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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  Almost bought a RAV4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CR-Ver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a Toyota Camry but wanted something with a little higher profile so decided on a RAV4-couldnt make a deal though so I checked out the competition and discovered the CR-V, which is roomier and has more standard features than the RAV4. Im so glad I checked it out. Its got a peppy 4cyl engine that likes to go and a smoother ride than I was expecting from an SUV- its not trucklike at all. I loved my Camry for its smooth, quiet ride and this vehicle is not comparable in those areas but it is more fun to drive.

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  Loyal Honda owner loves this one - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - January 20 - 11:43 pm

  I bought the 2007 CR-V just a few days after it was released. Having previously owned an earlier model CR-V, I am thrilled with the changes theyve made to this model. Ive had people follow me through parking lots to get a better look and ask me questions. Ive always loved Hondas, but this ones a real winner.

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  GOOD - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MARIE MCFARLIN - January 20 - 11:23 pm

  this is a great car, it lives up to expectation, this is my first purchase of a honda product, i am extremely pleased with this vehciles and its dependability.

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  Wow - 2006 Honda Accord
  By C.Clark - January 20 - 9:10 am

  At first, I wanted to purchase a Civic because of gas prices but there was something about the Accord. From the exterior to the interior its just beautiful! Its picks up like a V6 engine, smooth ride, great handling, and i love the color combination! I am a college student and travel a lot. I believe that the Accord will last longer than my Monte Carlo did. If you are looking for a car, this is the one to get. TRUST ME. Looks great, drives great, and the fuel is great. Great job Honda.

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  Perfect as kids get older! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Maura Marcotte - January 20 - 2:52 am

  I traded in our Pilot for this, after our three kids were completely out of the car seat/booster stage. I LOVE it! Fuel economy is SO much better, and the updated technology is terrific.

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  Worth every penny - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Wikimtb1 - January 20 - 12:21 am

  First new car in over 10 years. Worth every penny. I cant imagine driving anything else and being as satisfied with it as I am with the 2016 Civic.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By wowaddict - January 19 - 7:26 pm

  Dont judge it by my 9s to most people this car is a 10. I just think you can improve on everything. Great van. It runs great, is extremely comfortable. The fuel economy is good but not great. I did find the highway mileage impressive. I got 29 mpg average with luggage and 3 adults and 2 babies. City is around 20 mpg, still pretty good for its size. Try that in a regular suv. Its a van so performance and fun to drive not what you expect in a van but its a great ride. Everything else interior, exterior, quality, and reliability is summed up in 1 word Honda. I would purchase the extended warranty though only because lots of bells and whistles that can break.

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  So far so good! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By newfloyd - January 19 - 6:10 pm

  The Civic is very comfortable to drive. They really put a lot of thought into the little things such as arm rests, cup holders, etc. I use the car for my 60 mile/day commute. Although the gas mileage isnÂ’t as great as the sticker says, itÂ’s still really good.

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - January 19 - 7:53 am

  Roomy and stylish interior with simple controls, tight build quality, smooth ride, refined drive trains, excellent crash test scores, Hondas strong reputation for reliability, high resale value and no sales tax for my hybrid in CT. The car rides like a $40,000 car, I love it! Feels and drives like a much more expensive car than the Toyota Camry. Way more engine horsepower & torque than the wimpish I4 Camry but not quite as thrifty on the gas. The V6 performance and higher quality road manners is worth it over the Camry plus mid 30s MPG- Very happy!

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  worth the wait - 2005 Honda Accord
  By satutoring - January 19 - 7:26 am

  Just picked up my Accord yesterday and I am very happy with my choice. I had owned a Subaru WRX and was going to get another Subaru, but for the value, features, performance and reliability, you just cant beat the Accord. I got a great deal on an 05 with nav (it was the last one at this particular dealership) and it was a great snag. Ill miss the AWD of the Subaru but Im glad I chose the V6 over the turbo 4.