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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  Too little car for Too much money - 2004 Honda Insight
  By madmech - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is massively underpowered, acceleration is almost none existant. If I would have purchase any of the several economy cars that sell for less than $10,000 I would have had the same level of comfort and performance, I could have easily paid the differtence in fuel costs and I would have had $5000 or more still in my poscket.

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  unfit to drive - 2000 Honda Passport
  By rainer - November 15 - 2:00 am

  From day one the vehicle performed poorly, breaks down repeatadly and is totally unreliable.What is really unsettlich is the Honda Dealership that whenever something breaks ,its not in Stock and o well its not a Honda per say. I have spend Tausands on repairs and upkeep and i will not again buy another Honda Product. I owed 4 of them without any Problems , this is the last one.

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  first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By dx373.8 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Well, seeing as this is my first car, I would like to point out that it has no competition. I love it. Ive had it for 6 months now, and have enjoyed every minute of owning it. I have to point out that power is lacking a bit. Even when revving at 5ooo rpm, the car barely feels like its moving when me and my friends are in it.The car has an endearing character that says to me, "Lets go drive!" Also, the interior is great. I love all of the standard features. However, the tires dont work well at all in the rain, and the stereo sucks. Oh well, I guess I cant have it all. Anyway, it truly is a great car.

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By debbie - November 15 - 12:00 am

  I love this new cr-v. Im getting pretty good mpg around 23/24. Wish that were better. I love the roominess of the interior. Has pretty good pick up a little lacking on hills but overall its great. I love the look of it. Great in snow..

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  Worth sticker, and much more - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BTBEME - November 14 - 5:20 pm

  Our 12th Honda is our favorite by a longshot. How Honda outdoes itself year after year is a welcome mystery. The ONLY small complaints we have regarding the EX-L Odyssey for 2005 are the lack of a coin holder and the rather cheesy snap-together semi-coverage carpeting necessitated by the variable seating arrangements. We traded an 03 van for this one, coveting the vastly improved storage, the better mileage, and the larger gas tank, while appreciating the additional flexibility added to the seating, entertainment systems, power, comfort, and quietness of the new models. I wish we bought the Touring edition instead, though, after further reflection. You will, too.

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  3rd Civic Si, and our 15th Honda since 1985! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jeff From Up North - November 14 - 6:56 am

  This is the latest Civic Si, Ive owned a 1985, and a 2002. I traded in my 2016 Accord coupe for this. So happy I did! Amazing value, nice bells and whistles, but its still a civic. In the 2600+ miles Ive gone, Im getting 36-38mpg average, and thats in town! Ive averaged 40mpg over long highway drives (doing 55-65mph). Not too powerful, but Sporty and Very Fun to drive! Yes its a little smaller than the Accord, but it makes up for it in light, sporty driving with great gas mileage!

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  3rd Civic Si, and our 15th Honda since 1985! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jeff From Up North - November 14 - 6:56 am

  This is the latest Civic Si, Ive owned a 1985, and a 2002. I traded in my 2016 Accord coupe for this. So happy I did! Amazing value, nice bells and whistles, but its still a civic. In the 2600+ miles Ive gone, Im getting 36-38mpg average, and thats in town! Ive averaged 40mpg over long highway drives (doing 55-65mph). Not too powerful, but Sporty and Very Fun to drive! Yes its a little smaller than the Accord, but it makes up for it in light, sporty driving with great gas mileage!

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  3rd Civic Si, and our 15th Honda since 1985! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jeff From Up North - November 14 - 6:56 am

  This is the latest Civic Si, Ive owned a 1985, and a 2002. I traded in my 2016 Accord coupe for this. So happy I did! Amazing value, nice bells and whistles, but its still a civic. In the 2600+ miles Ive gone, Im getting 36-38mpg average, and thats in town! Ive averaged 40mpg over long highway drives (doing 55-65mph). Not too powerful, but Sporty and Very Fun to drive! Yes its a little smaller than the Accord, but it makes up for it in light, sporty driving with great gas mileage!

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  WOW! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gr8fun1 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Hot out of the hole or when youre already doing 65 on the highway. Excellent responsiveness on straightaways and killer curves. All the compliments from lookers are killing me:)

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  Makes Life More Enjoyable - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SDWelch - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 has been a very good purchase. It is, as one should know, not a practical car--ie, you do not plan a month long trip with several suitcases etc to go along, but it is a fun, racy, get-up-and-go car that just makes life a little more enjoyable.