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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  Predictable is delightful - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Steev - February 3 - 2:00 am

  When you drive an Accord, your biggest worry.. is getting doorbashed by the coupe you park next to... and that is really, really nice. The car is common, but I personalized it, getting a white one with leather and 4-cyl manual trans (makes a smallish, economical engine quite zippy and fun). I putting on some patriotic license plate frames... its Accord heaven.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LM - February 2 - 10:40 pm

  Purchased to replace 2007 Nissan Maxima, also test drove 2007 Camry V6SLE which was very comparable. Honda feels more solid & I prefer styling (although that is very subjective). Now have 3,200 miles with no problems of any kind. Mileage on 1800 mile trip 28.2 driving 65 to 75 mph in fairly heavy interstate traffic. High of 31 on one slower segment. Like the XM radio and related controls as well as the dual mode automatic air conditioning. Very comfortable and roomy front seats for long trip. Very satisfied with this car.

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  First Class! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - February 2 - 12:27 am

  Traded in a 2015 CRV Touring for the 2017 Touring. One word.... WOW! The fifth generation is light-years better than the 2015 on so many levels. Where to start. Comfort, quiet, responsive steering, room for stuff and passengers, features, safety and that marvelous 1.5 liter turbo engine linked to a vastly improved CVT. The fifth generation is well thought out. I am glad I took the "trade in hit" for this CRV

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  Hybrid Fan! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Charlotte - February 1 - 9:26 pm

  I love only having to fill my tank once every week and a half to two weeks! It has more power to it than my last Honda!

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  I love this car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Nicholas Morrison - February 1 - 10:19 am

  When I first saw the car it was love at first sight. I like the look of the exterior as well as the look and functionality of the interior. I open for the model with Honda Sensing which is worth the extra money. The only complaint I have is the basic sounds sound system, but I was probably spoiled by my Chevy Sonic which had a rather impressive factory sound system.

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  I love this car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Nicholas Morrison - February 1 - 10:19 am

  When I first saw the car it was love at first sight. I like the look of the exterior as well as the look and functionality of the interior. I open for the model with Honda Sensing which is worth the extra money. The only complaint I have is the basic sounds sound system, but I was probably spoiled by my Chevy Sonic which had a rather impressive factory sound system.

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  I love this car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Nicholas Morrison - February 1 - 10:19 am

  When I first saw the car it was love at first sight. I like the look of the exterior as well as the look and functionality of the interior. I open for the model with Honda Sensing which is worth the extra money. The only complaint I have is the basic sounds sound system, but I was probably spoiled by my Chevy Sonic which had a rather impressive factory sound system.

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  BEST BUY - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kris - January 31 - 8:27 pm

  The smooth ride & economy + its history of dependence make it a car for smart people. Every time you drive next to an Accord the person inside is smart. The car makes a lot of sense for its price. But most importantly its reliability should be appreciated the most. The only week point I think is its sound system, a bit dull.

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  Incredible Car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Scottque - January 31 - 2:13 pm

  We bought a 2008 Touring the week before Thanksgiving. Needless to say we never expected to be thrilled with any minivan, but this is an amazingly well-designed, very sophisticated vehicle. It handles, turns, and rides like a much smaller car, and the interior room, technology, design and versatility are wonderful. The car is simply loaded, and has so many features (bluetooth, voice recognition, navigation, backup camera, DVD) that were not included/available on our more- expensive XC90. Terrific car that us hard to find fault with.

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  2005 honda odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DP - January 30 - 11:33 pm

  Really solid. Excellent construction and design. Tight turning radius and wonderful handling. I love it. Had mini-vans since 1985 and this is the best by far.