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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  Value that looks and feels great. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Eric - January 18 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought a new Fit and love it! I cant say enough how impressed I am with this vehicle. Its tight, good looking, deceptively roomy and is easy to please at the gas pump.

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  Nice car great options - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Patricia Crowley - January 18 - 8:24 am

  This car was the least expensive car I could find with the driver assisted features I wanted.

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  Awful Front Seats & Excessive Road Noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By John - January 18 - 1:06 am

  I had higher expectations from this new 09 Accord however, I find it to be inferior to my 04 V6 Accord in both comfort and road noise. Road noise can be solved with different tires such as the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity tires that I have on my 04. They are extremely quiet! However front seat comfort is another story. There is too little cushioning and the side bolsters are too extreme! The drivers seat is a bit better because of the 8- way power adjustment which allows the seat cushion itself to be raised or lowered and angled flat if need be. The passenger seat with just a 4-way adjustment does not allow this. Honda needs to immediately fix this problem with an 8-way power passenger seat.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - January 17 - 12:40 pm

  Got my Element last Saturday and love it! Had a 98 Odyssey with 181k miles on it and decided the Element was the way to go. Lots of room - easy to drive - hadnt driven a stick in 30 years and after 1 week its almost like driving an automatic (and I live in Chicago). My only regret is that I didnt buy it sooner.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By britt - January 17 - 5:30 am

  This car has been wonderful. It is very fun to drive and feels sporty. It passes very well on the freeway too. I was hit by a semi truck 3 months after getting it on I-5 on ice. He ripped off the whole right side. I was amazed how well the car handled during the crash and afterwords. I managed on ice w/o chains to not crash into the left wall. I think this is an amazing car and is perfect for family, or a young person like me for safety and sport. It gets fantastic mpg to. I recommend it to anyone.

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  The best lude! - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Eric Sun - January 17 - 2:00 am

  its a great car, i love it, daily driven...great!

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  Transmission Problems - 2005 Honda Civic
  By vlaz - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  The Hybrid is a terrific car. Its quiet, rides well and handles nimbly. I traded a Volvo 960 for this car and am very satisfied with its power and comfort under all road conditions.It is extremely well designed and engineered. Take it for a test drive and see for yourself.(The Prius is crude and clunky compared to the Civic.)I can cruise all day at highway speeds in comfort.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By weirdeyes - January 16 - 11:26 pm

  I was looking for a luxury-feel car with great performance at a good price. My two choices were the Honda Accord & the Acura TL. The Honda Accord EX-L V6 with sat nav won because it was just as luxurious as the TL for a lot less money.

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  Better than expected! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Cri - January 16 - 10:26 am

  This is my first Honda. I have owned Chevys, Subarus, Mazdas and Pontiacs. I am sold. The tag said 36 mpg... Im getting 42 mpg city. I am one happy owner of a little car.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Renae - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Everytime I drive it I have a big smile on my face. I waited eight months to buy it and I have never once had a second thought about the choice.