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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  Wandas Honda Civic Hybrid Review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Wanda Nagle - April 28 - 9:36 am

  I had been checking out the new hybrids before my previous car need to be replaced. I felt that we should make a conscious effort to conserve fuel. My husband was totally against buying one because he did not feel the bugs were worked out of them. After a test drive (at my insistance) my husband and I were sold on the hybrid. The power and gas mileage were unbelieveable. We liked the size and design. The only thing missing was a sunroof for my husband. I dont need it. We have not had any problems and since we have purchased the Honda Civic, gas prices have skyrocketed and I am not afraid to take a trip or pull up to the gas pumps.

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  Best Car Yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JMD - April 28 - 4:10 am

  This is my first new Honda purchase and by far the best all around car that I have ever owned. When you combine the style, performance, economical fuel rating, reliability and low depreciation you would be hard pressed to find a better all around car out there in the compact/economy category. Hands down the best.

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  Review - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Michaels - April 27 - 8:13 pm

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  Honda Excels Again - Thrilled - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Elmer Maki - April 27 - 5:16 pm

  This is my fifth Honda, and I am absolutely immpressed with Hondas latest engineering in performance and ergonomics. Points in Fact: - Consistent 43.5 mpg on a road trip at 73 mph. - Absolutely handles like a dart through horizontal rain. - Excellent Sound System. XM Radio is a welcome plus. Wonderful! - I can stay in the saddle for hours. - Passenger comfort front and back. - The 4 cyl engine with 5-speed transmission avoids mischief and can certainly get out of a tight spot in a hurry. - Good visability around. I can drive this car knowing almost intuitively everything about my driving environment. I short, I wont be trading this horse anytime soon!

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  Greatcare - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Greatcare - April 27 - 4:43 pm

  follow up to earlier posting. Have the car 20 days now. About 350 miles mainly stop and go driving to and from work Put gas in the other day for the first time and averaged about 21.7 MPG not bad for breaking the car in and for the first 318 miles on the car. I expect it will go up. Otherwise love the car.

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  Honda did again class leader - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By canatsui - April 27 - 2:00 am

  what is with the small tires?

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  One Piece of Crap - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jlucia - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Save your money and buy another SUV. I thought I was purchasing a quality vehicle. After signing the papers I found out the samll things are driving me crazy. Try to hang you dry cleaning in the back with no hanging hooks. Try and use the roof rack with no cross bars. Why would they not put a simple compus in the car. For the money it is a piece of crap. The steering wheel does not move enough. Put stuff in the center box and watch it fall our when you open the door for the cell phone. The designer of the SUV needs to take some lessons from Americans. Try to put something through the back door window, which does not open.

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  Best Mini SUV Out There ! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Ustii-Yonv - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove every other mini-suv on the market today and the CR-V is tops in just about every category. Its engine might not be the most powerful out there but its response and smoothness more than make up for it. The CR-V handles very well on-road for an SUV and is a snap to park in even the tightest spots. For its size the CR- V is incredibly spacious. There are so many places to put things, that you might never use them all. The interior is my favorite part of this Honda. At 62" I have more than enough leg, head and shoulder room. With the front seats all the way back, I even have enough room in the back seats to sit comfortably.

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  A BMW 750 in a Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By datechboss101 - April 26 - 11:10 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned and driven. My dad purchased this car new in March of 1999 and still runs like we bought it new from the dealership. I happened to grow alongside by this car, and which it has been there for me. Now I am learning how to drive, this car has literally saved my life from stupid mistakes that beginning drivers make. While it has 150 horses paired to a 4-speed, this car is one heck of a car to drive-- fun, attractive, etc. I have no issues and no problems with this car other than regular maintenance. I would totally recommend this car to anyone that wants a stylish car and a car the literally wants to live every single day.

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  A BMW 750 in a Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By datechboss101 - April 26 - 11:10 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned and driven. My dad purchased this car new in March of 1999 and still runs like we bought it new from the dealership. I happened to grow alongside by this car, and which it has been there for me. Now I am learning how to drive, this car has literally saved my life from stupid mistakes that beginning drivers make. While it has 150 horses paired to a 4-speed, this car is one heck of a car to drive-- fun, attractive, etc. I have no issues and no problems with this car other than regular maintenance. I would totally recommend this car to anyone that wants a stylish car and a car the literally wants to live every single day.