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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  Just what I was looking for - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mack - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice Amount of Power. Very Comfortable. The Traction Control has been great in the snow. Very much Enjoying the car so far.

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  Ohh my god! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By john - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love it so far, no problems. it has many features that i would want in a car. This car is a mix of mercedes luxury with honda reliablitiy. Go ahead and stirr those together, and you will know what im talking about.

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  It is a one of a kind - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ljess604 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I cant live without this car.i put 19 inch rims and the car has been turning heads ever since.I love the feel of this ride and it is very comfortable. people who are talking bad about this car are idiots as this is the best bang for your buck car in the world

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  OHHH I LOVE THIS CAR - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael ORourke - January 24 - 1:14 am

  I love this car!! its so nice on the outside and inside. I like the how the outside has this aggressive look. Also the inside is better than a luxury car. It has so many features! Im 64" and i fit perfect!! it looks small but so roomy. I recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great Upgrade - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rick G. - January 24 - 12:40 am

  Decided to trade in my 2001 for the new 2005 with Nav and I am extremely happy with it. Fit and finish are near perfect and the extra 40hp is VERY nice. Better pickup and smoother/quieter cruising speed. The navigation system is worth the money. Much better than a portable unit that I used in my 2001 Accord. Voice activation is really useful/fun and just plain cool :)

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  Excellent for small family - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ncruz14 - January 23 - 3:03 pm

  We bought this car 20 months ago and we love it. Aside from the 2 recalls there have been no issues with the car mechanically. The ride height is good enough to see the road and the CRV is not a huge tank of an SUV. The CRV is excellent for my family of three to go around town and the performance is good enough if you dont drive it like an Acura NSX. I knew when I bought this that I didnt need an offroad trail beast or a high performance rocket. I needed a reliable, efficient, comfortable and roomy SUV to be able to get around in and this is exactly what the CRV delivers.

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  Very noisy cabin - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By John Brown - January 22 - 6:44 pm

  I am really upset on 2018 CRV Touring. Before buying I did test drive for about 2-5 miles and everything was ok. But after driving car about 50Miles, started to hear very loud noise like a drum noise/rattling noise. This noise is specific to Touring model as stated by dealer. If I knew at the beginning why I am going to spend $35K for a car. Now I have to live with that noise. I strongly advise to new buyers do not buy touring at all. Heres is the link for recorded video:https://youtu.be/6oxQjXOQRVo

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  Rons Honda Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 2004 Honda CR-V - January 22 - 12:37 pm

  Looks good, handles very well, comfortable and economic for an SUV. Like it a lot and will purchase another after three years.

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  Great CUV for the $ - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bmwguy23 - January 22 - 5:43 am

  Superb fit and finish, relatively tight handling for a small SUV/CUV, impressive interior materials, upscale exterior styling. We paid a little over $25K for this vehicle which compares favorably to others costing $10K more (taking the engine out of the equation).

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  Fits like a glove - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jon W - January 21 - 5:33 pm

  Ive only had the car for a couple days and I already love it. The interior space, high mpg, overall design, and driving experience are great. Although, I dont really need the nav system, I do enjoy it and love the voice activation feature. Its just a great all around car that looks pretty cool in black. And for a little car with 117 hp/107 ft.lbs. torque its a fun little car to drive and the 5 spd manual is spot on. This car deserves some awards from the automotive press for sure "Of the Year" or "10 best" you know who you guys are! Way to go Honda!