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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  god - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By mi to - March 11 - 2:43 am

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Virgil Mellott - March 10 - 2:46 am

  Very comfortable, peppy, extremily well handling SUV. Quiet, solid, fun to drive. Navigation system is fantastic.

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  Sporty, economical Love Machine - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Kilroyrogers - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So Im on Sunset racing a Ferrari F40 and weaving in and out of rally cars last summer, and heads were turning and watching the 5 speed kick it, and I realized I had a sporty, head turning ride for relative peanuts. When I later saw said Ferrari with its hood up and smoke pouring out at the staion at PCH and Sunset, I realized I really do have the best of both worlds, minus the headaches.

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  Great Car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By pdog - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This car gets the best gas mileage - still up to 40 on the freeway. Front and back seats are very comfortable (unless you are >250lbs) and people cant believe how much I can fit in the trunk. The car handles ok, not great, and has a decent ride(only 13" rims), but car is quick if you are willing to push it, since it is so light. Faster than my friends Mini.

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  what a great vehicle! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Shelbell - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and only had basic maintenance with replacing brakes and oil changes until about 95K when I had to replace the master cylinder. I changed the timing belt as well - car performed well and only started to show signs of rust when I moved to Northeast - about 125K - in the area above the rear wheel well.

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  pretty cheesy for such an expensive vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By vallely - March 9 - 6:17 pm

  $42000 and no cd player - also had to pay about $1500 to get a roof rack as the rails are not provided as standard equipment as they are with most other companies SUVs

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  Good car but Honda can do better - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Car Lover 1979 - March 9 - 5:30 pm

  its a good car but not a great car. Theres a lot of nice technological features. The car rides smooth. Its nice looking. Couple issues though. First, the cvt transmission isnt great In city driving. Jerks at low speeds. Car doesnt want to stop easy as theres no downshift. Infotainment is slow responding. Wheels look nice but they stick out from the tire making it easy to get curb rash. Mileage in the city is not good.

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Florida Fit Fan - March 9 - 11:40 am

  My wife and I wanted small wagon, and investigated most of the obvious choices. By the time we test-drove the Fit we had a pretty good idea what we wanted, and were both impressed immediately. The clinchers were the standard side airbags, antilock brakes, and the price. Weve owned it for a week now. Its a blast to drive, the manual transmission is silky smooth, steering and brakes very responsive. The forward visibility is unbelievable as is the interior room. Main complaint is that the suspension is pretty taut. If youre looking for a budget-priced wagon, you should check this car out.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paco - March 9 - 7:30 am

  Salesman told me I would do better than the Toyota Sienna I traded in which was a lie. Toyota Sienna got 19 combined city/highway and 28 highway; Honda Odyssey gets 16 1/2 combined city highway and 21 highway which is a big disappointment.

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  This car impresses - 2001 Honda S2000
  By zman1 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is for the driving enthusiast, one who appreciates sports car engineering, with an engine that can red line at 9000 rpms you will have nothing but fun out running everything on the road except some of the elite.