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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  Beautiful - 1993 Honda Civic
  By ASDFGH - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I decided to alter the looks of my Hatch, by adding a xenon kit, clear lights and xenon bulbes all around, nitto low profile rubber on nice 16x7s, these are beautiful cars to do pretty much anything you want to, because there are so many options and they are very reliable, ive never seen one on the side of the highway.

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  Honda lives up to its name - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Gene - May 28 - 6:23 pm

  This is my fouth Honda product, but my first new Honda purchase. Six months and almost 12k miles in the buy, I still love to drive the car. Theres no hint of interior or exterior fatigue, much less any sign of mechanical problems. Everything is precise and predictable from starting in the morning to the seams that run between every panel on the vehicle. The SE V6 is nothing but fun to drive. Theres plenty of torque and HP from the 6 shooter. This car has made Honda Motor Company very proud.

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  The Best Car I Ever Have Had! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Donette - May 27 - 2:20 pm

  L-O-V-E it! This is the best car yet for me...It is great to load my hockey gear - My dogs love the seats down and they cruise the whole car. Next trip camping - looking for to it - I still get some strange looks - but you just gotta smile - cause it is so fun to drive. Anytime someone wants to check it out stranger or not - I let them! I should be selling these cars-

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  Insight is a sight to behold! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Phyllis Ponisciak - May 27 - 1:40 pm

  My husband needed a car to commute back and forth to work. He always wanted a hybrid and had his mind set on a prius. We looked at them first but the dealers in our area would not reduce the sticker price. So we looked at the insight because they are similar in style and are a little cheaper. This car is perfect for our needs and is fun to drive. The dashboard has great displays and easily shows how the car is performing. If you are looking for reliable transportation that gets great gas mileage, buy this car. The back seat and storage area are not huge, but theres plenty of room for our small grandchildren and a big shopping trip. The car has plenty of pick-up and is easy to drive.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By christene portelli - May 27 - 6:53 am

  The Ridgeline is fantastic!! It gets great gas mileage, has everything Im looking for in features, reliability, handling and comfort. My job as a pediatric home health nurse is demanding, and this truck has made a huge difference in my comfort level. This is also my first Honda, and certainly not the last! Above all, itÂ’s a Honda!

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  Palpitations - 2002 Honda S2000
  By drfit2000 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  There is no bigger thrill-ride available on the road today. Hit the little red button, use your fingertips to shift the flawless stick, and let it rev. Trips to the supermarket cause the heart to flutter. This is a noisy bulldog of a car that always demands your attention. Not for music lovers you cant hear the radio. Who cares?

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  Awesome - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Renee - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  First time I drove it I was pleasantly surprised. I didnt have good preconceived notions regarding this SUV. However, the CR-V is zippy, comfortable and has punch when you need it most. My family loves the reclining rear seats. I am extremely pleased with the easy to use controls, the many cup holders and sound system. Visibility is great Sitting in the drivers seat

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  2008 CRV - excellent choice! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By newCRV-EXL - May 25 - 3:56 pm

  2008 2WD EX-L This is a very nice vehicle - my first SUV. We were looking at the RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue as well, but went with this. Got it for $2200 below sticker price. No regrets so far. I have driven it for a week now (330 miles) - 1st tank of gas averaged 26.2 mpg. About 2/3 of it was in the city and 1/3 on the highway. Pretty good considering the car isnt even broken in yet. The acceleration is a little lacking on an uphill ramp & a bit noisy but does not bother me too much. The 270 watt stereo is awesome! Moonroof and leather are great, the seats are quite comfortable contrary to what some others have mentioned, but I agree the lumbar support is not very hard.

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  The best of 7 Hondas Ive owned - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mike - May 25 - 11:50 am

  As a proud owner of mnay Hondas, I have worked my way up from a CVCC to the Accord EX V6. The car handles suberb, great power, acceleration and fun to drive.

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  If you like to drive..buy one! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M. R. Miller - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I did my reasearch in this catagory..the hands down winner was the S2000. Having never thought about this vehicle I was off to see what all the fuss was about. After an hour of face to face with this shy but powerful car I walked away owning a red one. I wanted a car to mimic the performance of my motorcycle only have the comfort of a 2 pasanger vehicle and I got it. If you love to feel acceleration, if you love to hear the motor music and love to turn on a dime this is your car. Sure, if I was in the market to pay $50 K plus there is another door open..however, this was a add on to my driving fix and the price tag was right.