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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  After 14 months still a great car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Happy Hybrid Driver - July 13 - 3:30 pm

  I have a little over 48,000 miles on my Hybrid. I have driven it in many different driving conditions from the cold in western NY to the heat of the Southeast and it has performed great. I have gotten just over 45.0 mpg. I have tracked every mile and every gallon. Over my 2007 Civic LX it is a 26.1% improvement in gas mileage. I do mostly highway driving and would recommend this car to anyone.

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  LOVE my Crosstour EX-L 2WD with Navi - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Paul in SF - July 13 - 3:26 pm

  My first Honda...and my first new car in over 18 years. This Crosstour is wonderful and I love it! There were no EX-L Black/Black 2WD with Navigation available in Northern California so I began the search and found one in Orange County...purchased it and flew down to go pick it up. I drove it back to San Francisco (on one tank of gas) and found it very comfortable and very very quiet. What a great feeling going from one of the oldest cars on the road to the newest one that few people know about and really love looking at!

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  Comfortable Truck and Practical - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex - July 13 - 5:20 am

  Like the new styling.

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  A Great Cheap Car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By I own a Honda - July 13 - 2:00 am

  The Civic is a great cheap car. Cheap to maintain but not cheap in quality. It will never fail you. Great for short trips/daily commute. Not great for long trips--too much road noise.

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  I like it alot! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dan - July 12 - 11:36 pm

  This car has shown me alot in my couple of months of driving it. I was looking at the 350z, and the rx-8, but chose this for the price and fuel economy. Its doesnt compare to the performance those cars will give you, but the 35 mpg average I get more than makes up for that extra pep, The interior design is great; I didnt think I would like it, but when I get into other cars I miss my design. The ride quality is great, my g/f has a scion tc and I absolutely hate the way that car drives now. This Civic is amazing I never thought I would like it so much, I was planning on selling it when I graduate college in a couple years, but I dont think I want to get rid of it anymore money well spent

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  dont have to worry with a Honda!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Ralph Sampson - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has over 80,000 miles on it and not an ounce of trouble has it given me. it is so reliable!! i would not hesitate to drive it across this great country, with the mileage. Super Car!!!

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  Very Reliable! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Honda Lover - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I had one less thing to worry about! I never had any problems with the car; just its average maintenance. It was very fun to modify - there are so many new things you can to do to personalize it. I am now a Civic enthusiast!

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  Like It .....BUT.... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By VanGo - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2002 EX that we paid MSRP (Dont dicker pay sticker!!) Never paid over sticker and would not with this car either. Van runs great. Only has 3,700 miles but the mileage is not what I expected (18mpg). Right front side passengers window howls in the wind over 70mph. Power doors generally work fine. The van does not ride as nice as the Grand Caravan but I am sure it will be around longer. I did not consider the Toyota only because it was to small inside. The 2002s new 240 horse motor is hands downs stronger and smoother than the competition. I am happy with it so far but the wind noise issue is annoying and will go to the dealer next week.

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  My First Honda may not be my last! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MartynFrances - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I looked at various "small SUVs" and picked the 2002 Honda CRV because of its reliability, looks, added features, and economy. It is a real blast to drive. Very impressive 4 banger engine that get the CRV out of its own way. Gas economy is excellant. I have read where people get around 15-16 mpg and I have only one thing to say to them. Either take you foot from the floorboarding the gas pedal or get your CRV fixed. We get around 21 around town and 26 on the highway with 87 octane gas. We love this vehicle!

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  IMPRESSIVE !!!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mac - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great turning radius. Lots of power! You do yourself a great dis-service if you buy another van without driving an Odyssey! Rear seat foldaway is GREAT! Im sure the van will retain a great resale which reduces my cost of ownership even more. Anyone rating this van below a 7 suffers buyers remorse and probably cant afford it.