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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  DX-VP VP=very primitive - 2009 Honda Civic
  By first newcar - January 1 - 9:43 am

  First new car Ive ever bought. I had driven multiple cars, and did not realize this did not have keyless entry, no arm rest, not even floor mats until I was driving it home. I was furious. I brought it back. But they wanted an additional $4000 for the keyless entry and armrest. We were hoping to get the cash for clunkers, but they decided they couldnt do it because the computer system was overloaded. Then we were supposed to get 3.9% financing, but despite our exclnt credit we didnt qualify? We were at the dealership for five hours waiting for the car to be readied. During the test drive the salesman pointed out the adjustable steering wheel, but didnt mention all it lacked. Very unhappy.

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  World Traveler - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bill W. - January 1 - 5:26 am

  Not a race car. zero to sixty in two weeks. Great economy is gained by giving up power. Not real comfortable for long trips, an hour or more, electronics hard to work, you have to hit the screen with much pressure to make it work. other than that the HRV is a decent car even though its feel is not the usual Honda quality feel and if this is your first new Honda, you will probably like it. This is my 16th New Honda since 89 so I expect a lot from Honda and this one ranks low for me. Maybe because it was assembled in Mexico.

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  Love My Honda Civic CX - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Dianer - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my honda 2 Door CX since 1994, in which I purchased brand new. Kept the oil changed, and changed the timing belt after 6 years of ownership. Great car!

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  Nearly perfect - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SSHENHEIT - December 31 - 9:56 pm

  Best all around SUV made at any price. Makes so-called luxury SUVs from Europe look like fools gold!

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  Best Accord yet - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hawk - December 31 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased this Accord, our fifth, 3 weeks ago and couldnt be happier. The 6 cylinder engine coupled with the 5 speed auto transmission and 16 inch tires are a great improvement. It rides well, has plenty of power, looks good inside and out, and has plenty of safety features. It is fun to drive and compared to my Lexus LS430 seems very comparable for less than half the price. It is a superb urban vehicle for my wife.

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  Great Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Fred - December 31 - 6:00 pm

  I own a 2006 LX SE accord with automatic. I have always liked Hondas and owned a few in the last 20 years. This is yet another great product from Honda which is fun to drive, reliable and powerful. The car handles great and the 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter engine provides plenty of power. I would have preferred the manual transmission, but agreed on an auto to make everyone happy! The SE with alloys and CD changer and steering wheel audio controls just add to the fun. Great vehicle. It replaced a 1999 Mercedes E320 which turned out to be a piece of junk and had to be replaced to avoid long-term major expenditures. No more Benz for me, thats for sure.

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  what was i thinking buying a honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By volvodav - December 31 - 5:36 pm

  I thought honda had quality built car till I purchased one .The brakes make a noise, seat seats are to hard not comfortable. fit and finish below par also nav system not working. I will tell anyone looking for a new car to look for something besides a honda.plus radio system says it is xm ready but it is not you have to have a external radio antenna a $800 part

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  Happy with my Honda :) - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JMM - December 31 - 12:36 pm

  After driving a 98 Envoy that was getting 16mpg and getting fed up with paying for expensive repairs, I decided it was time to update our family vehicle. Researched for months, decided pretty much on the CR-V and after reading an aritcle in Consumer Reports and how they rated it, I was convinced. Have had it for 2 months I am still happy with my choice. I didnt sacrifice much room, our yellow Labrador still fits great in cargo area, and am getting much better gas mileage. Our 2 teenage sons love this SUV, our 16 year old enjoys driving it, our 13 year old loves the reclining back seats. I love the roominess in it and how it handles. A great SUV so far!

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  My other vehicle costs over $100K - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By High End Owner - December 31 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my RTL Ridgeline for 5 months now and it is a real pleasure. My other car is a 2005 Mercedes SL500 and that car is fun too BUT -- The Hondas sound system is better and the vehicles ride is more comfortable!! Cost was no object for me and I went for the rear view camera - very neat. I traded in a 2002 Tacoma 4cyl -- (dreadfully underpowered for So. Cal) a big step up from that. I bought this without getting my wifes OK - deciding immediately after a test drive. When she rode it, she immediately understood and fully approved. I dont put many miles on my vehicles and need more than a 2-seater (COSTCO)- this fits the bill. I OWN this vehicle -- I LEASE the SL500!

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  Can hold its own agains most cars - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By rlee - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Hi yall, My parents bought me my first car 2 years ago, a brand spanken new prelude in black. This car is great. Acceleration is good, handling is superb and it looks great. I think this car is best in its class, u can even compare its performance to bmws and benzs coupes. The build quality is excellent. the sastisfaction of a pure manual...its too bad they stope making them..oh well, i guess that makes them more unique.