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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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.

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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.

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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.

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  06 Accord Rocks - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve - June 26 - 11:40 pm

  A lot of car for the money. Great safety systems including standard side curtain air bags. Huge Trunk. Timeless design.

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  Love this car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By CJ - June 26 - 7:04 pm

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  Surprised - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Lakin - June 26 - 3:56 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised with the CR-V. I have been dying for the Nissan Murano, but at $11,000 more for almost identical features, I had to reconsider. I also considered the Honda Civic and Accord, and the Civic actually had a more high tech interior. Overall, though for the money, I got most everything I wanted, without a lot of hassle in different packages. They had the one I wanted at the dealer and I drove it home. I couldnt say the same for the Murano - as they wanted to add AFTER market stuff. The CR-V is easy to drive, fun to handle, I just drove it home and Im in love with the navigation, which I originally decided I could live without - but I was wrong - I love it!

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  Nothin by a honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By M. FULLER - June 26 - 9:06 am

  This is my 5th honda and 3rd new one in 6 yrs. Never will buy anything but a honda. Love everything about it. First time for the coupe. Its been the most fun. Glad i bought the 06 coupe, didnt care for the back of 05. Never felt the need for the v6, this one is peppy enough for me

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  Great Hybrid! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By tseibel - June 26 - 4:10 am

  Great hybrid! I have averaged 49.9 in the first 3200 miles. Great car! My only complaint so far is that I have been getting the IMA light, battery light, check engine light. The dealer reset everything, so well see. Otherwise, it is a great car! As long as you drive conservatively, it is not hard to get 50+ mpg. My last two tanks have been 51.5 and 53. Great car, good buy.

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  overall satisfied - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Ruth Levy - June 26 - 2:17 am

  this was just the car I wanted at the right price

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Alex - June 26 - 1:46 am

  The Accord is great, it has everything you need in a vehicle-power,comfort. But i think the design still needs help the rear is still not to my liking but i still like it.