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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  WoW for the 2nd Time! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By AEjock18 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2001 Civic Lx Coupe in for a new 2004 Ex Coupe and i am just as amazed. This car is incredible! Its the beginning of the model year and i got $800 off, the gas milage is almost 40mpg (and its not a hybrid), and it looks HOT. Besides maitanence, i put $0 into my last civic over 3yrs. These are truly THE best cars out there!

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  Great Car!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By sherine - February 22 - 5:53 am

  This is a fun car to drive! I was concerned about the size of the vehicle because I have kids. They fit comfortably. The car has great power and excellent gas mileage. I used to drive a Yukon Denali and was disappointed with the handling. For much less, I got a smoother ride, fun car and great gas mileage.

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  A minivan that a dad could drive - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By OurFirstHonda - February 21 - 9:50 pm

  Wow! This is a fun minivan to drive. The powertrain has great response & Oomph when you want it, yet its very smooth to drive around town or through winding roads. My wife drives it mostly, doing the mommy thing with two kids in tow. She loves it, and finds it very easy to drive - she says its very much like our Camry was. I love that it doesnt feel like a minivan - on the highway its very smooth/stable going 80+. Likewise its easy to manuever around town, tight turns & parking lots. Built-in Traction control makes it stable in snow & heavy rain - thats if your tires arent worn. Its a great family vehicle - roomy & flexible as a van, safe & easy to drive as a large car.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sammy - February 21 - 6:13 pm

  Never had a problem with my 1999 Accord EX. This car is very quick. I never have to worry about merging or getting over, because I can pass just about anything else on the road. Excellent car!

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  Best Yet - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jimd - February 21 - 3:17 am

  This is the best Honda I have had and it is my fifth. I really enjoy the ride and appearance.

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  Excellent - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Adam Corder - February 20 - 11:40 pm

  I dont understand the criticisms of the new Accord that I have read, particularly regarding the seats and the ride quality/noise. I found the seats exceptional and the ride quality to be fine; its a great compromise between the mushy Camry and the stiff, sporty ride of the Maxima. The build, quality, and price paid for quality are all excellent - it looks great (black with tan leather - yes!), got the windows tinted, and it looks as sharp as any car on the road.

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  A lot car for the money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jazzbo - February 20 - 8:30 pm

  This car met all my expectations, in handling performance. It is quality built.

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  Satisfied Honda Driver for 8 years - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Derrick - February 20 - 7:30 pm

  Nice car. Handles very well. It is easy to avoid possible accidents, road debris, etc. Accelerates well considering itÂ’s a four cylinder. It has a excellent air filtration system.

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  I love my CT - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Leilani - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I guess I never posted a review on my CT. Ive had it since 2/10 and it was an impulse buy. I had seen the CT at a Costco display and fell in love so when we went to the dealer and went through the car - the selling point was the hatch with the tray and the latch to lower the back seats among other things. I had an 06 Accord and it seemed like the CT fixed the things that bugged me about my Accord (which I loved as well). I drive fast and its smooth and corners very well. This car runs very quiet and the Active Noise makes it quiet inside although I play the stereo very loudly. I love my CT even more after eight months of driving it.

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  My Mothers Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Michele - February 20 - 5:36 am

  My Mother has had her car about 2 weeks now and we have noticed on this car, her first civic but the 13th Honda in the family, that their is no light in the ignition and we miss that-A LOT!! Also, you cannot lock or unlock the car from the passenger side. To us that is another negative point esp. for a 76 year old lady. She wishes that their was more storage space up front. The car drives as well as her previous Accords so she is happy with that. My daughter will end up with this car in about seven years and their is no doubt in my mind it will ride and run as good as it does now.