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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  2016 EXL V 6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Frank McGourty - July 3 - 12:37 am

  Bluetooth very confusing. Radio needs Volume and tuning knobs. Overall great car for the price. Radio, NAVI too confusing Not intuitive enough

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  Impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By marnie - July 3 - 12:26 am

  I was absolutely amazed with the quality of my 2008 honda civic ex-l navi! Its fun to drive, it has GREAT fuel economy and its just a well designed vehicle. The navigation with voice commands is so advanced and easy to use! I would recommend this vehicle to ANY and EVERY interested car buyer, and friend of mine! Take a look at it, its reasonably priced and worth every penny!

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  Superior economy car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cavemanf16 - July 2 - 7:23 pm

  I just purchased the brand-spankin new LX Special Edition Coupe model w/ standard transmission yesterday. It is a true pleasure to drive compared to my previous Honda Civic EX. I like it even better than my wifes 2003 1.8T Jetta despite the slightly less overall HP at my disposal. The interior has all the little tweaks to it that were missing or non-existent on my Civic, and I dont think Ill be longing for a different car when this lease is up. The Accord is an EXCELLENT car for the price, performance, features, and most importantly: impeccable quality.

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  Fun - Practical - Affordable - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Nando - July 2 - 5:40 pm

  I started looking for a EX sedan but when I saw the EXL coupe with NAV, I knew this was the fun car for me. Ive only had the vehicle for a week and I love it. It drives like a go cart when compared to the F-150 Ive driven for the past 11 years. The Civic looks sporty, has 90 percent of the whistles and bells I enjoy in a vehicle and the price is very acceptable. Ive owned an Accord and a Pilot but the Civic wins hands down in the fun department. Everyone should get one.

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  2006 Civic LX Automatic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Joe A. - July 2 - 2:50 pm

  Very impressive car. No regrets about buying it. Averaged 36 MPG for the first 1,000 miles consisting of a mix of city / highway driving (30/70). Well built, fun to drive and great looking for a compact car. I am 62" and the car is comfortable for me. There is plenty of room. Looking forward to getting 40 MPG on highway trips. I strongly suspect it will be in the 40s once it is broken in and I have a chance to get it out for highway only driving. At 65 MPH, the engine only turns 2,100 RPMs which is incredible for a 1.8 - Liter engine. Also the 140 HP generated is impressive.

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  Great first Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Cabinbldr - July 2 - 8:43 am

  Both of my daughters own Accords and told me I could not go wrong. They were right. Traded an 05 Camry (was not happy with the way it drove) and am very glad I made the change. I really enjoy driving the Honda. The ride is great, it is rock solid on the highway at high speed, comfortable and much better looking than the Camry. Upgrades to the LX-V6 for 2006 are great - sunroof and 17" alloy wheels. New styling is also a big improvement on a previously good looking car.

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  Unbelievable - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Mrghos - July 2 - 2:00 am

  4 syllables! IN-CRE-DI-BLE!!!! I dont even change the oil like I used to and this little car will not give up! It just keeps going and going. I am kind of tall and on long trips sometimes my foot goes to sleep but that is a small problem. Pickup is horrible escpecially with AC on. But what can you expect from an 11 year old 4 banger... HA!

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  I love my Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Parker - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Honda Insight is a joy to drive. It is surprisingly fast, considering its main draw is fuel economy & low emissions. The aerodynamic fairing is close to the ground, and consequently I had an adverse encounter with curbing--the plastic & rubber spoilers are fairly fragile but easily repaired. I have had absolutely no other problems. When driving in daylight, turning on the headlights dims the instrument panel too much, even in cloudy weather & no cruise control is available. Otherwise, its a perfect little car & a great piece of engineering design.

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  Love this car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By hillview - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car ... love to drive it ... love to look at it ... LOVE to drive it ... test drive this car and you will buy it on the spot.

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  Thumbs Up - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By elois - July 2 - 2:00 am

  As a relatively short person I find an ease in getting in and out of the vehicle without needing running boards.It is large enough to see around other vehicles in parking lots yet not so big that you feel you are driving a tank. The only flaw which has since been corrected in the 2002 model is the lack of horsepower for its size.