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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  Low the Price - 2004 Honda Insight
  By jadeeh - August 17 - 2:00 am

  very fun to drive in.1.0L 3cyl Gas

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  Honda is the Best Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Nickspleen - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda now for almost 8 years and it is GREAT! I have not had to sink tons of money into it. I recommend a Honda to everyone.

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  Great Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By JD - August 16 - 7:46 pm

  Purchased the CRV-EX because I wanted a sunroof. I love the car! When I started looking for an SUV, I didnt want to look at the CRV because of the gear shift placement. The moment I sat in the car I fell in love with it. The interior design is sophisticated looking. I find it comfortable, much more roomy than the RAV-4. I average between 20-23 miles a gallon (City-highway) with fairly frequent hill climbing in the winter.

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  Better than Toyota - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mikie likes it - August 16 - 4:10 pm

  We tested them all, we settled on the Camry and the Accord. The Camry had a very bad wind noise ( we tested several). The Honda Accord Ex,Leather,with Navigation was our final choice, Love the car and it gets the posted mpg both city and highway. I feel the Honda will hold its value and last a very long time.

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  great car but a little behind the times - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By William Gowen - August 16 - 3:01 pm

  If you have a lot of electronic stuff youll have to do some improvising. Theres only one 12v outlet and no usb ports.

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  Great gas saver - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Dominik - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  I used to drive a 300hp Subaru loved that car but I was spending $200 a month on fuel, so I decided to buy me a hybrid to save some $, well now fuel costs me $80, cant beat that. I have no regrets, I love the car design, build quality, its all great. Performance-wise I mean come on its a hybrid I did not expect a race car perf. The car is great at saving money, I know some people say that they are getting 56mpg but in reality you will most likely see more like 44mpg, my best was 45mpg at average speed of 70mph, although computer said I did 49mpg. The one thing about my Insight that I love is that its not a Prius. I saw one Insight so far and I live in Chicago area. Love my Insight.

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  Mikes review - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hlm - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Only problem in 3 years has been a squeaky door and a repain to the drivers arm rest.

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  A Luxury SUV at a very affordable price~ - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Thomas E. - August 15 - 2:45 pm

  This is our third Honda CRV. The newly designed 2017 Honda CRV is more spacious, luxurious, quiet and comfortable. The 2017 CRV feels and drives like am Acura, Lexus or BMW. Our model - one level below the top of the line "Touring" is beautifully built - heated leather seats, custom dual heat/AC controls, outstanding stereo system, and lots of new safety features - including lane warning. One of the neatest new features is the new intelligent cruise control system which automatically adjusts if the car in front of you slows down. We also looked at the Subaru version - and found it was smaller, noisier, and much less luxurious. From all of our research, Honda also had the highest reliability and best resale value.

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  My First Honda--and still loving it! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By LoveMyHonda - August 15 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Accord is the first car I bought on my own. Its my first non-American car (had Chevrolets and Buicks). I have kept this car for longer and for more miles than all my previous cars combined- 14+ years and 155,000 miles and still running strong! I have excellent mechanics who take great care of it. We just bought an Odyssey (family growing) but I hate having to sell this very reliable Accord.

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  review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Melo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  good