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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  repeat CR-V buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By twin300 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Great...turned in 98 model with 130,000 miles just because it seemed like the time to get a new car.This has all the plus off the old with more convience.If it could have been done better it is...no problem with the old one (no repair work ,just maintenance)Atlantic Honda thank you for your service

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  2Dr EX Coupe the way to Go - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CaptainJJG29 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the EX Coupe in late April and found it to be the best car. I looked at many different models and types of cars, but it runs smooth, gas economy is great. The V-Tec engine that does not effect fuel economy when AC is on is a great feature. I love it!

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  Love my Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By peteacherusa - August 2 - 8:43 am

  This is the first Honda I have ever owned and I LOVE IT! I was driving a van and getting 22 mpg. It was costing me a bundle so after researching fuel efficient cars I decided on the Civic. Its getting 36 mpg right out of the gate! Im thrilled with my decision and if it holds up like everyone says, then my daughter who will be driving in 5 years will be thrilled with it too. It holds my four kids comfortably and is roomy enough for my husband to drive and not feel cramped.

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  Civitastic! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Kent - August 2 - 5:20 am

  Have an 02 Odyssey EXL. Wanted a car with similar features and the EXL is very close. So much fun to drive the 02 sits now. Very quiet, tight fitting doors, NO complaints! Great gas mileage, last trip averaged 41MPG over 1200 miles. Very, very happy, it was an anniversary gift to each other!

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  A wonderful vehicle - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By RWM - August 2 - 2:00 am

  What can I say - its a great vehicle if you want comfort, ease of use, reliability, and room. If you want power, off road utility, or hauling look elsewhere because the CRV and Honda make no pretenses about doing those things well here.

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  08 Accord Satisfies - 2008 Honda Accord
  By PS Miller - August 1 - 8:53 pm

  I just purchased the Accord 08 EX-L V6. I had shopped a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry & Prius, Acura TSX, used Accords, etc. I am extremely satisfied after the first week; though it was more costly, I still like the smooth power and handling of the V-6, the comfort of the leather interior, and something new for me... satellite radio. I had no idea it so extensive. This Accord model has a great balance of features that blends attractive styling, driveablity, build quality, economy, and comfort with all the loaded options that I will enjoy over several years and 100000+ miles of anticipated driving. Plus, and this is big for me, the great crash test scores and safety features of the car.

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  Great value = Easy Decision - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nick Meggos - August 1 - 2:37 pm

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  Wow! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Luding - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several other HOndas before CRXs, Accords, but non had so much torque and horsepower as this one. VTEC kicks in...see ya!

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  Great SUV!!!! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By hopster - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for almost three years now and Ive never had any trouble. It handles like a car but can do things a truck can do. My brother owned an explorer and he and his wife found my Passport to be more fun to drive, better looking and overall and more pleasant driving experience when compared to their explorer.

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  Good car unimpressive reliability - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Zwiss - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Cars a pleasure to drive, overall performs well. Ugly recent experience with ignition system malfunction that killed all power to van at random. Local Brandon, FL dealer was clueless on condition for 3 months of painful operation. Lindell Honda in Tampa rescued us from suffering by diagnosing problem in 30 seconds--bad ignition system! Experienced some other small problems-- but getting tired with the frequent trips to the dealer.