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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  2015 Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Jared Nelson - January 26 - 1:44 pm

  Its a great car. Occasionally theres a slight hesitation upon accelerating from being stationary, but otherwise fine. Great design, reliability (so far), performance, gas mileage, electronics, entertainment system, handling on corners, etc.

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  2009 FIT Sport w/NAVI - 2009 Honda Fit
  By chas0215 - January 26 - 11:16 am

  This is an ideal subcompact with a high fun to drive factor and great fuel economy (even though it is a bit pricey with navi).

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  Honda knows econo-comfort - 2007 Honda Civic
  By plasma_man - January 26 - 5:00 am

  As for blind spots: the B-pillar is thick, but the rear passenger windows allow for more than ample eye sight (these are things you notice on a test drive, not 2 months later!). As for the quality ext./int. yes its cheaper, but for the price the quality is more than sufficient, and the design is quite nice. Go look at Chevy and tell me you dont love Honda interiors. Performance wise, this is sufficient, but definitely not sporty. The engine has 140 hp@6300, and 128 lb-ft@4300. So really, Ive no complaints about this car, and have been quite happy with its MPG. I recommend it to any one needing an economical car that is almost guaranteed to last 300,000+ miles if you care for it.

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  I love this car! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Dianalee Imondi - January 26 - 3:20 am

  This car is wonderful.Beautiful, roomy, and a very smooth ride. I get compliments on it all the time. And so economical .

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  My first car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By shaun - January 25 - 5:05 pm

  This is the first car Ive owned that I am actually paying for (I just got out of college) and I have to say its a fantastic piece of machinery. For being a "boring family sedan", Honda does a good job of making me like this car. Ive never had any problems with it in the past 9 months owning it, and will probably own it for a while to come.

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  fun ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By henry - January 25 - 9:20 am

  its a fun ride and looks nice. definitely a lot better looking with the oem body kit. Drives nice no major complaints

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  120 mile a day commute - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tomtomt - January 24 - 9:43 pm

  I drive about 120 miles a day for my commute and love every minute of getting 50+ mpg. I replaced the standard stereo with one that has a XM Radio receiver and that makes the drive bearable. Road noise is the pretty high unless I drive outside the ruts made by those who insist on having studded tires on their cars.

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  Honda S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By David Oheim - January 24 - 7:10 pm

  FUN TO DRIVE!!! The S2000 is the best handling car I have ever driven. It is very powerful for a 4 cylinder. Those looking for a smooth ride need to look for something else. The S2000 has a harsh ride, but it handles awesome. This car is great in tight corners, it is an Autocross king. PURE SPORTS CAR

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  Great value for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - January 24 - 7:09 pm

  This level of the accord is no frills but still a very reliable nice car.

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  Great value for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - January 24 - 7:09 pm

  This level of the accord is no frills but still a very reliable nice car.