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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  Most bang for the buck - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AC - May 8 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our new CRV. It handles well, has lots of interior room, is peppy for a 4 cyl. and has excellent ergonomics.

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  Rating of 2003 Honda LX Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Carl Kidd - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure to deive. I have qwned 5 other Hondas, but this is the best. The option to go with a 4 cylinder engine to get good gas mileage has been a plus. I frequently get 30 mpg on everyday driving. It has plenty of zip on interstate deiving. Reliability as always with a Honda is excellent. The 2003 model has much improved inside room as compared with other models.

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  Honda Mussle car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gonpetiya - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Nice peformance. hugs the road nicel unlike the 2002 accord. Good handling and good power.

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  Excellent value, great looks, beautiful redesign.. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Michael - May 7 - 12:04 am

  We had the same model Accord for 10 years and it was going strong with 130,000 miles, never in the repair shop once. It was wrecked in an accident so it was replaced with same model, Accord EXL. The new 2016 model is fantastic value for the money, a timeless design, very reliable, great on gas, and great resale value...not that wed ever sell it! Loads of passenger room, very comfortable front and back seats and good size trunk. The tech is quick to learn and works very well with android (me), or Apple (my wife). Not a single thing I could ask for on this car.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By T.J. - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  I cant believe how GREAT this pilot is. It is so comfortable, handles well, electronics could not be better. First tank of fuel got 16 mpg with mixed driving.

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  Bad Seats - 2007 Honda Accord
  By G - May 6 - 12:10 pm

  I love the way my Accord LX looks and drives. However, I have been very disappointed with how uncomfortable the seats are. The angle of the seat is much steeper than in other 4-door sedans. Without a power adjustment I find myself constantly adjusting the seat front to back and up and down without any success in terms of finding comfort. Hondas look sharp and their engine performance is incredible but they have really let me down on comfort.

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  Fits fit me - 2016 Honda Fit
  By richarad kite - May 6 - 4:20 am

  Improvement on this model are beyond the original in handling and stability. Electronic improvements are adequate compared with the newest model year.

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  fun and power in one package - 2005 Honda Accord
  By street rod - May 6 - 3:30 am

  this vehicle is used as a daily driver and performs to every expectation i had for it. plenty of power when needed and a quiet comfortable ride when going for extended distances. could not expect more from a car- has also been extremely reliable.

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  S2000 at 1 Year - 2001 Honda S2000
  By James Z - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owed BMWs and other sports cars and this one without a doubt is the most fun to drive. A little weak in the low in power range but you forget all about that when the rpms rise above 6500. I have experienced no problems with the vehicle and other than me wearing a set of rear tires off nothing other than normal maintaince has been done. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  overall great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By 4 honda - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have over 107,000 miles on this vehicle only problem is limited power on hills and replacement of u-joint cost over $1000 due to the fact that I had to replace entire drive shaft in order to replace u-joint( not sold separately)