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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  Very Hard To Get - But Worth It! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By David - December 18 - 4:30 am

  Finding a 6mt coupe was more difficult than finding Bigfoot. Had to order this car as there were simply none on dealership lots in a 5 state radius. Luckily car was already being built for another dealership, so they traded cars with my dealership, therefore only had to wait 3 weeks for the car to be built. Honda is slowly eliminating manual transmission cars from the US market, so if you want one of these get it while you still can. As frustrating as it was to buy, the end result is a car that is beautiful to look at, comfortable, and lots of fun to drive. Goes like stink (powerful engine), transmission is a joy to shift and the clutch has a natural, progressive take up. Car is a keeper!

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  Wheres the MPG? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sunmoonroof - December 18 - 2:46 am

  My second Accord. The reliability and resale value are unbeatable. The ride is firm, but it has a sporty feel to it. The seats are quite comfortable. I love the sound system that adjusts its volume to the speed of the car. The center of the dash is very cluttered. Driven the car 5000+ miles and still have to take my eyes off the road just to tune the radio. Too many buttons. The MPG is a major disappointment. Bought the 4 cylinder hoping for the advertised 30 MPG. Not even close. 26 is the best Ive ever achieved; after 2 straight hours of interstate driving. Usually 22-24, with a low of 21 MPG. Sad for a 4 cylinder.

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  Excellent car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Realist731 - December 17 - 10:52 pm

  The car is built very well and will last for a very long time if not driven like a race car and oil changed as scheduled. I have 177K on mine right now and cant imagine it not making it to 250-300K. It runs great and its the most dependable car Ive ever had.

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  Fun to Drive - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Monroe Freeman Jr - December 17 - 9:43 pm

  I have only had my 2017 CR-V AWD for about 2 weeks; however, I am enjoying it immensely. Three family members have one and they are very pleased with theirs.

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  Tight, fun and ready to run! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M32S2K - December 17 - 8:12 pm

  I had to replace my 1998 M3 coupe and agonized for months for anything else with such near perfect combination of sharp handling, power and decent fuel economy. There were many worthy considerations including the g35 coupe (too heavy), the Mazda Rx-8 (too soft), and even the Mini Cooper S (too cute). But just one test drive in the S2000 snapping through the gears and carving up corners with surgical precision and the choice was easy.

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  not very impressed at all... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By choked - December 17 - 5:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle hoping that the build quality was better than your average van. Boy was I was wrong! Worst paint job (silver) Ive ever seen, full of vertical dark spots. You actually can see how they sprayed the paint on vertically and uneven. Many plastic parts on the van did not fit together right, glove boxes are out of alignment, body rubber trim pieces do not seal, rattle noise from front passenger side, chrome grill was loose. I took the van back to the dealer and the answer I got was dont worry about if right now, you have 3 years warranty on it. What a joke. I took it home and fixed most of the misaligned plastic pieces myself. Should have bought a Toyota Sienna

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  2000 Accord Coupe Review - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Les Lang - December 17 - 1:40 pm

  I thought overall this car had what it took to be a contender. Ive driven other coupes and realized that my heart is still with honda products. Its quick, sleak, and on top of it all fun to drive.

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  Buy Used - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Batton - December 17 - 7:32 am

  Find a well kept vehicle with low miles and save a few dollars. This vehicle meets expectations and will last if taken care of.

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  2dr EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By norseman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. Quite roomy for the class, 127 hp is more than enough for daily driving. It gets out of its own way without a problem. Braking is excellent. The VTech engine just purrs. It alone is worth the difference in price over the LX/DX models. Seats are comfortable, although at 510" I just have enough headroom with the seat lowered all the way. The shifter is sublime

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  06 Honda Ridgeline is the top dog! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tex - December 17 - 1:16 am

  drives like a caddy works like a truck. got the tonneau cover and runnning boards...a must have items. its a dream vehicle combining sub and pick-up trucks. RTL w/ moon roof and XM radio is super plus!