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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  WOW - 2002 Honda Accord
  By GEORGE - August 10 - 4:46 am

  WOW

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  I Luv my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dede - August 10 - 12:43 am

  I have had my CRV for 4 months and I love it. It is fun to drive, dependable and gets great gas mileage. We took a 4,000 vacation over Thanksgiving and it held the road great and was comfortable. We really enjoyed our trip and our Honda CRV. It has all the pick up speed you need for city freeway driving and a great ride overall on the highways. My daughter has a 1997 Honda with over 200,000 miles and it still drives like a champ. Sure seems like a good deal to me!

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  Cant beat it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Allen - August 9 - 10:13 pm

  We priced and looked at all minivans. Owned a Dodge which was fare. Could have bought others for less. But we are extremely happy with our decision. Everything about our Honda is great. Could never go back to something else, even with the more money we spent.

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  The BEST CAR EVER!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By HondasRule - August 9 - 8:20 am

  This car is amazing!!! Solidly built, awesome looking, and amazing interior! The outside is amazing. I never thought that they could look better in 2013, but Honda really did it now. The LED light bars in the rear are very noticeable, and handsome. Same with the front. Interior, the seats are very comfortable, even with some back problems. Great technology. Drives and handles amazing. Overall, I have nothing negative to say about this car!! Its amazing, to say the least! Buy it!!! You will not regret it.

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  The BEST CAR EVER!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By HondasRule - August 9 - 8:20 am

  This car is amazing!!! Solidly built, awesome looking, and amazing interior! The outside is amazing. I never thought that they could look better in 2013, but Honda really did it now. The LED light bars in the rear are very noticeable, and handsome. Same with the front. Interior, the seats are very comfortable, even with some back problems. Great technology. Drives and handles amazing. Overall, I have nothing negative to say about this car!! Its amazing, to say the least! Buy it!!! You will not regret it.

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  Great mileage, comfortable family car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jonathan - August 8 - 1:46 pm

  I really like my Insight - Ive been averaging about 47 MPG combined, which is better than I was expecting. Ride and handling are what Id expect for this type and class of car. If you inflate the tires to 38 or 40 psi, ride, MPGs, and handling improve greatly. USB audio capability is great, plenty of room for luggage, groceries, stroller, etc. Ive owned two Infiniti G35s over the years (one sedan and one coupe), and this car is far from them in performance and handling - but, for a hybrid, this car is great!

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  Mileage Surprise - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bill Johnstone - August 8 - 1:36 pm

  EPA rates this V6 Honda EX at 22/28 MPG, but I have found that the mileage is much better, at least for highway driving. I curise at 65 to 70+ MPH on the road and have consistantly computed 35 MPG and sometimes 38. On opnly one occasion I got 33. With the cost of gas this is a nice surprise. Since the car is new, I expect that mileage to get better over time. The rest of the car is excellent, but thats why I bought it. The XM radio is fun.

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  Didnt think Id be sold on a hybrid... - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kidsimba - August 8 - 3:56 am

  At first I was pretty skeptical, with a lot of claims (gas mileage, no difference between "regular" cars and hybrids) being touted in advertisements, articles, etc. I test drove the CVT and manual versions of the Civic, as well as the Prius before deciding on the manual Civic Hybrid. I thought the Prius looked and drove a little too far away from what I was used to in a "normal" car. (all electric start start from a stop, etc.) The Civic has been great, performance isnt that bad for not having a lot of horses under the hood. I chose the manual over the CVT because again, it just felt better overall. Fuel economy is pretty much as stated, I get 47 MPG with mixed driving.

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  It was worth the wait! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jgirlallen - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Finally, after 20 years I own a Honda Accord. I owned a Civic, purchased new and had for 6 yrs. Great car. Thought I needed a big car and went to a Park Ave., boy was that a mistake. So after owning a 1994 Park, for 2 years, I found my dream car. A 1998 Honda Accord LX V6 Sedan. Black with fin. What a beauty. I love my Honda!!! Such classy styling and handles like a dream. The V6 gives me the power to manuver well on the highway. If you ever wanted a Honda, the Accord has my vote.

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  #2 - 1992 Honda Accord
  By NickiKingCobra - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Accord EX Coupe since 1998 and have had NO major problems. I have put 76,000 miles on it.