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 car ever - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mackel - August 8 - 9:23 pm

  this car drives perfectly and is a joy on every commute

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  Great car! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Julia - August 8 - 11:10 am

  this is a green car. I love the sporty look and the interior is beautifully done. The only complaint I have is that there is some road noise which makes it hard to hear music especially on long-distance trips. But overall this is a great car!

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  One year of pure joy! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SPF0 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive now had my s2k for just over one year (11k miles). What a year! This car is an absolute blast. Under 6,000 rpm, the car is a relaxed pleasant ride. Rev it into Vtec range and it screams! And unlike so many other high-performance roadsters, the S2k is reliable. To really appreciate this car, you must try autocrossing it! The S2k truly comes alive on the track.

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  Old Faithful - 1992 Honda Accord
  By egeissal - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any major problems with this car since Ive had it and its got 184,000 miles! Its great for road trips because of the gas mileage and reliability. Ive only had the breaks and a belt replaced and a tune- up. Its amazing.

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  Just cant let go. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mr. Wendell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. I dont want to part with it. Its comfortable to drive and has the performance when needed. Very smooth on the road. Weve had it 7 years and Im trying to see how I can keep it even though were out growing it as a family. Its worth so much more than anything I can sell it for.

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  What a great car !!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tony - August 7 - 10:40 pm

  Safe, solid choice! I would recomend the V6, I tested the 4 cyl, and lets face it no matter how peppy it is, its 80 hp less. Very quiet cabin. Very quick to respond, excellent brakes. I got tired of looking like a fool when trading in an american car. And probably I was a fool. Resale value on Honda is great and that says it all.

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  WOW! What a Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Ryan - August 7 - 9:33 pm

  This think looks fantastic in person. It is a real treat to drive. Handles great and is extremely comfortable. Tons of storage and hauls evreything I need and then some. Typicaly Honda quality puts other trucks to shame.

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  A Very civilized ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Drexel Williams - August 7 - 1:53 pm

  Its a Honda, that pretty much says it all. Nothing wild and crazy about it. Its smooth and quiet and makes for a reliable ride around town or on the hwy.

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  Honda over states gas mileage to sell this car - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Bob doremus - August 7 - 7:52 am

  I have owned this car for 3 months and driven 5000 miles, both highway and city, in good weather. I have never reset trip B since I purchased car, the computer gas mileage for the 5000 miles on trip B is only 38.2mpg, also have never gotten over 38 mpg when monitoring at each fill up, in fact mpg is as low as 35 mpg. We have the economy button on and drive very conservatively, still only 38 mpg. Far from the 50 mpg city and 47 mpg overall. Obviously they are not being honest with their customers and they know it, Im sure Im only one of many that have complained to them. Had I known this, I would have just purchased a non hybrid Honda Accord, which would probably not be far off on mpg Im actually getting with the hybrid. Also when accelerating on any type of grade under 40 mph, the engine revs and the feeling is like a slipping transmission or clutch.

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  go cart on steroids - 1990 Honda Civic
  By jzobie - August 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent it was bought completely bare bones, there is no A/C, p/s p/w p/door locks, pass side mirror, etc. The car was just poorly cared for since day one. When I took delivery on the car it had no oil was a gallon low on coolant and the lack of attention was evident all over the car. Well i get in the car turn the key and boom it starts right up. I have driven it almost 500 miles since owning it and absolutely no motor problems. It is an absolute BLAST to drive and hopefully it will aid in getting me through the next 3 years of college.