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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  Good show! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By J Baker - November 23 - 1:33 pm

  Enjoy driving on the highway. Has good response when needed, and handles well except with wind conditions.

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  An All Purpose Vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tom Fulton - November 23 - 11:56 am

  Handles like a Civic, turning radius shorter than my Accord, great for hauling stuff and if you have kids they will love it. Floors and seats are made for use - no carpet and you can hose it out. Drove it in the snow and ice and it tracks like a dream. Gas mileage is not great but Ive only had it 3 weeks.

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  Honda Passport Ugghh - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Angelina - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I wanted a reliable, dependable and safe vehicle. We got a safe vehicle. We bought the car with about 30000 miles in Jan99. Almost immediately we had problems. Within the first year we had a new alternator, starter, and battery. Since than we have had a new transmission and currently our vehicle is in the dealership waiting for a new cataylic converter (two weeks)- THANK GOD WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY! I had a Honda Civic prior to this Passport and loved the car!!! No problems. We also bought a used Grand Prix (94), 6 months prior to the Passport, it has 97,000 miles and we have had to replace 3 fuel injectors and thats it?!?!?!

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  A balance of Economy and Performance - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By stl_honda - November 22 - 8:23 pm

  Ive put nearly 10,000 miles on my Accord Hybrid so far. Ive averaged about 46 MPG with many of those miles coming over the recent cold winter. Using the heat can really take a hit especially on shorter trips. In the summer months Ive averaged 60-65 MPG in town. On several road trips Ive averaged right around 45 MPG.

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JWG - November 22 - 8:06 pm

  Where to start? The engine (V6) is smooth and powerful (240hp). The automatic transmission is quick to downshift and the spacing between the gears helps give quick starts off the line. While in 5th gear is only taching 2400rpm at 80 mph for good fuel economy (avg 27 mpg in 70% highway driving). It handles well with little body lean, yet is quiet and absorbs bumps gracefully. The interior is high quality, very comfortable and for a coupe, pretty spacious. The true cost of ownership (considering depreciation), is only a little more than a Dodge Neon over 5 years. It has top safety rating in all categories. Though its not the best in its class at any 1 thing, it is very good at everything

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  Great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By shychinaguy - November 22 - 7:03 am

  Great to drive... isnt sporty, but the reliablity and fuel economy makes up for the weak acceleration. I love the front design... the car looks like it is smiling at me everytime I see it. I would recommend this car to anyone who do not like high maintains or costs to run it (20 dollars for a full tanks ~ 400 miles). The driving it very smooth, I like how the wheel is not too tight but tight enough to give the driver a feel for the road. The car is great for teenagers like me, who need to get places without the worry that the car will breakdown. I love the envy I get from people and since the cost is low, I think more people are able to afford this car. The side airbag is an added perk.....

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  Best Honda Ever Made - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By GregM - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a shame that Honda discontinued the Prelude, it is a marvelous design and an absolute blast to drive. The engine is probably the best on the market, suspension and chassis second to none, a very distinctive and elegant look. I own the Canadian SE version which has upgraded wheels, heated leather seats , heated mirrors , and upgraded interior trim on top of all the standard features - it is a very luxurious car, very comfortable BUT when you hit the gas the Prelude shows its high performance side and turns into a monster that simply eats the road! A truly unique and amazing car! Honda has seriously erred in not continuing the Prelude line.

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  Great value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Martha Vitaliano - November 22 - 12:34 am

  pricey but worth it

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  CR-V its for me. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By frank joseph - November 21 - 10:43 pm

  our 2004 v-6 accord coup was stolen and we replaced it with the CR-V. I am amazed how well it rides and handles and the 4cyl kicks which surprised me. the styling is great. a great value and its fun to drive. fmj

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  road noise - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tom small - November 21 - 10:23 pm

  a high level of wind sound in windows and also much road noise thru vehicle .