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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  Civic touring 2016 Great car!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By amy dunnigan - January 5 - 10:40 pm

  I love this car so far at 1300 miles its averaging 33 mpg. The technology is superb!!! Features galore!!! With Apple Icar, driving assists, booming 10 speaker stereo, this car rocks. Got black on black with tinted windows. Prior 2 cars were Acura TSX 2008, and Acura TLX 2015 and this car has rivals the Acura models. The Acura TLX was totaled and this is my 10,000 cheaper replacement and I couldnt be happier. I get compliments on the how sharp the car looks. Its a head turner!! Two cons I drive a lot and the wish the gas tank were bigger and I Iong for driver seat 2 passenger power seat memory.

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  First Honda - Better late than never! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By ray peterson - January 5 - 2:28 pm

  First impression: Why did I wait so long to buy a Honda? And kicking myself for never even considering buying a Honda before. Better late than never!

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  Fun and unique and a great family car! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Megan wilcox - January 5 - 3:57 am

  The look of the hatchback is sleek interesting. I had a 2004 civic and havent liked the Shape of any Honda Civic since, until the 2017 came out. There is plenty of room for my family and dog. Very happy with my choice!

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  Fun and unique and a great family car! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Megan wilcox - January 5 - 3:57 am

  The look of the hatchback is sleek interesting. I had a 2004 civic and havent liked the Shape of any Honda Civic since, until the 2017 came out. There is plenty of room for my family and dog. Very happy with my choice!

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  Fun and unique and a great family car! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Megan wilcox - January 5 - 3:57 am

  The look of the hatchback is sleek interesting. I had a 2004 civic and havent liked the Shape of any Honda Civic since, until the 2017 came out. There is plenty of room for my family and dog. Very happy with my choice!

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  2004 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Da Gi - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The gas mileage is the only downside.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By extra - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Honda quality along with adequate gas milage for a vehicle of this size. Body roll in my vehicle is minimal compared to other SUVs driven, drives like a car. Very quiet on the road with some tire noise that is Goodyear problem not a Honda problem. Lots of cargo room with all seats down.

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  Honda CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Rees - January 5 - 2:00 am

  We have had a rough winter in Northern Utah this year, and I needed a commuter vehicle that offered all wheel drive. The Honda CR-V has served this purpose very well, while also being fun to drive and completely reliable. I have a tow hitch on it, and while the amount you can tow is modest, I obtain over 21 mpg while towing. Overall mileage as been 25.5 to 26 mpg with mostly highway miles with some city miles. Perhaps the best compliment I can give the vehicle is that it becomes more fun to drive with each passing day and I recognize the excellent value it represents.

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  Custom Recreational Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Edward H Charles - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The Honda CRV is a fun to drive vehicle. It is very comfortable and it handles extremely well for an SUV. It is very roomy and has a lot of storage space. Gas mileage is as good as any 6 cyl,sedan with automatic. This 4 cyl SUV gets off the line as well as most 6 cyl suvs. The best thing of all is it has Honda engineering and quality building it.

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  Great gas Econ!... 44, not 48MPG - 2004 Honda Civic
  By marknguyen - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Its manuf. rated at 48, but Im getting 44. I driver mostly on the Freeway, in Los Angeles, mostly low- peak hours, averaging 65 Miles Per hour, and getting 44MPG. Still, it uses Regular Gas, rather than my old Super Unleaded that got 21MPG... Better than 50% savings!