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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  Very Good SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Smolenski7 - April 22 - 1:43 pm

  Overall I very much like my CR-V. Before this I had a 02 Saturn Vue, and although I definitely miss it (I miss the control of the manual tranny), I prefer the CR-V. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl. engine, handles well, and the fit and finish cant be beat for the price.

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  In luv with my 09 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dawn - April 22 - 10:40 am

  My exl 09 Honda Civic is more than I expected. Im adding mudguards, window visors, moonroof visor, door guards, fitted floor mats, rear spoiler, garmin navigation. Went from VA. To Penn. Two days after buying my car and couldnt believe how great it runs.

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  was^ - 1991 Honda Accord
  By little nikky - April 22 - 10:00 am

  It has broken down a couple of times.

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  400,000 kms and counting - 1991 Honda Accord
  By MDCalgary - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Very little maintenance required to get me to 400 000 kms. Highly recommended.

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  Very Convenient Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ram - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other minivans from ford and chrysler. While chrysler minivans are fun to drive, this is the most comforatble and convenient minivan. The major compliant I have is that it is too noisy and Im having lot of trouble with the sliding doors.

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  Si, Honda Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hondavet - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after test driving rsx base, protege5 and matrix. far and away above last two; rsx appearance more appealing but interior too plastic and austere (also availability limited and dealers wouldnt.) Made Honda an offer I couldnt refuse (17,800 with tint, mats, mudgards)after pointing out that none of their stock had sold in over a month. Love the car; looks grow on you and it really moves. Not sure what the complaints are about the new suspension; corners and handles as well as any of the other 6 Hondas I have owned.

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  GOOD VALUE - 2002 Honda Civic
  By j2cry - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 civic ex with auto trans in december of last year. This is a great car for the price. I previous owned a 1993 ex. I am very happy and impressed by the improvements in the civic. The ac is very good for a car this size, and almost everything else from noise to ride quality is significantly improved. Honda did a good job with this one.

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  Great looking, affordable, - 2002 Honda Accord
  By The Phammer - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Cool looking car, especially in the blue. Ive only had it for 2 weeks & havent heard any rattles & nothing has fallen off (the main problems in the other reviews, they mustve just gotten lemons). Great controls lay-out, esp. the steering mounted audio controls. Shouldve made all seat controls powered, not just height. Also, you have to reach to grab the seatbelt. Moonroof should open more than just 3/4 of the way. I want an ashtray for trash. Also, need memory seat on drivers side to allow access to rear seats. Ride is nice as long as you dont treat the 4-cylinder as if you owned the 6-cylinder. 3 people in the back is not that comfortable.

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  The V6 is built in the US, poor quality. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TLauer - April 21 - 6:00 pm

  Ive owned four accords so far, and theyve always been great. My wife wanted an automatic, and the 4-cylinder was awfully gutless. Test drove the V6, and excitedly bought it. Ive noticed many small quirks with the car since then - rattles, hard starting, squeaks, and an intermittent engine light flashing. All problems Ive never experienced with an accord - let alone one that is 3 months old! Later I come to find out that the V6 cars are built in the USA. I may not have purchased the car had I known this. The 4cyl. cars are still produced in Japan, thankfully. If I had wanted a rattly, hard starting car with intermittent warnings, I could have saved around ten thousand and went with GM.

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  comfortable, roomy, but god, that whine!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By David ONeill - April 20 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Firestone tires that appear to be the cause of a subtle high pitched whine. I love the truck and Im enjoying the ride but beware of the road noise.