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:

• 

  2008 Civic EX-L Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Cloud - December 19 - 4:56 pm

  There are a few things I would like to see better on this car, One is the noise level of the road is load, Also the Sound System is one of the worst I have ever heard, Also No Bluetooth, What is with that? I will be changing Speakers ASAP, and put Dyno matt down under the Carpet! This will help a lot! Overall I like the car.

• 

  Accord hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cam - December 19 - 8:40 am

  All this fun and savings too! This car is loaded with power!!!

• 

  Alright Car But Not My Preference - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Zach - December 19 - 6:46 am

  This Accord is ok but I would much rather prefer a different car. The acceleration is somewhat on the exhilarating side but is way too loud at least for my taste.Have ridden in cars with more power and they were not nearly as noisy. The ride is good but could be better. The new body style is somewhat sporty but a downgrade from the 2007. The front seats are hard to the max. I like the options that are standard with the EX but still not a big fan of this car. The stereo is also very nice in this car.

• 

  perfect all around - 1994 Honda Accord
  By kevin - December 19 - 1:54 am

  Very fun to drive car, what can i say? The 2.2 v-tech is a lot more powerful than it seems. The 94 accord EX is my second accord, and it just keeps getting better. Well worth the money spent!!!

• 

  Buy the LX and dont look back - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Max - December 18 - 9:36 pm

  The car handles and drives really well. The seats are comfortable, and the finishes are high quality. There are many things in the car that are not found in more expensive cars, such as the automatic brake hold and choices on rear view camera angle. Gas mileage is stellar. I use this as a commuter car.

• 

  Its getting better - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Caligrl369 - December 18 - 11:26 am

  Performance is great for a 4 banger, it seems I cant get the "just right" setting for the driver seat, has no in between. Gas mileage is pretty good if you dont use the gas hard all the time. It is a BLAST to drive the cornering and handling is soooo comfortable, what a rush. Interior design takes time to get use to. Exterior looks great the back seems really high for the front. Now reliablilty, let me say Im disappointed, had heater core, radiator, thermostat, and several hoses blow in 3 back to back days, check engine light stays on no matter what. electrical issue galore. Just she has a mind of her own, that is for sure.

• 

  Honda Employee Buys A CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Kim - December 18 - 11:20 am

  I worked for a Honda dealership for several years and this was by far the employee choice of car. When buying a gen 1 CR-V, installing the passenger side armrest is a MUST. For $50, why wouldnt you want your passengers comfy?!? I can load anything into my CR-V from furniture to a christmas tree and I can even haul a small U-Haul with it. Unload everything, flip the seats up and you can parallel park it anywhere. With todays gas prices it is a great choice and my favorite Honda.

• 

  Engine or Transmission - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Thai Vuong - December 17 - 3:53 pm

  I had this vehicle for two weeks, the bargain price $7,000 below MSRP. I agree with others reviews on the features. However, Up-shift and down-shift in the city (30-40 mph) is rough, test drive your vehicle on rush hour you can feel car slows down quickly without step on the brake, or slowly accelerate on gas pedal.

• 

  I LIKE IT!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By zash - December 17 - 2:00 am

  WELL I LOVE IT SO FAR...THE POWER IS GREAT. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM THUS FAR

• 

  Love this Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Wally - December 16 - 3:53 pm

  Ive owned 6 Hondas since 1980 and "fell off the wagon" with a V6 Jetta purchase several years ago. Am I ever glad to be back. Looked at the 08 Accord and Camery, but the milage and the EX-L/Navi option sold me on the Civic. Im getting 28 city over first 3 fill ups. With the mileage, navi, and XM, I cant wait to take it on an extended highway trip. Drove it through an inch ice storm and 7 inch snow fall last week with no problems at all.