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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  2016 White Rabbit - 2016 Honda Accord
  By GERALD B MCKOON - April 7 - 2:56 pm

  All in all I like the car. Its not as comfortable a rider as I would prefer on roads other the interstate. Very pleased with the MPG. Just returned from a 1860 mile trip, mostly interstate but about 300 mile 2 lane country and about 100 small town. The entire trip averaged over 34 mpg. Interstate speed 70-75. Looks like 26-27 mug will be the norm for my daily trips. I consider this very good for a V6.

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  2016 White Rabbit - 2016 Honda Accord
  By GERALD B MCKOON - April 7 - 2:45 pm

  All in all I like the car. Its not as comfortable a rider as I would prefer on roads other the interstate. Very pleased with the MPG. Just returned from a 1860 mile trip, mostly interstate but about 300 mile 2 lane country and about 100 small town. The entire trip averaged over 34 mpg. Interstate speed 70-75. Looks like 26-27 mug will be the norm for my daily trips. I consider this very good for a V6.

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  Honda goes down hill - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Honda owner unfortunately - April 7 - 12:34 pm

  This is my 4th Honda and after owning this car for 5 months I truly will never buy another Honda again!!!! What a joke. I can5 even believe this carries the name Honda on it. I so disappointed with the car that Ive tried trading it 3 times and I would be losing a substantial amount of money. The car is uncomfortable on long rides, there is a rattling noise in the dash that just started last month and the service department cant fix it. The gas mileage is not what is on the window sticker. The acceleration on the highway is horrendous. The only good thing about the car is the exterior styling. Like they say never judge a book by its cover. What a mistake it was this time. Looks like I will be going American for the 1st time.

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  2001 Honda Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By inetwiz - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy with this car. The design attention to detail is amazing, and making changes (such as my full stereo setup) was very easy. It always gets looks while driving. Everyone knows what it is, but not much about it.

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  2000 civic si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Sispeeder - April 7 - 2:00 am

  love the car fast n simple very fun to drive in the 5 speed manual. great engine to put aftermarket mods to.My car will soon be up to 300 horse power n improved torqe

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  Sweet ride! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mellonni Smith - April 6 - 2:56 pm

  I bought the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L and its pretty nice!

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  Style and safety - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JOAN STAGNARO - April 6 - 1:37 pm

  Great car. Has everything I was looking for and many more extras as well. Very happy.

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  2 Month Review... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TraderJMF - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We like our Pilot (family of 4 - kids age 8 & 5). Suits our needs fine, without breaking our budget. We esp. like the RES (DVD) setup... finally some peace and quiet for those longer rides (kids put headphones on and then my wife & I can talk w/o interruption)! Decent power. Would recommend the vehicle... actually I have several times already. A Good value.

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  Excellent economy car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Luc - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My second Honda. Never had any major problems. The only problem my dealer discovered with my 2001 model was a leaky shock absorber in the front which was replaced under warranty and a tendency for the transmission to jump out of the second gear which as apparently addressed by my dealer with an improvement kit but is still happening from time to time. Great on gas milleage.

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  Every one should drive a Hybrid.., - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Davdes - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Very comfortable to drive, smooth quiet ride, seamless technology. My favorite thing about this car is the time and money I save passing by all the gas stations!!! (650 miles between fill ups)