 lbs) is no fuel-sipper either. Bye-bye, Honda!

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dee - December 27 - 2:03 pm

  I have had the suv for 9 months and love it. I havent had any trouble with it. I feel that I got a great car for a good price. I wish the exterior was a little more "trendy" and that it drove smoother, but overall, Im very pleased. I know I will be driving this car for many years because I can rely on the quality and dependability.

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  Very Recommendable Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Justin - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  good ride, very smooth although the pilot is a way much better ride but hey, its still a Honda!

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  Greatest Little Secret (Not so Secret) - 1996 Honda Civic
  By HappyHonda - December 27 - 11:22 am

  Great car ! Long commute (175 miles round trip) Great 38 - 40 mpg. Super reliable. Original everything except required maintenance parts. Original clutch, no mechanical work. Interior still like new. Exterior finally showing a little fade. Steering tight and precise. Few rattles. Only three minor draws... had to replace windshield due to sand blast effect pocketing, due to low ride height, had to replace driver side rubber around window - gets stiff with age and snags to the point window fell off track, and needs just a little more pep, but if you need a great reliable sturdy car this is the one.

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  very cool little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tig - December 27 - 8:43 am

  Owned two 04 Civics and now have two 06s. Much better car in 06 even though we really liked the 04 too. Ride and safety is improved, gas milage is about the same (36 out of the box) and the new digital dash is very pleasing. We love the new Civic!