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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  great looking car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bob Podlaski - November 23 - 2:17 pm

  cvt transmission its different ,but you get used to it fast, and you will love the gas miles you will get on the open road

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  Seats hurt - 2008 Honda Fit
  By debh - November 22 - 6:36 pm

  I did months of research and test drove the Fit Sport and waited some more before I decided to buy the Fit. I cannot get accustomed to the seats and the clutch. My back and left leg have hurt since buying the car. I have waited hoping my muscles will adjust but no deal-I will be taking the car back to see if the dealership can help a girl out-any suggestions?

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  Mixed feelings about this Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By joe - November 22 - 5:33 pm

  Plus points: Very comfortable ride, smooth acceleration. Good navigation system.

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  s2000 206 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By s2kguy - November 22 - 3:23 am

  The car is very fun to drive. The performance is second to none for a 4 cylinder car. It is very nicely built and very to maintain.

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  A great all around vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Road Warrior - November 22 - 2:05 am

  I am and outside sales rep and bought the CRV because of the combination of price, visibility & dependability. I worked in Los Angeles and sold to trucking companies so parking was a premium, I could park in the smallest of spots. With all the dead end streets and the front wheels 12 inches behind the bumper I rarely had to back up to complete my turns. The CRV is smooth as silk on the open highway. I have 90k on my two year old CRV and it runs the same as new. I did two things to improve mileage, power & economy. I put platinum 4 plugs in and I always use mid-grade gas. The extra 10 cent per gallon is more than made up for with the benefit of the extra 6 miles per gallon. Very peppy now!!!

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  MISSING THE CREATURE COMFORTS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By D. ROWE - November 21 - 2:03 pm

  AFTER HAVING 3 CHRYSLER MINIVANS AND 2 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED I DECIDED TO TRY A HONDA. IM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THE HANDLING, AND I LIKE THE TRACTION CONTROL (LIVING IN THE COUNTRY ITS A NICE FEATURE) BUT....ITS NOISY...I HEAR EVERYTHING AND FEEL EVERYTHING. I FEEL IT LACKS THE "CREATURE COMFORTS" OF THE CHRYSLER.

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  my winter beater - 1990 Honda Accord
  By jeremy bunker - November 20 - 2:21 pm

  great car its rusting out running rough but for the 1000$ I paid for it I cant complain. they are easy to work on and great on gas.

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  6 month review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Donald - November 20 - 7:50 am

  Now that I have been driving it for 6 months and the weather is getting colder I thought Id share that the gas mileage has gone down from 47 mpg to 42 mpg. Also some of the cheap plastic parts (hand emergency brake) paint is chipping. Keep in my though that I drive every day in stop and go traffic and I heard that gas mileage does drop on these hybrids when it gets cold. I still love my climate control, sound system and navigational system.

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  Great choice! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chris B. - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I think this Accord is one of the best vehicles I have owned. It has a great ride and is very comfortable. I looked at several other cars (Acura, Toyota, and Nissan) and for the price it just couldnt be beat.

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  Too soon to tell, but . . . - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AaronS - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for $15,700 in August and, quite expectedly, have experienced no problems to date. The car is suprisingly spacious (my 88 Accord was about the size of an 02 Civic 4- door). Although only 150 hp, the 5- speed enables decent acceleration. For a car that wont leave you stranded on the highway, you cant beat the price (though the DX/VP is probably a better bargain if you can handle rolling up your own windows). Very easy to drive.