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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  This is a roadster to love! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By bumper - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 is everything the 60s British roadsters aspired to be . . . but without all the fussing to keep them running. Throw in cornering ability that was unheard of back then, an engine that revs to 9 grand, and every trip to the store is an adventure. Some have groused about a lack of low-end torque. This may be true if you are comparing it to a V8, but next to many other cars, the Miata for one, the Honda has more torque. Certainly power below 6K is not awe inspiring, but it is adequate. Above 6K - - unbelievable!

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  My new s2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By roadracerray - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the top performing cars...based on price and performance...there is not better value out there than the s2000 in my opinion. I was able to purchase a brand new 2002 model for about 2k under sticker, so I know the value will retain itself in the future. Im just breaking the engine in so I havent pushed the car to its performance limits but I know I will love it when I do. Mine is blk/blk

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  What we wanted - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Diana - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this vehicle, and coming from a bigger Explorer that had numerous maintenance problems, we find the Accord adequate for our needs. Two years and 20k later we are not dissapointed with this vehicle and we will buy another one without hesitation. Oil changes and tire rotations is all we have needed to do.

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  2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L w/Nav - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By JC - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a TL for this. Loved that car & love this one. Way more room than the TL, AWD, loads of features - just not as fun to drive as my TL. Hopefully Acura takes a cue here & builds out an equivalent Acura model. Got to use the car in deep, blowing snow this weekend & the thing was a champ.

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Galaxy Gray is a great ride. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TS45 - May 21 - 4:16 pm

  Love this car, 28 mpg city, 40.5 @ 73 mph highway. Like the split dash, car makes me smile when I walk up to it. Spouse and I are comfortable on long road trips

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  No longer want a viper - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mdewind - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I know that sounds crazy, but after testing a Viper, Boxter, and NSX, I had to settle with S2000 - its faster then the Boxster (which I just proved the other day), it turns tighter then the NSX which I didnt think could be possible, and its just more then 40% of the cost of the Viper. The S2000 is actually a little difficult to learn to drive correctly, it really does require practice to shift quickly and keep the RPMs up between 7500-9000 but who else short of indy cars can say that they get to do that.

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  Best Minivan ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wawa - May 21 - 1:43 am

  Though Im embarresed to say it, this van is fun to drive, it gets great mileage, it has awesome comfort controls, and great leather seats. Huge trunk, very spacious, moonroof is nice, and so is the 6-disk changer