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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  Great Gas mileage! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By T. Ferguson - May 3 - 11:13 pm

  Ive had my LX for about a week and it is very smooth on the road. Just filled it up and I am averaging 35 mpg. This little car has it all for the buck. It shifts smooth, very quiet engine, handles great! Im very pleased. The back seat does not leave enough room for passengers but it is great for the driver and front seat passenger. Trunk is spacious for a little car.

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  Fantastic Car to Own - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chad - May 3 - 9:46 am

  I made the change from an SUV guzzling gas to the Honda Civic and Im proud to say this is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Very roomy as well! Im 64, this is the first car Ive owned that I have to actually move the drivers seat up to reach the peddles and steering wheel. Not to mention, Ive more than doubled my gas mileage. Rides great, looks great and you cant beat the dependability. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking to save money and not sacrifice quality. I cant say enough about owning this car. What can I say, I no longer feel sorry for those of you who drive SUVs!!! I made the change, so should you, you will wonder why youve dropped so much money!

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  great ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By John from NJ - May 3 - 5:16 am

  I fell in love with this car when I test drove it. I compares favorable with a BMW 325 with a lot more for a much lower price. The NAV and the XM radio are really to fun and have a huge "Wow!" factor. Handling is nimble and theres all the power you could want. This is a fun car

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  Love the Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Renae - May 3 - 2:47 am

  My spouse has a new Pilot so this is very similar. Love that car. It is exactly what I wanted. Trunk space is a real plus. It works very well for us.

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  Comfort/Quality/Class - 2000 Honda Accord
  By markinri - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, always reliable, comfortable inside. Controls are very stylish and easy to use. Fun to drive with the sunroof open, widows down, sound system going...Feels sometimes like driving a race car.

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  Awesome 2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By itwizard - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Paid about $700.00 less than sticker price. Worth it! Test drove the Sienna & Nissan Quest. Sienna drive was boring at best, the Quest drove well but the build quality was not impressive.

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  2005 honda civic vp - 2005 Honda Civic
  By shoestring619 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  the best thing about my car is the gas mileage. i am happy with my new car.

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  My Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rajamuda - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Its very responsive. The handling is superb. For a coupe, it has a nice trunk space. If you worry about being generic, this is not one of them.

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  Some minor quirks for a fantastic car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mike - May 2 - 1:10 am

  Hondas just seem to get better and better. I do however have two minor comments regarding my new Civic. First, the accelerators new throttle-by wire technology performs well, yet the feel of the accelerator is awkward to me. The pedal is hinged from the floor and I find it a little uncomfortable situating my foot at times. The other item relates to the transmission. The automatic tranny seems confused at times whether to stay in second gear or revert to first when executing slow turns or "California stops". This confusion can at times result in an abrupt shift of the gears. Other than that, not much to complain about. Hats off to Honda for building yet another great car!

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  great Honda - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Michael Cohen - May 1 - 6:56 pm

  IT IS Supurb!!