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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  Near top end Honda competes with higher end cars - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Bart Charlow - October 13 - 5:17 am

  We compared to the Acura models and found the near top end Honda to be a much better car and deal (surprised!) While the car is brand new, given past experience with half a dozen Hondas, I expect reliability and repair needs to be excellent. Honda servicing is quite good and an Accord is much less expensive to maintain than a Lexus or Acura. This car drives very well. Much better seating and entry/exit height than previous models. Very good visibility (better than the Acura) and better ride than previous models. Its still an Accord, so it isnt really cushy, but its tighter to handle more like a sporty car without the drawbacks of a sports car. Exterior has too much chrome for my taste, but overall looks good. Interior is well done. Controls a bit daunting at first, but well laid out. We did NOT get the navigation, as it is unnecessary with GPS on phone, but we did pony up extra for the parking lidar and it seems worth it. The automatic right turn camera is a really great feature, but cannot fathom why they didnt do it for left turns as well. Rear camera works well. Overall a very nice car with a nice ride and look. I do wish Honda gave more color choices, though.

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  Civic SI, you cant beat it. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By fitchhollister - October 12 - 9:40 pm

  This care is terrific. My girlfriend bought one and I was/am a staunch VW supporter who drives a 1.8T. I have to say this Honda is first class and for the features it comes with you couldnt touch a VW for less than 30,000 with the same features. It looks really sharp and sounds incredible when you get into the VTEC range.

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  Honda lover - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mike Morgan - October 12 - 8:17 pm

  Just purchased a 2017 Accord Touring. What a fantastic car. This is my 5th Accord and the best ever. My first with a V-6. I must say that the Honda V-6 is one of the best that I have ever driven. Quiet, great performance and I averaged over 25mpg combined in my first 2 tanks. The interior is high quality, the ride is smooth and quiet with a lot of room in the rear seat. I would highly recommend an Accord with the V-6--its a great ride.

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  CRV 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By KGD - October 12 - 3:43 am

  Excellent vehicle. I put 240,000 on my 99 CR-V. Im getting 28 MPG on the highway. The new model rides a little rougher, but its more comfortable. The 2007 has a lot more horsepower, nice handling.

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  Great Mini SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Der_Kommissar - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for the large interior space, small exterior size, and fuel mileage. It has delivered on all fronts. You really cant go wrong with this car, as long as you accept that its not a true off roader.

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By leejdjd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  we searcgewd long and hard to upgrade from our 2000 Dodge Caravan. We liked the idea of fold-down seats but thought the new Dodge seats looked cheap and uncomfortable. We decided to go with the 2004 Odyssey or the Toyota van... until we saw the 2005 Odyssey! This is the perfect combination of people-moving conveinience and luxurious comfort!

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  Acura of Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By bepete - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Touring NAV/RES in Silver Pearl with Black Leather three weeks ago, and I must say this is one very nice vehicle. This model has the feel and features of an Acura but the versatility of a large minivan. We absolutely love it! Great design - inside and out. The only vehicle that is even in the same class is the Sienna Limited but we came up with 20 reasons why we felt this is a better vehicle (for a list of the 20 reasons, visit my post #826 "Top of the Line Comparison" in the Odyssey vs. Sienna- 2005+ forum). If you are looking to buy, you can also visit my post #6633 "Pricing - Tips and Observations" in the Odyssey-Prices Paid & Buying Experience forum.

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  car built beatifully and safely - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lecia - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the Accord Coupe 2003 model when I first saw it. Little did I know that its smart design both inside and out would save my life today. Today, while on my way to work on I-95, traffic came to a stop. And as I completely stopped, a car flew into my back at 65 mph. I walked out of the car with a small scratch on my nose. Paramedics couldnt believe that I had no major injuries. Basically the car absorbed most of the impact, but the interior frame stood strong. The car is a total loss, but Im shopping for the same exact car. Accord coupe. . . smart and beautiful!!

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  Absolutely incredible - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By PF - October 11 - 4:26 pm

  This car is flat out incredible. I am 26 and this is the first brand new car I have owned. It could be the novelty, but this car is the best car I have ever driven, and same for my wife. I test drove a lot of cars, and this one was the only car with the proverbial all-around package. Fun to drive, classy, gas mileage, decent price, great features, etc. I have only owned this a very short while, but I couldnt be happier. On top of it all, its a Honda.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dave - October 10 - 4:26 pm

  Driving position feels like a coupe. Tight build quality. Great fuel economy and quality meterials used throughout. Far superior to my 98 Jetta. While not a performance car, the performance is evrything I expected from a Honda and more. Very comfortable feeling from the brakes and no jack rabbit acceleration. A truely refined compact. I can see why its "Best in Class".