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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  happy owner - 1992 Honda Civic
  By jay - March 10 - 12:32 am

  This is a great car that I have had no problems with. The only part of the car that I dont like is the "a" pillar. The design is awful,rain enters vehicle while raining with window cracked open, wind is horribe against side of head. Just a poor design. The rest of the car is great. I would buy more if I had the money.

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  S2000 Rocks! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Berto in Kansas - March 9 - 8:11 pm

  What a car - 0 to 60 in 5.6 secs... Great road feel and responsiveness. Tough sledding in the snow. Excellent exterior and interior styling based on the looks from other motorists. Fun is the S2000s middle name at a great value price...

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  As good or better than expected - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - March 9 - 6:00 pm

  Weve had our AWD EX for a month and have done around town , mountain and highway driving. The gas mileage is right on the money. This car handles well, is quiet and feels substantial. Weve had three other Hondas including a 1999 CRV, this is the best.

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  Smarter than the editor - 2008 Honda Civic
  By toddbuffer - March 9 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car, gets better than ad in fuel mileage. I easily get 42 mpg on my commute to work editor should rate this car much higher

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  2015 odyssey - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather Johnston - March 9 - 6:26 am

  Great car so far. Im still getting used to it. Its much bigger than my odd honda

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  Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HondaCommuter - March 9 - 4:00 am

  It is an outstanding car that I would recommend. It can seat five in comfort or works great for the solo commute. Gets out on the highway and it really can move! Road noise is minimal, stereo excellent, transmission is smooth, and driver seat is best I have had in a car. I just moved down from an SUV which was a great vehicle but I am seeing what I missed in a car that can get around.

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  its like a girl - 2000 Honda S2000
  By anthony - March 9 - 2:06 am

  this car is so find and pretty its the greatest car i ever touched

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  Honda releases right car at right time! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bill - March 8 - 6:13 am

  I had been researching this car for months so I had the first chance at the car when it arrived. I knew after the first drive that it was mine. Driving in town, merging into traffic, and interstate driving all are pleasing. Considering the horsepower it is amazing the power and fun quotient this car has(similar but better than the Fit). After driving the first 100 miles in town on hilly terrain, I put it on a short trip of an additional 135 mile interstate trip and filled up. Mileage for this first combined trip was 44 MPG. Returning I got an amazing 54 MPG using the Eco-drive feature which is helpful and fun to use. Honda has really brought the right car to market at the right time!

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  Love my new 2010 Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By peacefulone - March 8 - 3:43 am

  Had a 2002 Accord and was wanting to buy a new Accord for 2 years but reluctant because of the bad reviews about the seats. Finally bought a 2010 and I love it. It did take me a while to find a comfortable position for seat, but after a 6 six hour trip, it was still comfortable.

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  Unbelievable machine! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By splitwindow - March 8 - 12:17 am

  This car is great to drive on winding back roads, over rolling hills and mountains and along flat stretches of beach or expressway....yes, anywhere. It takes corners perfectly. Can get great gas mileage if not pushed....28-30 mpg. If pushed,it can rocket from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The S-2000 is pure fun.