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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  Awesome - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By melike - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive

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  Never looked back! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By BigHeadEd - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Extremely pleased with the car in every way. At the time of purchase I couldnt afford the navi package as I couldnt justify a $2500 price jump for a navi and backup cam (especially since I have my own portable navi) so I settled for the backup sensors and am quite satisfied at the compromise. I traded in my Volvo S40 T5 and honestly never looked back. The car is a step up in every way save for the badge, (Volvo being a premium car) and the MPG tracker. My XTour is quite roomy, super quiet compared to my S40, and although it doesnt sprint as quick as my Volvo did, its got more than enough oomph to do whatever I need done.

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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By knightimer - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  This is one of the best investments I made for the price and features I am getting. With the gas the way it is now, I am looking forward to saving money. The quality of the is awesome. I was looking at the Mazda 3 and Scion T3. I think the price and value of the civic won me over. The exterior styling is a real head tuner. I get a lot of people looking at my car when I drive it around town. I was able to secure a Taffeta White Ex model. White makes it look real clean. It looks so sweet.

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  I like everithing - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Cecilia - August 7 - 5:30 pm

  I love this car

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  What a set of wheels! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By carolina08 - August 6 - 9:53 pm

  Purchased with 72k miles as certified used vehicle. Love the power, though it has almost gotten me in trouble a few times. I have avoided several accidents in this car thanks to the agile handling and intelligent abs system. Did have the problem with the radio in April but dealer replaced it under good faith (though my certified warranty would have covered it). Only repair I have had to make is replace a brake light switch that wont let the car be put into gear if it goes out. It cost me 8 dollars and I was able to install it myself! I drove a brand new civic before I bought my accord for more room. This accord with over 86,000 miles runs just as well as my brand new civic! ITS A HONDA!!!!

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  HONDA Rules - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MTM47 - August 6 - 2:46 pm

  This is our first HONDA and it lives up to its excellent reputation. Well built, quiet, stylish..a real pleasure to drive!

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  2016 Honda Accors Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mike - August 5 - 4:31 pm

  If your a Honda Accord fan than this is the car for you, new in 2016 the exterior and interior looks great for the Accord specially the Touring. I just purchased a Touring which is the highest trim on the accords and its fully loaded inside and out just a great car, review it check it out and go for this trim not basic trims, youll love it !

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  Nice car, could improve transmission - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - August 5 - 11:53 am

  I generally enjoy this car. Comfortable and well put together. Pretty quiet with some wind noise @ 70. Engine generally quiet unless you need to push it, and down shift a couple of gears. Wish the transmission had paddle shifters like my wifes FIT. FIT is more fun to drive. Too frequently it shifts to 5th gear for mileage, when 4th would be a better selection. You cannot manually select 4th. Can hit the button on the shifter and go to 3rd, but thats it. For this engine/trans combo 4th would be really useful. Overall mileage is about 22.5 with 40/60 city highway.(actually liked the CVT arrangement on the ROGUE better) If I slow to 65 mph on the highway mileage gets much better.

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  Great ride love to drive my Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Akshay Sarup - August 4 - 5:11 pm

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  best civic yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mason - August 4 - 5:00 pm

  This is the best redesign of the civic yet. This is a fun car to drive and really cheap to own and operate. My wife traded in a 2002 jeep grand cherokee which liked to drink gas alot, she smiles every time she fills up at the pumps. My wife jusy loves everything about this car,most of all the xm radio and the navagation.