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 Civic Coupe is Hot - 2016 Honda Civic
  By wayne koka - August 19 - 3:40 pm

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  Not too big, not too small - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By O Picher - August 19 - 2:00 am

  We have enjoyed this car tremendously. It fits our family of four perfectly for long trips, with plenty of room to stretch out. It also has expansion room to seat 7 for car-pooling trips. All 4 windows roll down, and the fold-away rear seat is tremendous. The car is a little underpowered, but once it gets going it can hold its own on the highway.

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  great handling but a slow car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By wishihadafastercar - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The car has great handling and great gas efficiency, but man wheres the accelerating?? This car chokes on hills, and when you need power the Civic wont give it. Ive floored it once and the engine started making a loud noise but my car still didnt go fast. Overall its a good car if you drive like a grandma (if you dont accelerate much) so itll save you a lot of money on gas. But on the other side, it can be very frustrating driving with barely any acceleration. Of course you could always do stuff to it to make it faster, but then I would rather just buy a more expensive car with more horsepower and torque.

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  4 Dr EX 4WD SUV - 1999 Honda Passport
  By cneal - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Honda and up to this point, I was one of Hondas biggest fans...up till now. Honda should step up to the plate and recall all of these things. What an Embarrassment to the name (or lack there of). I really missed the boat on this one. I should have done my homework before I bought it, now not only do I have a huge car payment, but repair bills every 3 months. I cant wait to get rid of this thing (if I can) and get a Toyota. Even if it costs me more a month, it would be worth it!!!!

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  Beloved Honda - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Nimble Simba - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Just sold it after 7 1/2 years. Will miss it a lot. Hardly any trouble at all very quick, reliable. Only reason to sell was I wanted an Outback Sport. But cant recommend the Honda Civic hatchback highly enough.

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  The Most Reliable POS Ever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Peta - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The car has been totally reliable for many many years and many thousands of miles (166XXX)!!!

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  Well designed Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By George - August 19 - 1:53 am

  After owning several Honda products including a01 Van there have been a lot of changes in the 07 model Touring.The ride is fantastic and the performance improved a lot.Fit and Trim is tops and inside design has improved a lot but could use a few more minor improvements.

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  the accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Vladik - August 18 - 5:10 pm

  its a good car its drives good and its better then nissan altima

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  Honda Element greatest vehicle made! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Christne - August 18 - 2:26 pm

  Besides being the cutest vehicle on the road, it is the most versatile! I am constantly hauling stuff from one place to the other and this vehicle can handle almost everything. The seats are a snap to fold up against the side and the floor is equipped with bungee tiedowns. The back seats are stadium seats, so the rear passengers can see over the front seats. The doors on either side open up opposite each other making a huge opening so you dont have to put items inside in an awkward position. The turning radius of this vehicle is also great. I can flip a u- turn in the tightest spots. For such a small compact vehicle, it sure has a lot of room and really easy to drive.

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  New Oilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By philo - August 18 - 10:30 am

  Car has fantastic pickup to the point I find myself frequently over the speed limit, yet handles more smoothly than most cars Ive driven.