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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  Honda CRV - Generally great ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By RS Desikan - September 12 - 9:12 pm

  Honda Link App for Navigation needs improvement.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Blueeyez77 - September 12 - 7:43 pm

  This is my first Honda purchase. And I am very disappointed in the car I bought. For this kind of money, you can get a luxury vehicle with way fewer problems. First servicing took a whole day (so many problems) and still had to take it back. Problems with steering wheel, windows & seals, seats (electric and heater). It is a loud car.

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  Amazing little features !!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Harry Roy - September 12 - 12:49 pm

  This is a nice vehicle so far. We have only owned it for a week now, but we did experience a problem with the cabin watch and rear entertainment once. Plus, on the cabin talk the Touring can only talk over the headphones. The Elite can talk over the headphones and speakers. These vans are pricey though.

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  I LOVE HONDA - 1998 Honda Accord
  By samuel jones - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I cant wait to get into my car everyday and drive < i dont know if you could ever feel to pure joy that i have when i start my engine. My car out gos and out prefoms every car that i have see and been in even the top of the line lux. car.

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  Honda has done it again... - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Chrismacpimpdad - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Car Pimpers beware, stick with a civic or the empty engine of a 4c 02^ camry. Interior design is perfect along with its sporty exterior. Perfect handling. V6 engine is a dream. Dont race this car you will lose to it.

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  Its a Great One - 1999 Honda Accord
  By slim - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning this car more then any other. It drives like a dream and looks great. Safety test on this car indicate that it is least likely to roll over compoared to others in the same vechile class and performs above the average on crash tests. Other then regular 3,000 mile oil changes and the recommended check ups, I have spent no money on upkeep or maintenance.

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  Great vehicle for the family - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By IamthePilot - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I wont even begin to tell you how many people in my family own hondas...and this one doesnt dissapoint either. A weaker V6 engine than other, more rugged SUVs, shouldnt dissapoint those who need more room, safety at a reasonable price. With gas mileage a little lower than the sticker (16/21 -v- 17/22) it rates average when compared to the Toyotas and Nissans of the world. Very, very comfortable! Rides like a car! Handles well in the rain at high speeds.

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  The Best! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Stressss - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Greta SUV to drive, we have had our for six months. Kids love the DVD ente. system. The only fight is for what movie to watch. We had long trips without any problems. Great Honda service.

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  Love the CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jeffreys - September 12 - 10:00 am

  After doing much research between the CR-V and Toyota RAV4, I decided that the CR-V would suit me better. Its an enjoyable car to drive and has the space to haul cargo, unlike the RAV4. I absolutely love the fuel economy that I get with the CR-V (especially coming from a gas-hogging Jeep Cherokee). It offers a very smooth ride, is responsive in steering, and has a slick and stylish design.

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  I am happy with our CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Zorrolf - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We have bought it 6 month ago and are really happy with it. If you consider buying a CR-V check out the front passenger leg room though ! It is very tight and on longer trips it can be quite annoying for people with longer legs.