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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  Fun to drive again - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Don - January 28 - 11:39 pm

  Wife getting prepared for a knee replacement and wanted a vehicle that was easy to get in and out of. We decided on a 5 passenger SUV. We test drove Cadillac, GMC, Buick, Toyota, and Ford. The Honda stood out in Tech and comfort. We live in the mountains and the small turbo handles the climbs with no problem. Averaging 31.4 mpg. with an engine that has a lifetime warranty. The navigation is spot on and even shows your next turn on the dash (handy). Brake hold is a welcome feature that makes stop and go easy. Cruise control keeps a distance between you and the driver in front and breaks for you. I went from 70 to 0 as the car in front of me came to a stop. Amazing. Headlights and wipers are automatic. I guess I have to mention the only con I can think of (no CD player). What a fun car to drive and you owe it to yourself to test drive one.

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  Honda odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TGRIFFITH - January 28 - 4:06 am

  This vehicle is far and above any other minivan that i have owned, namely the nissan quest. It drives like a small luxury car, but hauls like an suv. It has almost to the inch, the interior hauling space that my ford expedition had. It is very easy to see out of. It has lots of pickup, the nissan was sluggish. It has full size seats that are very comfortable.

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  Love my new 2013 Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By penonfire - January 28 - 3:02 am

  These reviews were so helpful to me in choosing my Sport. I love it. Black int., black ext., dark tinted windows. Love the lumbar support on the drivers seat, and pretty much love everything about the car. Only a few things I miss from my last car--locked glove, tiny compartment for change--but these are teensy gripes. Honda really has outdone themselves with this new 2013 design. Its gorgeous. Holds the road, too, in a confident way. Almost bought the Coupe but getting into the back seat was a pain. My 18 year old son loves it and said hed be just fine with it if I decided to give it to him. Wanted to love the Prius but just didnt (and I dont commute). Love my Sport!

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  Honda Fit(s) Me Well - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vivica - January 27 - 9:36 am

  This Honda Fit has turned out to be a very reliable car. I have driven it for roughly four months, and the car runs like a dream. Its also a very good gas sipper, and I only have to fill up its tank roughly every 10 days. Not only its a good little subcompact for someone who just wants an inexpensive thing to commute in, its also a cute car. I get compliments on its looks from time to time. Overall, its been a very good car, and I highly recommend it to a routine commuter who wants something thats economical and yet appealing to the eye.

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  Finest Car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Accord
  By turbo1701 - January 26 - 3:06 pm

  Interior is top notch, everything easy to reach and operate. Leather heated seats are terrific. Moonroof is great and have had no problems in the 2 months I have owned it. Contrary to what many people report about EPA rating, I am averaging 35 MPG on the highway, 27 in the city. Very impressed. Sound system is also excellent. Very roomy. Superior handling characteristics. Love styling of rear end 03-05 models. The 06 rear end looks like everything else on the road from a Ford 500 to Impala/G6/Lacrosse and Camry. Would highly recommend an Accord to anyone. Fit and finish are flawless on mine. Car is Black with Tan interior & spoiler. Gets LOTS of Looks & thumbs up.

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  Excellent Design and Built - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AL - January 24 - 3:53 pm

  I am in Xiamen, China and have to manuveur often in limited spaces. Its short profile saves me tons of headache while its interior provides ample room. It rides better than any other cars in its price range. Its stylish, roomy, powerful, environment- friendly and versatile. For the price, many other auto makers may just give you barely a commuter vehicle.

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  Great value car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tommyslo - January 24 - 1:30 am

  This car has never given me any problems, is fun to drive, didnt cost much and had lots of options.

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  Odyssey my Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Paas - January 24 - 12:40 am

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  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Guohong Gao - January 23 - 6:44 am

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  finally a minivan worth bying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By george - January 23 - 6:06 am

  I Love cars. I own several ... My new addition is the Honda odyssey Touring with Navigation and in one word it is becoming one of my favorites: Steering is impressive, power - wow, luxury and a navigation that put all the others to shame. I was going to buy the Sienna till I drove the honda. I felt the steering and the performance was remakably better, ie, NO COMPARISON.