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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  More than I expected. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bobrobin - July 11 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a compact SUV or an alternative to a family car you have to check the CR-V. I got much more than I expected. Acceleration and power are more than adequate for the vehicle. Interior space and storage areas are unmatched in its class. Styling has been much improved in the latest generation. The quality is outstanding for a $18-$19,000 vehicle. Could it use a little here and there, yes, but if your that picky, buy a Lexus or Acura. But, for us middle classers, you cant beat it. Just one thing, get the keyless entry. No power lock button on passenger door is a pain. My keyless entry is on order.

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  One Year and Still Happy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VgHomer - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Its hard to believe its been a year since I bought the car. Still fun to drive, love to pass gas stations, A favorite at our house. First choice to use when any of our 3 drivers have errands to run.

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  Great balance - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sposton - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderfully balanced. It has a good ride, nice handling, and a great performing 4 cylinder. On the inside, it is roomy, the seats are supportive and comfortable, it has all the features I need, and the build quality is outstanding. All of this in an $18,000 dollar package spells success in my book.

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  Family sports car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eschins - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive; feeling of a sports car with the 6 cylinder engine. The safe feeling to drive your children around.

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  Excellent - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JohnZimm - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. I am fairly tall (6-3") and I drive approx. 30k miles/year for work. Naturally I was concerned about comfortability. This car has surpassed my expecations. I really enjoy driving this car. The only problem is, with the Navigation System, I now have no excuses for getting lost. Is very quick and handles great.

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  Best Value for the Fun - 2003 Honda Accord
  By axsnyder - July 11 - 10:00 am

  impressed with the gas mileage, price, and reputation. too much fun to drive for the money!

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  Love my Scarlett - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Antonio Cosio - July 11 - 6:36 am

  2015 Red SI Sedan. Bought used with 4k on the odo in 2016. Previous owner had it for exactly one year. Great sports car and bang for the buck. This is not a euro luxo sports car. Its a drivers car. If youre looking for a luxo euro feel move on, this is not for you. 205 horses get up and go very nicely. Shift throws are wonderful. Handling on Continentals factory equipped is really nice. Im 6 1" and fit comfortably, seats grab you and settle you in. Again, sports car feel. You can pay more and get more (Focus, WRX or WRX STI) but the performance of the SI and value is unbeatable. Had a 96 civic with over 300k that my son now drives so its a Honda with Honda reliability. Love the touch screen and the stereo. Mine does not have the navi system on it so i cant really comment on it. My only 2 complaints, drivers side mirror does not toggle far enough to the right so there is a blind spot and you need to be careful changing lanes to the drivers side (left side has the camera, maybe this gets tweaked in 2017). I miss the temperature and oil gauges which are now idiot lights. Other than that, i am super happy with this car. Its a joy to drive in the city or the highway and i get 32 mpg on the highway at 75-80. Hopefully plan to drive this one for a few years as well.

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  Looks arent everything - 2005 Honda Element
  By stevexjet - July 11 - 3:30 am

  Remeber that girl from high school that everybody liked but didnt want to be seen with? Well the car version of her is the Element. Got one of the review in Car and Driver 04 and simply love it. C & D said it was the most useful car they had in their long term fleet and I cant find fault in their opinion. Hauls the family, dog, bikes and assorted gear like an favorite backpack. With the 5 speed the car is much more fun to drive than the auto 4. Steering is percise and the braking good. Fuel economy could be better but lets face it, the thing has the profile of a cinder block.

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  Brilliant! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jen Crown - July 11 - 12:22 am

  My car is amazing! I LOVE it SO much...its like my best friend! If you view consumer reports, do NOT listen to anything they say about the new 9 speed auto-it shifts so smoothly and the buttons are anything but unintuitive. 5 Stars for sure.

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  My black beauty - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tina - July 10 - 3:53 am

  Traded in my 01 Mustang GT auto for my black beauty for a Valentines Day present for myself. I wanted something FAST, manual trans, and good on gas. After the test drive, I couldnt wait to bring her home. Long trips can be uncomfortable and stiff, but is expected due to the tight suspension. She now has 22k on her. My friends were impressed with how large the interior looked compared to the Civics of the past. I get tried at the traffic light and there is always some punk wanting to race me but I dont have to. The car speaks for itself :-)