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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  Big Little (or is it Little Big) Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By pakman - January 3 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this car. $22,000 for a 4WD car that everybody wants to take a look at and it drives like a dream. It is such a big "little" car. Made by Honda, so it will last forever. I spilled pizza sauce on the seats and wipped it right off the waterproof seats. I love this car. Best choice I ever made!!!

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  My Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DML - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrific minivan! Its roomy, classy, and meets all of the needs of my large family. Plenty of room, plenty of extras.

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  My Opinion - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Kevinmclark - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! My lease expires in about four months I like this car so much I am considering buying it instead of getting a new car.

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  2003 Civic Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By speedyzx6 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I like this little car. I had a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3, although the Focus felt like it pulled a little harder, I feel that The Civic Si is much more in control. The vehicle is very smooth and comfortable. The shifter location looks awkward, but I assure you it feels like it was put in the right place. The fit and finish, performance and stability is typical for Honda. This is my third Honda, I currently also own a 2002 Honda Odyssey. Improvements that should be made is an addition of an arm rest and larger wheels.

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  Civic DX to Accord EX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By araiza565 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  It had been a couple of years since I grew out of my Civic DX. Going from all the street racing type mods to an actual family type car was long over due for me. I had the option of going with a white with tan leather and wood trim (Luxury look) or Silver with black leather and aluminum trim (Sport Look). Needless to say, the silver one is sitting in my driveway.

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  03 Accord Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By stromile - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is typical Honda, very reliable, good gas mileage, and build quality that exceeds the sticker price. So far my only gripe is the road noise of the tires over less than perfect interstate surfaces. Im not sure if this is the fault of the tires or because there is not enough sound deadening material in the car. Either way its Hondas issue because they chose the tires for the car. Overall this is a minor gripe because all other aspects of the car are top notch.

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  Sporty - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SportyG - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Besides being little bumpy on the ride and little flaw in the exterior look, its the BEST in its class.

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  Spectacular - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Obinna - January 2 - 12:56 pm

  This car has given me faith in compact cars. Before I bought this car I never liked compacts since Im a tall dude. But the space in the care is remarkable. The drive is notable as well as its smooth cornering at sharp bends. Honda,once again, has lived up to expectation.

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  Great SUV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By JB - January 2 - 9:40 am

  I picked up my White diamond​ Touring AWD last week and Im loving it!! It drives really well and is very comfortable. It does have a lot of safety features, which can feel overwhelming at first. The only features Im missing from my previous car is the panoramic moonroof, ventilated seats and when the mirrors would tilt down in reverse.

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  civic si 06-- super car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drjon - January 2 - 3:33 am

  I have had an excellent experience with buying and driving this civic. Awesome engineering, fun to drive, pure pleasure. a/c, audio , all controls, seats, appearance, all tip top. I researched for 2 years; si coupe beat all.