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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  Best Minivan choice - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - August 11 - 6:46 am

  The Honda Odyssey is packed full of great standard features and is very comfortable to drive. We love driving this car and it is such a functional great family vehicle. You will not be disappointed.

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  Loving It!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fit4Mom - August 11 - 5:13 am

  I have the 5 speed manual sport. The car handles well with ample power and agility. Really fun to drive. This car design is extremely well out. The use of interior space is amazing! Plenty of passenger room, ample storage, 5 cup holders. Great stereo system. Climate control. Great gas mileage. Very versatile cargo space.

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  Bring Back The Lude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By pfunk66 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The cars a blast to drive. Its quick, its solid, its nimble.

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  Highly Recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By rbm - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I decided to downsize from a Grand Cherokee and I have not regretted it one bit. Most of my driving is in town, and this vehicle is just right: comfortable, turns on a dime, excellent mileage, and ample cargo space. Its my first Honda, bought used, and I plan to keep it a long time. Drove roundtrip from SC to TX and it was a joy to drive. My LX had some EX upgrades (alloy wheels, CD player) but standard equipment is great for this price range.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By chris - August 10 - 9:50 am

  My dad purchased this vehicle for me in Nov. of 2004 when they first came out. I wasnt really excited about the CR-V because I had never really liked them in the first place. My dad being the Honda fanatic that he is, encouraged my to try it. When I first found out about the 4cyl engine I wasnt too excited, but when I started to drive it, every day I started to like it more. I was very impressed with the handling from the awd and the power of the small engine. The tweeter sound kit is very nice and the 6-CD changer is a great thing to have. The leather seats are very comfortable and easy to clean and most of all it makes the CR-V look even more stylish and expensive. All in all its a great SUV.

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  love the crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - August 10 - 9:13 am

  Love to drive the car. Easy handling. Found to be good handling in the snow. Gas mileage surprisingly good. I get about 25 on long trips.

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  I Love it! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Ashley D - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a Honda Civic EX, and its Milano Red. I absolutely love my car! Its so quick, I havent had any problems with it, and the paint just shines :)

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  Huge Blind Spot - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ztrain - August 10 - 1:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive. But the elongated sleek space capsule design that won it the Motor Trend car of the year for all models is also one that brings its biggest weak spot. The back part of the support of the roof leaves huge blind spots. Its a blast in the 5 speed. And its about the easiest car ever to drive. You wont have a problem teaching someone how to drive a stick with the very forgiving clutch and easy gear pattern. Good acceleration as well.

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  WOW! Great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By thomasr1950 - August 10 - 1:05 am

  Ive owned Hondas since 1983, im amazed how each new design is suprior to the others. This car is truly amazing in value. The price increase in minimal considering the new tech features & safety. Its got better performance, smoother ride, quieter & more comfortable. Anyone looking at a model in this class needs to drive one. Compare it to the others in its class. You will be amazed! Buy it.

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  Special and Fun - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GaryJTN - August 9 - 3:56 pm

  I traded an 02 Si for this 04 and I love the larger wheels and the sharper design of the headlights and taillights. Handling, cornering are fantastic. Engine noise. What engine noise? The engine loves to rev so even city driving is fun.