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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  Got me through college - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By wato22 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, Im at 180000 on the original everything and it still runs strong with a $4000 kelly blue book value, I only got it for 6K! great on the gas, (but 93 gas only,and if you dont play with it in the vtec too much.) Great on the highway and a fun car to drive. Never really raced it, only to prove a point. (See Fav, Features) Super car for a responsible young adult.

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  Almost Perfect - 2000 Honda S2000
  By MattMatt - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car all around for what it was made for. Looks, performance, engine sound is perfect especially with an intake, HIDs, digital dash, push- button start, good fuel economy, lets you stay in gear up to 9,000 rpms if you need to, stereo controls very nice and conveniently placed by driver, seats are nice, car feels fast no matter what speed your going and your nice and low. Cornering is superb, you can go 80mph on ramp to highway all the time and switching lanes is nice too. Braking is very responsive. In winter make sure tires have lots of tread or you will be spinning out all over the road.

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  1st impressions of 2018 Honda CR-V - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Bennett - October 11 - 6:02 pm

  I scheduled an appointment to complete the paperwork and take delivery of the car. After waiting for 5 hours I was given a 2017 Pilot as a free loaner and told to go home and return the next morning for my car. When I slid into the seat, it felt goooood! About the only adjustment I had to make was to comfortably reach the pedals. The wife was similarly comfortable in the passenger seat. It was also a pleasure to drive, accelerating easily and shifting smoothly. The next morning I picked up my new car and headed home. I spent a good part of the time trying to find a comfortable position with the seat. It is smaller with a short cushion and large bolsters top and bottom. The front of the seat cushion was digging into my leg, so I tried to adjust it lower. The seat accomplishes that by raising the back which also moves you closer to the steering wheel. Now from that position it cant slide back. So my hair is brushing the headliner, thanks to the moon roof that is standard, and Im closer to the wheel than I like to be without an extreme recline. I suppose Ill get used to it, but it is very disappointing to find such a poor seat in Hondas most popular car. It will never be a "oh, that feels good" experience. Even the steering wheel is uncomfortable being a hard plastic. Probably the Pilots was wrapped in leather or cushioned. The center console in the Pilot was excellent. It is a low, flat, surface providing a nice open feeling in the cabin as well as the perfect place to plop a pocketbook. The armrests are on the seat and can be left up out of the way or lowerd down to a perfect position. The CR-V has a center console that is split level, leaving not much room for anything. Also there are no slots or small drawers anywhere in the dash for small items. Everything must be thrown into the center console. When accelerating, the CR -V engine has an initial hesitation and a strained growl. The Pilot responds quickly and easily with no strain. Of course the Pilot is larger and more expensive, but it might be worth the extra investment.

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  Not dissapointed at all. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By DS85 - October 11 - 4:13 pm

  Purchased the Accord after test driving a Mazda 6, Camry, and Altima. The Accord stood out on overall design/appearance, reliability, build quality and roominess. It was an easy choice after test driving all 4 cars. So far I have 700 miles on the car and Ive been getting 26mpg combined, which I am quite pleased with.

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  Love it!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nsncy - October 11 - 1:37 pm

  Classy car for a great price

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  Car of my dreams - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Sam MacNicoll - October 11 - 6:55 am

  Its everything I wanted. All my friends love it as well.

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  Totally cool/fun - 2003 Honda Insight
  By fritz - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after 3 test drives. It took a little getting used to the way it runs, but it handles well, is pretty quick, and the coolness factor is not to be believed! My partner and I fight to drive it, and have taken many road trips around California. It is a Honda, so the usual fine fit and materials are evident throughout. The car is quiet, the seats very comfortable, and the climate control system is flawless. In all, I will drive this rig into the ground!!

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  Still love my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Z6throck - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Insight for almost three years now. Every month my mpg gets a little better (averaging about 65 mpg per tank now). The car is wonderful for my daily 50 mile commute and does well for small trips like going to the grocery store.

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  One fun machine - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Indyjoel - October 11 - 2:00 am

  A great car. What a match, Formula 1 performance with Honda reliability. I actually love driving to work now.

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  A Blast to Drive! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By laldrich - October 11 - 2:00 am

  After more than 3 months, I still get a big smile when I see my red Honda. It is incredibly fun to drive, and it amazes me that I have avoided a ticket! I love it more and more... Fundamentally it is a drivers car. Comfort is for driving, nothing more. Its not a lot of fun with the top up since you are so low to the ground and it is very tough to see to the right rear of the car. But with the top down, you are transformed. You feel like driving a souped up go cart. It turns so tight, accelerates so well. I turned 51 this year, so this is my mid-life crisis car, and I dont have a second of regret. Enjoy....