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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  4th Honda since 1990 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By The Bickels - July 28 - 7:13 am

  This is our 4th Honda and we are very pleased with all of them. We didnt even consider another auto maker when we purchased this CR-V 2005. The previous Hondas were Accords, 4 dr. & 2 dr.

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  Great Road Trips - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark Rudloff - July 27 - 6:54 pm

  Mini van is 7 years old and looks new except for wear on carpeting. Easiest and best road trip vehicle.

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  Hooked - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ron - July 27 - 4:13 pm

  Ive been GM man for 40 yrs. My wife and I decided to take the jump to Honda. What a great car, the workmanship inside and out is superb. I was amazed at the performance of the 4cyl engine, great pick-up and great fuel economy. Id advise those people who are uneasy about buying other than from the Big 3 auto makers to take the step to Honda, you will not regret it.

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  Best vehicle ever - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - July 27 - 3:57 pm

  Love my CRV. Its everything I hoped it would be. Great size not to big but comfortable for 4 people. Plenty of room to haul things by dropping back seats and flipping them up out of the way. Nice cargo area for my standard poodle to ride and also has heavy duty clip connected to back of seat to snap my dogs lease to. Heater and A/C are excellent are work well along with heated seats. Easy to get in and out of when I had bad knees And even better after knee replacements. Enjoy leather seats and are holding up very well. No complaints with vehicle Has plenty of power even when in heavy traffic in cities. Just had to replace my original tires first big expense. Like that I have plenty of head and leg room which most vehicles I looked at didnt have this benefit. Im almost 510".

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  Best vehicle ever - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - July 27 - 3:57 pm

  Love my CRV. Its everything I hoped it would be. Great size not to big but comfortable for 4 people. Plenty of room to haul things by dropping back seats and flipping them up out of the way. Nice cargo area for my standard poodle to ride and also has heavy duty clip connected to back of seat to snap my dogs lease to. Heater and A/C are excellent are work well along with heated seats. Easy to get in and out of when I had bad knees And even better after knee replacements. Enjoy leather seats and are holding up very well. No complaints with vehicle Has plenty of power even when in heavy traffic in cities. Just had to replace my original tires first big expense. Like that I have plenty of head and leg room which most vehicles I looked at didnt have this benefit. Im almost 510".

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  MY LITTLE - 2004 Honda Element
  By JFRauber - July 27 - 8:33 am

  Wow! I am a senior now looking for an easy to take care of car. I found it in my element, my little "Hummer." Now I have to find a boat as easy to take care of.

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  lifesaver - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By adi - July 27 - 2:00 am

  it is true, the odyssey has excellent safety qualities. my 1999ex was t- boned, airbags deployed, windshield and drivers window shattered, suspension collapsed, shell crumpled, was hit really bad but we walked out alive. im sure it would have been more serious if we were riding another brand of vehicle. were replacing it with a 2003 model. proven lifesaver.

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  My Favorite Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jabra - July 26 - 11:53 pm

  I just traded in my 2004 CRV to get the new 2006 Accord LX. I have never loved a car like this one. It is a sheer pleasure to drive, the quality of the fit and finish is so great. I have been averaging around 26 mpg in the city with the air on in Las Vegas. I really love the new design of the back of the car. The car rides so quiet and it handles like a sports car. This is my second Accord and this is hands down the most fun to drive, even with the 4 cylinder. The instrumentation is clean and beautifully lit. This is the first car I have ever bought where there is absolutely no buyer remorse on any level.

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  Hagerstown Honda - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Eric J. Rosenthal - July 26 - 3:56 pm

  Great car, for a good price. The back up camera and Bluetooth are awesome. Im not a fan of the touch screen. Its hard to use and very confusing. But, overall I love Hondas.

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  Not Disappointed Yet! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Happy in FLA - July 26 - 1:30 pm

  I got one of the first Fits available in 06 when they were introduced (05/06) and I have put 40,000 happy commuter miles on it so far. The car is tight handling and the paddle shifters option works great as a way to zip around traffic without smashing the gas peddle. Ive had zero maintainence issues. Honda did a good job at building a reliable and sporty Econo box.