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:

• 

  A Lot of Bang for the Buck - 2017 Honda CR V
  By C.M.K. - January 1 - 2:52 pm

  The 2017 CRV feels much bigger than my 2007, which is mostly due to the humps on the hood. Rear seats are much more comfortable than my 2007. Has many features that even Lexus, Audi & Acura do not have yet.

• 

  Fun all around - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gile - January 1 - 3:40 am

  I have had this car for 8 months now and I love it. I never had a fun car that I didnt have to pour gas in. I love the fact you can be lazy and ask yourself "should I stop and get gas today?" lol. The fact that oil changes are not needed until 5000 miles blew me away. The dash is fun and it has lots of contour lines for chrome. The hpp 17" aluminum rims are a nice touch. I have heard many good things about Honda and they are all true. I wish I never spent so much on Chevys and Fords in the past.

• 

  Honda Navigation system is over the top! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chris664 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  When Hi technology meets reliability, only Honda seems to know how to do the trick. Navigation system is superb plus theres tons of standard features for a reasonable price, Leather interior very well appointed for a honda badged car. Plus great room in first two rows. Exterior can use a little front grille restyling .Its biggest flaw is no sunroof (what were you thinking?). Overall, this is a very versatile vehicle considering its size, that drives like a sport sedan, great suspension, definetly not a van like ride like somebody suggested.more than the average SUV and a lot of car for you buck.

• 

  Its so relaxing!! Its ridiculous!!!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Vicky - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had barely any trouble with my Honda. Its comfortable for long drives,its quick acceleration,high fuel efficency,and gets my fiance to work on time.

• 

  fuel saver - 2004 Honda Civic
  By melephant - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car. I just bought my second 2004 HX exactly like the first. Good power great fuel efficiency and feels solid low wind noise even with the window open

• 

  mine - 2004 Honda Civic
  By minerick - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I been a chevy man since 73 but last year I traded my S10 blazer in for a Honda hybird civic. After 25 years of being a mech. and working on most makes and models I enjoy not having to work on my own, not only that but instead of filling up twice a week at about $30 or so for fuel now I fillup once every two weeks or so my average driving to work a day is 40 miles (one way) not only that but no tune-up till 110,000 miles and oil changs 2000 not any more now its 5000. The ride is more comfortable than most autos the same size. the only thing I dont like is I cant tow anything with it but Ill survive

• 

  Hybrid lives up to its MPG expectations - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Richard34 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Hybrid has lived up to its expectations for gas mileage. Instrumentation allows visual information to driver about inttantaneous and average MPG. Excellent mileage both in city,out in country,even in the mountains.Tows well behind motor home. MPG stays between 40- 50 MPG on all conditions with driver care to use information to adjust driving habits. Fun to drive knowing what MPG always is!!! Especially at $2.00 /gal gas. A new definition of performance for a car--economy,low pollution as well as safety and performance. It is a car I am proud to own and drive!!!

• 

  Honda Has Made a Real Winner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By srr - December 31 - 10:00 am

  It may not be the coolest car or the best looking, but the 2004 Civic is still a winner. We have consistantly gotten between 35 and 45 miles per gallon (that is a mix between city/highway driving too) The interior fit and finish is great and the manufacturer has made good use of space. The ride is exceptionally comfortable and doesnt punish the occupents. Leg room up front is great, though in the back its a little tight. While the Civic may be expensive on this end, the cost is obviously justified in the high fuel economy it gets and the pristine reliability.

• 

  Accord Rules! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sweetie - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It rides very smoothly and it just exudes quality. The seats smooth out the bumps and everything feels like it belongs in an Acura TSX or TL. For the price you pay, the Accord is at top of the heap; better than the Camry or Passat.

• 

  Outstanding car, outstanding value - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dr Bart - December 31 - 6:26 am

  The EX Coupe is not only technically sophisticated but is aesthetically pleasing both inside and out. The i-VTEC engine delivers more than adequate acceleration and its 1.8 liter size provides excellent mileage. Moreover, the content in the EX is astonishing for the price. It is like having a luxury car--a mini-Acura--for under $20K. All the convenience items are there, and some you dont expect, like speed sensitive stereo volume control and speed sensitive intermittent wipers. And despite some carps, the dual tier dash is a brilliant design. Speed can be monitored without deflecting your eyes too far down and yet the tachometer is mounted dead center, where it should be. FABU!