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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  What a great Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - May 29 - 7:32 am

  You need to really negotiate a deal. Do your homework. The Car is amazing. Tremendous value. We love it.

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  Value for Money - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BB - May 29 - 6:46 am

  It is almost 6 months and 10,000 miles since I bought this vehicle and just had my first oil change (as recomended by the computer at 15% oil life). I get 29 overall mileage (80% highway and 20% city) and am extremely pleased with my choice. The vehicle has not given me any problems and I have not even had to check the tire pressure due to its own tire pressure monitoring system. The leather seats are nice and the XM radio is a nice way to kill time on longer drives. The air-conditioner is very efficient. During the winter the CR-V was great in 12 inch snow and the heated seats and mirror were very useful. All in all a great vehicle and plan to get for my wife too.

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  safe thankfully to car - 1997 Honda Passport
  By gratefullysafe - May 29 - 5:33 am

  We bought a 97passport used for our teenage daughters as her first car. Four months later, with her 2 best friends along for the ride, she hydroplaned and and sheared off a tree. The tree hit the front of the car direct center and came to rest on the roof! The air bags deployed as they were designed to do. The only injuries were minor burns from the drivers side airbag. As the police officer said "the girls were very lucky" "usually it is the tree that lives and the people dont" I credit the passports amazing structural design. Yes the car was total loss by the insurance standard but it was quite a sight to see the tree on top of the roof and the roof not even dented.

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  Civic 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By npw - May 29 - 4:10 am

  Had a Civic 98 before....very happy with it so thought I would go for another one. Overall I am very happy with it. In- town gas mileage seems a little low but I have not had it long enough to evaluate accurately. Comfortable spacious. Hope it works for me as well as the last one!

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  I really love this Car! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Paul L - May 29 - 3:00 am

  This was an impulse purchase. Last December my partner was looking to buy an Accord Coupe (which he did)but when I saw the CT I had to have it. Its solid, fun to drive, classy and way better than the 07 Pacifica I had been driving. Have never had so many people ask me about the car and rave over its style. Im a proud owner.

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  great car and fun to drive for an 18 yr - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jordan - May 29 - 2:10 am

  great handling and very comfortable. just as fast as i need it to be. im kind of a nuts driver so the 4 cyl keeps me good.good gas milage. i have the black cloth seats which are nice but get very dirty easily. next time ill go with the leather.

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  Amazing car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By John L. - May 28 - 11:24 pm

  My new Civic Touring is a great car with a lot to love and a few issues. The car handles beautifully, is very comfortable, a great ride and incredible fuel economy for a car that has decent power. The car also looks great. The issues: the audio system while it sounds great, is clunky to work with. The Honda sense features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane watch, are impressive and they do work, but the features need refinement. In particular, the automatic breaking during cruise control can be too abrupt and someone following too close behind is liable to rear end you in some situations. I accept the fact that some of the new technology needs refinement and since its all in the software it would be nice if Honda provided updates as they inevitably make improvements, but they probably wont (unlike Tesla). Its a woderful car so far and I have no reason to believe it wont be as amazingly reliable as my last Civic.

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  Very good everyday driver - 1996 Honda Accord
  By The Commander - May 28 - 10:08 pm

  Well, Hondas are known to be reliable and this one is no different! Ive owned it for past 5 years at 42,000 miles and other than AC problem and window problem, nothing major.

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  its ok..... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Miguel - May 28 - 5:24 pm

  the crv is extremely dependable and worthy of the honda logo. it performs well in the snow and gets ok fuel economy. its just very sluggish. really needs a 6 clyiner option, and the suspension is extremely stiff compared to the highlander, rav4, and tribute. over all its a honda and will last. But comfort, cabin noise, and ride stiffness was over looked

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  Plenty of "car" for price paid - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jsm - May 28 - 6:00 am

  I bought this vehicle from a used car lot, and was literally "sold" a few hours after first seeing it. The exterior is very attractive (except for a few dents left by the original owner!). The engine is efficient--you can ride comfortably without using "high gear." Happy with the car so far (23.5k right now, with 20k/year expected).