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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  AWESOME SUV! Better than the 2013! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mickey Musick - July 20 - 10:36 am

  Traded a 2013 CR-V, EX-L for a new 2016. The new 4 cylinder engine and the CVT transmission are allowing me an improvement of 3.0 mpg better than the old 2013 model. Front leather seats are now perforated, better than the solid material of the 2013. The AC vent through the console to the back seat is a big plus for your back seat passengers. Road noise is still a big issue. Why cant they put more sound absorbing insulation and carpet in their best selling vehicle?? The new lane watch camera on the passenger door mirror is awesome! The 3rd/last line in the mirror image are perfectly aligned with the grill of the car you just passed. You know, like you were taught back in driver education! Awesome design! Not a fan of the new tiny console. Way too small. Went to five dealerships in one day looking for a white EX-L with beige leather interior. Not a single one to be found in the Houston area. A few days later, I was contacted by my favorite dealer that they had found one, obtained it, and were waiting for me to pick out the dealer installed options. Who knew that white with beige interior was so hard to find????

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  I Did Buy Two! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Snake - July 20 - 6:56 am

  Yup! I couldnt resist so we just picked up my, I repeat my, Accord this week. Even with all my previous complaining I added the Navigation option and I have to say it is very nice, but still overpriced. The Accord has a tremendous environment. I purposely take the long way to destinations. I notice that I now drive with a big smile on my face. What a car! I did test drive the coupe and found it too confining due to an almost 2" difference in headroom. I did not like the interior door moldings that covered the door controls. All in all, per Hondas website, the sedan has 19 advantages over the coupe so my decision was a no-brainer and I have never regretted my decision.

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  After 18 months, I still love it. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By karenellenrose - July 19 - 6:13 pm

  The Civic is a great car, fun to drive and comfortable. I use it for a long highway commute and am still very pleased. It feels solid and stable, has all the safety features. The dash is laid out beautifully and I love the speedometer over the steering wheel. The car is a little low in front (for cement barriers) and rear visibility for backing up could be better. Mileage is about whats expected (mid- 30s for highway). A nice little car. I highly recommend it.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tiffany - July 19 - 5:14 pm

  This is the most awesome stab and steer car since the Corvette. Streamlined exterior with minimalist interior all goodies within a fingertip reach.Not good for a large/tall person. Short geared, high whiny rev. Access to gas tank cover in an odd place. However it is the perfect convertible-easy top and you cannot go wrong with Honda dependability.

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  s2000 2005 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ratrunner666 - July 19 - 5:03 pm

  An amazing vehicle, especially for the price. Ideal combination of performance, handling, and solid construction. What more could you want?

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  Awesome Car for $12500 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jay - July 19 - 8:56 am

  I got to say what a great little car for the money. You cant go wrong here with the Honda Civic VP, 5 speed. I guess for a 24 year old that car suites me quite nicely. I love the gas milage, the design of the vehicle, and the overall build quality of this vehicle. This is a basic car from point A to B, with nothing but A/C and a AM/FM CD Player. Car rides and drives great! MY GF loves the car! I sold the 2000 Tahoe I had due to the gas prices. I was spending almost a $100 a week in gas for the Tahoe, where as now I only spend about $30.00. This is a perfect car for a young adult, or someone young at heart

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  99 Prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By P TITTY - July 19 - 4:06 am

  The prelude by Honda is a legend and I hope Honda decides to start production again soon. The 99 models saw a 5 HP increase to make it 200 HP(Base model seems fasteR than the SH MODEL), which is more than the type r integra stock. Exterior styling still turnsheads todaY and the interior is not bad. Under the hood we see one of the biggest stock honda 4 cylinder motors at 2.2 liters and the added bonus of VTECH MAKES THIS BABY SCREAM AFTER 5500 RPM. The one thing I have not like about hondas as I have previously owned a 00 civic si and 95 GSR integra is the clutches in the cars stock are not very heavy duty especially during racing. Overall the lude is the best sporty honda out there

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  Honda Reliable - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Drive-On-A-Budget - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Buy a Honda new if you can. Maintain it...so far I have 174,000 trouble free miles with scheduled maintenance suggested by Honda. Car is a bit noisy inside, comfort level is adequate. Get about 32 mpg on highway.

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  Naysayers are right - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JR - July 19 - 2:13 am

  I am here to agree with the naysayers. There are build and quality control issues with the 7th generation Honda Accord. I own a 2004 EX with 1700 miles on it. Ever had a mosquito buzz in your ear? No? Drive my car awhile and youll get the idea. Creaks and rattles from the driver window, front windsheild, and center vents. Sound annoying? It is, making an otherwise solid car feel cheap. Yes, the ergonomics are great. Yes, the 4cyl is smooth. Yes, it handles capably. But whats the point when you cant enjoy the ride? When upon leaving the car you twitch with frustration?

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  SUZ NEW TOY - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SUZ - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a short lady, the sun visor does not come down far enough to keep the sun out of my eyes, have to stretch up. too much windshield and not enough sun shield. Dash could have been a little smaller and buttons (clock) could have been viewable for the smaller persons who will buy. Would have loved some contrast color on the body side molding. Would have loved a dark blue one.