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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  Dream Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jim C - March 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun! It performs like a racehorse, always ready to run hard. Its really a problem going slow. The build quality is excellent, its styling is something that will look as good 10 years from now as it does today. This car is real tight and handles better than any car Ive ever driven. As a toy its great, not recommended as a "commuter car". This car is what a sports car should be, fast, well handling, beautiful. If youre looking for something to cruise the strip in and look good, look elsewhere, but if you want to have fun carving mountain roads, this car may be for you.

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  We are Honda drivers - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Carolyn - March 23 - 6:10 am

  Finally went back to Honda van because of good gas mileage for a van, rear comft seats that went into well; comfortable other seats, leather, moonroof, great driving ability for van class,and great hauling capability for two going-to-be retired couple,plus low platform and again comfort for the aging population. Also excellent design to see outside windows and to park. We had the original van,then went to a Nissan quest and then to the Villager Estate(mercury). We wanted to leave the seats in and have the back like an old fashion 70s station wagon but front comfort of a van. Honda filled the bill again. I have been driving a Honda Accord beginning in the early 90s. Love Honda drive, ride & interior.

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  What a car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brody - March 22 - 4:36 am

  Just purchased this car a week ago, so obviously this is not a long term perspective review. I drove just about everything out there before buying this great car. This car is pretty well thought out. Roomy, quick, great feel and handling, peppy enough to get the job done. I am a 40 yo and it makes me feel like Im a kid inside when I drive it; yet its very practical for our family of 4. I have owned a plethora of vehicles; my 04 mustang SVT is the only vehicle I have ever had that is so much fun to drive. It makes you want to drive it; how often do you say that about a car. Honda needs to refine a couple things, but overall, this is a great car. Thoroughly impressed.

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  No complaints here - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa Goodwin - March 21 - 8:16 am

  I have owned my 2015 LS AWD for a month. I do notice a slight vibration when sitting at a stop light but it is not horrible. I am so glad I didnt listen to consumer reviews. I find the CR-V to be an excellent vehicle, handles well in the snow and as the weather starts to warm, I am getting 30+ mpg. No complaints here.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA!!!! Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Philcrow - March 21 - 2:43 am

  I have owned this Crosstour for like 6 weeks now and LOVE every minute of my driving in it. I feel very classy driving around in this classy car.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By MS - March 20 - 9:40 am

  Traded in my 2001 Honda Civic EX for the 2007 Accord. The Accord styling may be a little bland/vanilla, but the reliability and resale value makes up for it. Have driven the car for about 9K miles...no problems. Comfortable drive. Trunk seems small considering the size of the car.

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  Very happy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - March 20 - 6:50 am

  This is my first Honda car. I got tired of driving my family boat (Dodge Intrepid) and wanted to get back to something fun yet reliable and economical. I have two kids (6 & 10) and had reservations about getting a coupe, but its just so much fun and its really been no hassle getting them in and out of it. I had also considered a Mazda3 S. While this car doesnt have quite the performance as the 3, its much more comfortable and less expensive to maintain. I take a lot of long business trips (200-350 miles), and it is excellent! The radio kicks and I put my entire cd collection on just a few MP3 cds. The interior fabric is very nice and everything works flawlessly. I am very happy.

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  Without question, the best midsize car. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By daavo - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  My experience with this car has been superb.The only other car that I looked at was the 07 Camry. The Accord just seems nicer all around. The ride and handling tradeoff is excellent. The iVtec four is super smooth and has plenty of power even with the auto. I love the LED tail lights and the new front end, very classy. The seats are very comfortable for long drives. I have to drive employees around town and they all comment on how nice it is. The car is very addictive to drive. I find myself driving it just to drive it and wishing my commute was longer. It is always a pleasure to get in and drive this car. I always look forward to it. Nice looking (black with beige interior).

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  The best bang for your buck - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Schatze57 - March 19 - 7:00 pm

  This car is FUN to drive! Mileage is fantastic, averaging 45mpg. Love the crank windows, as my previous Camrys were always shorting out. Stereo is so- so but it plays music. Upside is the volume will only go so high so theres no danger of blowing out your speakers. Car hugs the road beautifully. Honda reputation is what convinced me to buy. Now my family owns three Civics

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  Hi performance sleeper - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JIMBO - March 19 - 1:43 pm

  The new body style in 2003 finally allowed me to own one. At 64" and 290 lbs i could never fit before. Now i can. I find this car to be a great long distance commuter. I do 90 miles per day and its combination of performance, ride, and fuel economy never leave me wanting. It could use a little more rubber but other than that hard to complain. Highly recommend!