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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  CRV is Combustable Recreational Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Brewington - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Tight in the Drivers seat. Now CRV is Combustable Recreational Vehicle. If we had know this Design MFG FLAW we would not have bought it now. And Honda HQ says you have to have the basic oil change done at there dealerships??? HUH am I missing something here... the vehicle was rated great ..how did everyone but our Government miss the PINTO like flaw..?

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  visability - 2002 Honda Civic
  By b b mihuta - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Im considering a trade in. I am 56" and have to sit on a pillow to see out the back and then the visability is less than optimum. The front is so lowriding that you have to park farther back from the curb so you dont scrape the front bumper. Also the front windshield posts seem to be placed in such a position that they can block out vehicles coming from the 2 and 10 oclock positions. I only have 6600 miles on the car and really think I got better performance from my 1990 4Dr Civic.

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  Beautiful - 2004 Honda Accord
  By unparh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. One needs to drive honda to believe what it is. Best of Best.

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  1993 Prelude Si - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By KW93LUDE - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car ride is low makes u feel apart of the road "True Sports Car"

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  Fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Snor - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding slow or fast when not in traffic. Love the car. Attracts police like magnate. I would not want to take a 400 mile trip in this car. Snow / ice traction is a joke. Wet/dry traction is unbelievable. Very quiet. Im 6 ft 2 in, just barely fit in car (legroom is tight, top is ok)

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  excellent - 2002 Honda S2000
  By air dog - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 is by far the most exhilarating car I have ever had the honor of experiencing (Ive driven cars such as the 300ZX, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, and Corvette). Not only does this car possess the handling of a true sports car, but also a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engine pumping out an astounding 240 horses!

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  The most fun yet ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By diabless55 - January 23 - 10:53 pm

  This is my third new Honda Civic and it is by far the most amazing to drive. The suspension has been totally changed and feels just like a luxury car. The transmission is flawless and the handling is perfect. The interior is quite nice but the dashboard is truly awesome and very unique. Curtain side airbags are one of the reasons why I chose the Civic over the Mazda 3.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny - January 23 - 2:40 pm

  Only a month into ownership, but so far a great vehicle. A smooth ride, decent handling (great in rain), great stereo and abundant storage and cup holders are all pluses. Also, the leather is of high quality (it actually smells like leather, not plastic). Its not perfect. It would be more convenient if both front windows had express up and down. Also, when the windows are turned off (to prevent children from operating), the driver also is prevented from operating the passenger windows. Finally, the three power points for cell phones, etc. are not powered when the car is turned off. Finally, the sunroof is not express open or close.

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  A beautiful ride - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Cortlandt Bender - January 23 - 2:49 am

  This car has more features than one will master in 6 months. The ride is smooth and powerful. The interior is quiet. There are numerous safety features that are designed to keep the driver safe. The only quibble is the mileage, but we opted for that with th 6 cylinder model.

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  Great - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Shellbe - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Its just absolutly fun.Also fits alot of people in it. I recomend it to anyone who loves to be with friends.