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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  CR-V is the way to go! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Danielle - May 31 - 3:26 pm

  Had a 1999 Accord and recently upgraded to this. Love the new body design and the mp3 jack in the center console. Has plenty of storage and drives very smoothly.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tjw - May 31 - 2:13 pm

  Ive had this car for about 5 months now and have already put almost 7,000 miles on it. Its done great. Ive had no problems with it. I love the fuel economy considering I drive 60 miles a day. The only thing that worries me is the snow. I havent yet tried it out in the snow but it should do fine considering it has front wheel drive. This is an awesome car and I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Great SUV for the price! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dennis Hannewald - May 31 - 1:26 pm

  I have been driving mine for just over 2 months and absolutely love it. I owned a 2004 prior which was a very dependable and well built car so felt confident this would be the same. Its comfortable to drive, quiet,lots of storage and hauling space, looks good and worth every dollar. Drive and compare the competition and see what I mean.

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  Best Honda Civic yet!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Brian Light - May 31 - 12:41 pm

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Craig, Cincinnati - May 31 - 12:36 pm

  After 8 months and 11,000 miles, Im still thrilled with my purchase. Its very simple to drive, all controls are handy and well laid out, it has a nice ride, it has the power when you need it, and it brakes well. Doesnt hurt that it looks good. My only complaint is Im personally getting lower MPG than advertised (only getting around 26 normally, best was 31 on pure highway). Im also wondering about the tank size. Ive driven it down to the last dot of the gas gauge, had the extra light on announcing low gas for many miles, but when I filled up it only took 10.4 gallons to fill. Wheres the other 2.8 gallons this car claims to have (13.2 gallon tank listed)?

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  Honda Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By andyliu88 - May 31 - 5:26 am

  Very nice Car

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  I couldnt love this car more! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ilovemycivic - May 30 - 1:46 pm

  I recently put my 96 Civic Coupe DX to sleep. I wasnt going to buy another Civic thinking Ill just "move up" to something better like an Accord or Camry. But as soon as I test drove the 07 out of curiosity, I was hooked. As far as Im concerned, there is no better car for the money. This car handles great, is quite speedy, and very comfortable. he seats feel wonderful and soft. The telescopic steering wheel is a nice feature. It has maintenance minder too so taking care of this car is a no- brainer. I dont have enough room to rave about this car.

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  Made in England - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Gilmore - May 30 - 3:47 am

  Assembled in Great Britain first strike worse car for repairs I ever had . 5 warrantee recalls for cables ignition key cant remember them all. 3 throttle bodies replaced, and a/c under warrantee so no cost, in az. U need a/c. Bought it primarily to tow behind rv ,for that it was great . Mileage good acceleration so,so. Kind of a slug. Still have it after 13 years so all the problems were tollererable . And will get another one its perfect for my wife. had the o-2 sensor replaced car running like new . a/c struggling in the 100+ heat in az.

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  Made in England - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Gilmore - May 30 - 3:47 am

  Assembled in Great Britain first strike worse car for repairs I ever had . 5 warrantee recalls for cables ignition key cant remember them all. 3 throttle bodies replaced, and a/c under warrantee so no cost, in az. U need a/c. Bought it primarily to tow behind rv ,for that it was great . Mileage good acceleration so,so. Kind of a slug. Still have it after 13 years so all the problems were tollererable . And will get another one its perfect for my wife. had the o-2 sensor replaced car running like new . a/c struggling in the 100+ heat in az.

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  Honda - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By steve ballou - May 30 - 2:34 am