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 Car for the price - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By RN060873 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Great Car for the price

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  Awesome Accord Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By jerryd - March 23 - 9:48 pm

  Fit and finish is excellent, style and design is top notch and quality and value is exceptional. A great all-around driving experience.

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  Nice - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Anush - March 23 - 12:26 pm

  very gud performance,good mileage, nice interior

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  dream machine - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jonathan Powers - March 23 - 2:00 am

  the handling can only be described as awesome. know the limit of your self and the car. no traction control makes this car a true drivers car the skills are put into your hands. the 6 speed manual gear box if crisp and precise. the gears shift effortlessly because of the close ratio gearbox. with the top down or up this car is a dream to drive. but when you have the top down is when it really shines. throw the car into a turn and it throws it back at you with no problem.

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  hondas go forever - 1997 Honda Accord
  By HMC fan - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Accord, and third HMC product. This Accord is my favorite car Ive owned so far. It has 118k miles on it, and no problems. Never had to replace one part or take it to the mechanic for anything outside or normal wear and tear.

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  Tonys Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Hess - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I just love the performance so far. I have put 21000 miles on my CR-V.

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  BEST SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilot owner - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 6 SUVs over the past 10 years and presently own 4.The Pilot is the BEST by far.Great handling,smooth ride, and excellent visability(no blind spots)In my opinion the seats are extremely comfortable.Great value for a well designed vehicle which will set the standard for future SUVs to be compared.

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  Head turner on a budget - 2008 Honda Accord
  By YguY - March 23 - 1:16 am

  Nice exterior design that is a great parallel to the Civic coupe. Cant go anywhere without drawing stares, big smiles, and being constantly asked "wow, what is that"? (must confess I removed all badging, did mild window tint . So only the grill emblem gives it away and most look at the whole picture). After 12,000 miles, 24.6 mpg overall avg. With 30.3 mpg as consistent full tank highway mileage. This has been a terrific driver with no functional or quality issues. Only needs to add drivers seat memory, 2-tone perforated leather, xenons, rear seat interior illumination mounted under front seats, and better tilt. Lose the cheap automatic shifter . This is not 1980! Awesome coupe

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  Small Glitch, Otherwise Great - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ray - March 23 - 12:10 am

  Traded in my 2004 Impala for the Civic LX-S, totally different styles, but, upon coming to the dealer I said: I have only 2 requests, itÂ’s got to be silver and itÂ’s got to be manual. And guess what? They had only one that came in that morning. Loved it unconditionally until it had 134 miles on the odometer, and shut off by itself in 5th gear at 50mph, kept on downshifting trying to get going again, got going again sputtering a little and with almost 300 miles being fine so far, I just need to trust it again, but, it is a blast to drive, no complaints on the goodyears, sticky enough, clutch pedal like butter, love the steering wheel, would just love some alloy rims, but, the price was right.

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  Minivan Made for the Family - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Siva - March 22 - 9:33 pm

  Best van to have with Kids with all needed features coming as Standard