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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  Drives like a truck! - 2003 Honda Element
  By JPT - January 25 - 12:00 pm

  Poor visibility and big blind spots but very reliable and dependable!

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  Unstable, unsafe, on grooved pavement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By norcalsteve - January 25 - 5:00 am

  Bought the car 2 days ago, today was the first time on our lousy Hwy 101 in Santa Rosa, Ca. BUT - wherever you drive this car, if the pavement is grooved, usually a concrete road, or if there are a lot of cracks running the direction of travel, this car will be unstable. Its like the rear wheels are loose, its annoying, I think its unsafe, when you have many lanes of travel, and its hard to keep the CRV in its own lane. I travel this road all the time, my other vehicles do not act this way. And - all the Honda service department says its the tires, and nothing can be done about it. Great, when I get sideswiped by another vehicle then what? Blame the tires !

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  2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AR - January 25 - 1:14 am

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  The perfect commuter car?? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Wayne Lynn - January 24 - 11:03 pm

  If you need a car that is going to give you excellent gas mileage, is functional and surprisingly peppy, this would be worth looking at. With folding seats in the front and back, the entire inside seems to open up allowing one to transport large items with little difficulty. I purchased to extended warranty and feel good knowing that I have bumper to bumper protection for the first 120,000 miles or 6 years. The only drawback thus far is how the vehicle manages bumps and pavement breakups. On those occasions, the ride can be somewhat primitive - hold on to your fillings! Power locks, windows and remote mirrors as standard accessories are nice touches. Overall, for around 15 grand, a terrific deal!!

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  Disappointed from Day One - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jradams1976 - January 24 - 4:20 pm

  Unfortunately, my first Honda will be my last. The right front brakes have squeaked since day one. The rear brakes have experienced premature wear and will soon need replacing. Driver side leather seat is very uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes of driving. Gas mileage is worse than advertised (I average 23 mpg). Honda America has no resolution to date for any of these problems. Additionally, my passenger side door was dinged a month ago and paint has already begun to chip. All in all, I deeply regret having bought this car and am continually disappointed with Honda Americas problem-solving capabilities or lack thereof.

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  Excellent Design and Built - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AL - January 24 - 3:53 pm

  I am in Xiamen, China and have to manuveur often in limited spaces. Its short profile saves me tons of headache while its interior provides ample room. It rides better than any other cars in its price range. Its stylish, roomy, powerful, environment- friendly and versatile. For the price, many other auto makers may just give you barely a commuter vehicle.

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  Great value car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tommyslo - January 24 - 1:30 am

  This car has never given me any problems, is fun to drive, didnt cost much and had lots of options.

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  Odyssey my Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Paas - January 24 - 12:40 am

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  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Guohong Gao - January 23 - 6:44 am

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  finally a minivan worth bying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By george - January 23 - 6:06 am

  I Love cars. I own several ... My new addition is the Honda odyssey Touring with Navigation and in one word it is becoming one of my favorites: Steering is impressive, power - wow, luxury and a navigation that put all the others to shame. I was going to buy the Sienna till I drove the honda. I felt the steering and the performance was remakably better, ie, NO COMPARISON.