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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  cr-v ex4wd - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kevin hodges - April 22 - 2:00 am

  all around great car

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By RayRay - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive and looks awesome since I tinted the windows.

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  Wow, what a car... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ISD - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car ... I had a Mazda Protege for 3 years and really liked it - before I drove the Civic! I spent one month test driving every conceivable small car and the Civic Sedan LX is miles ahead of them all. My wife drives a Nissan Maxima and the front passenger leg room in the Civic is almost the same as in our Maxima! Incredible space for a small car. I love the dashboard and gauges.

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  Outstanding AGAIN! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Davidapennington - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I just replaced my 1993 Accourd SE (kept)170,000 miles & like new!

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  Fun , but. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mark Deats - April 21 - 5:43 pm

  I have enjoyed the first year in this 6 speed coupe.The only real complaint is the light feeling of the front end when the torque steer kicks in at about 6000 rpm. I almost put in in a ditch the first time it happened. Overall it has been fun ride although I think the 2001 Accord Coupe I had handled and rode better.

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  You gotta be kidding... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By beachmom - April 21 - 4:36 pm

  It is hard for me to type as my neck and shoulders hurt from holding a steering wheel that operates like a go-cart or video game. This car cannot handle any sort of incline. People were passing me on the right to get around me. The mileage isnt that much better than any of the traditional smaller gas cars. My only consolation is putting less money in the hands of the gas companies. No room to speak of in the back, maybe for groceries. Looking out the back window is ridiculous, the window is split in half. A terrible design. My husband liked the car, and stupidly I didnt drive it before we bought it. The stereo is tinny and cheap, not for music lovers.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Karen Malecki - April 21 - 7:53 am

  The car is great. It rides very smooth, steering is wonderful and gets good gas mileage.

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  Might as well buy a Fusion or Malibu - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ken C - April 21 - 1:03 am

  Well, I have had this car about a week. The paint job is low quality and chips easily. The seats are uncomfortable. The transmission and suspension are sloppy and transmit vibrations throughout the car. And I am already scheduled for repairs. So much for the vaunted Honda reliability.

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  Vibration issue in crv 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Maged - April 20 - 11:24 pm

  Unfortunately I bought this car feb 2015 but , i fell vibration all the time. Dealership advisor just told me theres nothing we can do to vibration issue. That was a mistake in the design. Dont waste your money. Disappointed

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  The last good Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mark - April 19 - 1:01 pm

  This is the type of car where you buy it and you never want to let go of it. It just drives so well. The steering is perfectly weighted and laser responsive, acceleration is silky smooth, braking has the perfect, even distribution of stopping power, transmission is extremely smooth shifting and intuitive. Everything about the car just feels so sharp. Its rock solid reliable and will last forever. It doesnt just feel like a car. It feels like a machine. And a very solid, well-crafted machine at that. Probably the last "real" Accord well ever see. The 8th gen. got massive and lost the 7th generations refinement and sportiness. The 9th gen. is simply the jack of all trades and master of none. The 7th gen. Accord just has a timeless design especially from an interior standpoint. Its so simple, yet so elegant and premium. I love this car.