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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  Sporty and Practical - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Monika - April 8 - 2:13 am

  I am so glad I waited to get the 2006. The 6 speed in it is so much fun, Honda was smart to get up with the times! The comments and looks that you get on this case are always great. This case is quick, and fun to drive- it is a little bit of sports case in a sedan!

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  Slopy engineering - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By grumplyduck - April 7 - 10:55 pm

  Purchas 2015 CVR touring severe vibration, shuttering, rumbling in front in of car. called Decline in Tortance Ca.was told this is the normal CHARACTTISTIC of the 2015 CVR a better word to use is SLOPY ENGINEERING. GPS system 80%of roads missing this is a safety feature DA?? body miss match between door and body 3/16" Looks like HONDA quality standards are just a notch above the Mexican and China MDI can change while driving

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  My Second Accord(bang for the buck) - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Nuwarakolla - April 7 - 9:20 am

  Looked everywhere on for Scion TCs, VW Rabbits and got the best deal amongst all of them and got it for under $15k. Great car, my first brand new car and my previous car was an Accord too. Handles great. Plenty of space in the back for friends. Only issue is that the VP doesnt have power mirrors or rear speakers. Going to purchase some Infinitis for the rear and sure that this car will run forever.

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  A mini-SUV that restores sanity to MPG - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By iploya - April 7 - 4:10 am

  I’m not the typical CR-V demographic. I am a bachelor who has owned some nice sport sedans and trucks. I bought the CR-V EX as an alternative to the expense of owning both a sedan and truck. I really like it. It’s like a mini-SUV with all the space I need and the utility for my outdoor excursions. It obviously lacks the acceleration of my old A4, but I love the trade-off of the well-engineered and trusty V-TEC engine. I get 30mpg hiway and 25+ mixed (nearly double my last truck). I have NO problem passing at highway speeds. Only thing I would do differently is get the EX-L, which has more upgrades than just leather – like air vents for rear passengers, nicer console, better stereo...

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  Inventing the new future - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gery Moyano - April 7 - 3:06 am

  The first time I saw this car on the internet I realized that it was just the answer for the car I was looking for to buy. The first time I drove the civic just made me feel part of the future, full of inteligent concepts, all in one: high-tech, art, reliability, security, fun, eco- friendly and comfort. Ive bought a 4dr sedan w/nav system and Im more than happy. I highly recommend this car. However, theres just one thing I dislike of it. The single cd changer behind the nav screen, not because its behind, but because its just for one cd. Thats only one detail, and considering all the options to play audio data, and to discover multiple capabilities, the car just go forward.

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  2001 Honda Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By charliec - April 7 - 3:00 am

  The Honda Insight is a great car. This car handles well, responds quickly, has remarkable acceleration and of course the trademark fuel economy. Great car, great efficiency, low emissions, more car makers should get a clue and offer vehicles such as this (and for that matter more car BUYERS should get a clue and demand cars such as this.)

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  Pure T Good - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Luther & JoAnne - April 6 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my 2007 Xterra in on the 2008 Honda CRV EX because my wife was having trouble getting in and out of the Xterra because it was too high off of the ground for her even though it had running boards. We love everything about the CRV especially the good gas mileage. The CRV is just what the doctor ordered for us.

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated

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  Lover the car & its looks - 2017 Honda Civic
  By helen rychlicki - April 6 - 3:34 pm

  Mileage isnt as good as stated