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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  Catches your eye on the road! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By lise gray - September 19 - 9:21 am

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  outstanding! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Xena - September 18 - 9:23 pm

  I originally looked at this vehicle because of the ever rising gas prices. After test driving one I fell in love with it. What is better than high gas mileage, futuristic styling, solid reliability, comfortable and fun to drive?

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Trzcinski - September 18 - 8:31 pm

  Traded in 2015 MDX, better value and utility, though drives more like a truck then a sporty MDX. Good for kids and dogs and teenage drivers. Best midsize SUV all around.

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  Old man that wanted a comfortable pickup - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By charles johnson - September 18 - 5:48 pm

  I have only had the vehicle a short time, but I love it. This is my first Honda.

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  Honda Accord EX - 2017 Honda Accord
  By susan - September 18 - 5:30 pm

  I love this car! The ride is smooth and quiet. Dont know yet about the gas mileage.

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By elui - September 18 - 2:46 pm

  I have this car for a little over a week already. I really like this car. The manual transmission is great. It is smooth and quiet (no clicking noise problem). A lot of power in low gears. High RPM in highway speed (over 3000) slightly over 70 mph. Road noises depends on ashalt(good) or concrete road (bad) but very good in general.

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  Minivan Badboy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By LISMAN - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Quite a paradox here. I bought this vehicle for the room to carry my large family, and Honda quality/reliability. What I did not expect was its MONSTER performance! When my family is not loaded in it, I can forget it is a van, and put its powerful engine to the test. They say it does 0-60 in 9 seconds, but I am convinced it sacrifices a second only because of its front wheel drive and rear weight distribution - You would be burning rubber from the gate if not for traction control system which immediately kicks in when you sink the pedal to the floor. The superior "van" features go without saying. But drive this one and ENJOY!

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  Must have one in home..no compare - 2000 Honda Accord
  By us-desi - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car, reliable, confirtable ... little bit noisy but I love it... Perfect HP..perfect family sedan..

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  Honda2000AccordV6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Catherine Rauch - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Seat belt hook-up too far back. Very hard to reach. Same with extra compartment by the belt hook-up. Too far back. Cant use it unless the car is stopped. Not a good feature.

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  my new Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Erin Clark - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and I love it! Its small, sporty, and fun to drive. However, the gas mileage on the sticker is not what I have been getting around town. I actually get between 18-20 mpg around town. This may be attributed to the use of the airco as I live in Tucson AZ and it is 100 degrees everyday!