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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  Best Honda Ever - 2002 Honda Accord
  By JoeKewl - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I think that this is he best car. It runs so smoothly and is very comfortable. It is the best car ever.

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  Glad to Dump the Jeep! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By BrentSki - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Had a Grand Cherokee for 3-years. It had horrible gas mileage, hard brake, and 40-mph wobble. Thank god for the Accord 2-door SE. Exterior Syling is great. Easy to drive, VTEC lives up to its name. Interior is comfortable and large for a coupe. Stereo is good for Honda. And back seat is surprisingly roomy. Overall great car- no suggestions!

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  ZenPodII - 2007 Honda Civic
  By noflash - November 2 - 4:40 am

  To sum: We liked our 2006 HCHII so much we bought a 2007.

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  One SEXY Truck!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nat and Diane - November 2 - 12:20 am

  Ok, lets face it. I aint no mechanic. Ill do my own routine maintainance, but all the build stuff and tech specs dont get my dander up. I know what I like. We also have a Goldwing, so going in, we were partial to Hondas in the first place. If this turck is 1/2 as dependable as our Wing, Im a happy camper. The lines, and the front end styling really are "Da Bomb"! This little truck does it all, or at least all I need it to. I am a large frame guy, and I sit in the cockpit very comfortably. All those airbags! Idiot has the nerve to hit me, at least be able to walk away. Power? Yup. Got enough to get out of its own way. Braking? Yup. Stops on a dime, and gives you 9 cents change.

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  Love my new Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By A - October 31 - 7:20 pm

  Just purchased 08 Accord EX-L w/ Navi for just over invoice. Got lots of quotes from other dealers before I got the price I wanted. Love everything about the car and can only hope my wife lets me drive it more often.

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  The Van for all ages - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Len - October 31 - 12:43 pm

  Very pleased with the seating and leg comfort. It is important to have good seats and leg room in the second and third rows, which Honda offers over the other two competitors. Having driven Lincolns for years comfort was #1 priority and the Honda Touring gives you all and more. Gas mileage has been in the range of 20/22 town/hwy, and 25/26 hwy on recent 4,000 mile trip. Use of cruise control does give better mileage. I am impressed with the mileage as this van is 235lbs heavier than a Lincoln TC.

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  I love my Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Louis Hettel - October 31 - 10:13 am

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  New 2016 Odyssey -- First 1,000 miles - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Carlins - October 30 - 10:00 pm

  The main difference between models is features. The basic vehicle is the same. There is no factory protection applied to the fabric interior. A real oversight for a vehicle to carry around sloppy children, or in our case grandchildren. I added a dealer protection package which included interior and exterior clear coat and was the only option. It would be better to negotiate this adder before agreeing to purchase. Internet pricing for the dealers allowed me to get the best price and the color I wanted. I highly recommend using it for your shopping.

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  So Fun & Stylish! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mayday2779 - October 30 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased this car November. I had to wait 3 weeks for the car, but well worth it. I have over 2,000 miles. Great in snow and rain held the road great. Love the new design. People are always turning heads. Smooth ride! Cant even hear engine. Cabin Noise is so Quiet. Got over 40mpg on highway! Comfy seats. Love big windshield. Great turning radius. Looked at Prius and this is more stylish and about 5K $ cheaper! Very spacious for a compact car. Highly reccomend this car!! I never write reviews but had to with this car.

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  My 2nd CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Shoshana Mahler - October 30 - 7:37 pm

  Its no mistake Ive owned two CRVS. I love these cars. Hondas are the best.