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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  Very satisfied! - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Brad - June 4 - 7:40 am

  We looked and drove all the major competitors- very happy that we chose the Odyssey.

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  Most Fun Ever - 2003 Honda S2000
  By charlie corvette - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. My nickname for this car is "My streetlegal formula one racer" License plate for my sandstone silver car is "QCKSLVR".

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  In My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By In My Element - June 3 - 2:00 am

  So far it has done very well in the snow. I love the interior setup. Im planing a trip in a few months and the space will be wonderful. I had a Civic Del Sol before, which I loved, but this is so much more usable. It even allows me to keep my motorcycle in the same stall with it. Its only 12 inches longer then my Del Sol. I get lots of looks and the most interesting comment is, "It looks like a Hummer." I never thought that before I bought it, but I can see some resemblance. Its so quiet compared to my Del Sol. Its a very comfortable vehicle with a great sound system too. I have found the acceleration to be just fine, even better then my Del Sol.

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  great fun car. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By mickeybdc1 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Nothing to complain about with this car. Excellent in all respects; and Honda dealer gives great service.

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  Pilot or Sequoia - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ned - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe I found a SUV for a decent price. Restricted my choices to Toyota & Honda having endured poor Chevy Blazer & Dodge car reliability since 1987 (owned Toyota before either of them and it was great - so I am going Japanese again). GM & Dodge had 15yrs+ to win me back-they failed. Pilot: a landmark vehicle blending SUV & car characteristics for a decent price. Instead of buying more SUV than I need (Sequoia), I got the Pilot. Sit in one, then sit in a Tahoe - you will see.

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  Team Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By pjmanhart - June 3 - 2:00 am

  i have an acura 94 with 180K and a new civic(my fifth honda) and wouldnt even think about owning anything but a honda.as the ford focus racks up safety recalls(11 more-than any car in the last 30 years),VWs ignition coils fail- 02 and 03, and GM buys 50,000 honda V6 engines, all others try to keep up and Honda leaves the pack behind.The only car maker honda can see over its shoulder off in the distance is Toyota= no motorcycle market not to mention no ATVs,Lawnmowers,generators,snowblowers. ...etc...that is why they have to give deep discounts to sell cars.

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  fun to drive - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jose - June 3 - 2:00 am

  the car is fun to drive.

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  Reliable - Every person car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Kristopher Schmidt - June 2 - 6:24 am

  The Fit is fit for purpose! It lets my family have the space we need for pre-school and kindergarten. Love the room in the back seat for my family and the price point. I didnt want a mini-van, and didnt want a midsize vehicle (in he outside). I am a hatchback fan and love the visibility that the this car has. Only drawback so far is the lane change on the central display isnt that helpful for me, and I rely on the mirrors instead.

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  Uncle Davys Pic n Pans - 2014 Honda Civic
  By David Wolcott - June 1 - 10:24 am

  These cars are among the best values on the market, a well known fact. Still one of the best cars in its category

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  My second Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Buck - May 31 - 11:16 pm

  We are now a 2 Crosstour family. Love the comfort, utility and simply "slick" manners in all situations. This car is an overall better car than those costing much more.If you dont need to haul around 2 tons of stuff, it id perfect. For the weight and type vehicle, gets excellent gas mileage with superb range. Unquestionably the best Honda ever. If you read the reviews carefully and ignore the immature remarks offered by some, you will find enormous satisfaction with this vehicle. Highly recommend.