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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  My First Automatic Honda - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Derek McDougal - January 10 - 9:47 am

  So far I am very pleased with this car! I have previously owned 2 Accord V6’s with 6-speed manuals and this is my first with an automatic. I’m very pleased with the shifting. It’s an overall seamless experience. The torque of the 2.0 engine is very strong down low and all the way to the redline. I absolutely love the interior appointments in this car. You will feel as if you spent much more money. Honda now offers many more standard features on lower trims and the Sport 2.0T is very well equipped for the price. I would recommend this car for anyone! Way to go Honda!!

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  Great Car - The Accord has Grown Up! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dalmavfan - January 10 - 5:23 am

  I traded in my ultra-reliable 1998 Accord that had 153k miles for the 2008 EX-L 4-cyl. I absolutely love the car! Handles great, awesome fresh interior, lots of cool new features. Ive fueled up once and got about 24 mpg - Not great, but Ive been told it gets better. The engine is a very peppy VTEC - it really kicks in at about 3500 rpms. Very impressed with the 4-cyl. Also, amazing leg space in front AND back seats - the Accord could almost be considered a full size sedan. Honda has done an amazing job with this design. I love it!

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  I am a Hondaholic! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By alvarado4pack - January 10 - 2:09 am

  I bought my CRV new in 2001 and loved it since. I have had no problems with it, I just get the oil changed every 3k miles and do the minor maint like tires, brakes and have fluids checked. I put almost 70k miles on it. It is very reliable. I feel safe in it too. It is a bit heavier than the new models, not as "flimsy". It has alot of space in the back. We travel a lot across country and we can fit all our luggage in the back. We will always have Hondas. I will drive it until it dies!

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  Should have got a Fit instead of the Fiesta 4 year - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Chris Sanchez - January 9 - 6:14 pm

  The newer model of Fit get better gas mileage and looks a little sportier. My only real complaint is the lack of entertainment center options and lack of support for Android Auto and similar products.

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  Fabulous - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dorothy Ruppanner - January 9 - 2:42 am

  Best car ever.

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  Love my new 2016 Civic LX - 2016 Honda Civic
  By RICH D. - January 8 - 11:51 pm

  I really love the new design, and roomier interior.This was supposed to be for my wife who is small and I thought might be too small for me to drive, not the case.Very comfortable to drive and lots of room.No complaints, although I dont like the brake button near the center of console, too easy to hit by mistake and for me the jury still out on the capless gas tank. Im just used to having a gas cap my whole life so will have to get used to it.Otherwise this is my 4th Honda previously had a 2003 Civic,2006 Accord, still have my 2014 Crosstour (which I love) so totally sold on Honda!

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  Cool Car and Best Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ram - January 8 - 6:50 pm

  I got this few days back, fun to drive and great car with great value. I like the color but interior color bit not matching with exterior. Very good fuel economy and lot of space inside.

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  1998 honda prelude base - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By nick - January 8 - 5:26 pm

  Ill start with the performance. The stock hp/torque is pretty good, allowing speeds of 140 easily. The clutch and tranny work as if god created them himself. Having blown a motor already, I suggest lowering your VTEC settings. VTEC engages using oil pressures, so the higher the setting, the quicker you burn oil, and possibly running dry too quick. Sure youll lose some hp, but youll gain fuel economy. So overall its an amazing car, but if using aftermarket parts, I suggest letting Honda dealerships and legit Hondadata operators tune and maintain youre car.

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  Just the right truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Haynie - January 8 - 5:23 pm

  The truck is a fun truck to drive .easy to see out of nice ride on the road quite no road noise drive reel nine at all speeds

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  Best of both worlds - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By boardercross26 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  THE NEW HONDA CRV IS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. IT GIVES YOU A CAR LIKE RIDE WITH THE COMFORT OF AN SUV. I HAVE HAD MY CRV FOR 8 MONTHS NOW AND IT IS JUST PERFECT.THE SMALL, BUT ROOMY SUV EVEN HANDLES GOOD IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THIS CRV HAS PLEANTY OF ROOM INSIDE AND THE SIX DISC IN DASH IS A COMMUTERS HEAVEN. 160 HORSE UNDER THE HOOD MOVE THIS SLEEK SUV ALONG TO PERFECTION.IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A SUV THAT WILL GET YOU AROUND AND IS FUN TO DRIVE. THEN THE CRV IS FOR YOU ITS EVEN NICE TO LOOK AT, WHICH IS A PLUS. GIVE AN HONDA CRV A TRY AND YOU WILL SEE WHY IT IS A MUST HAVE SUV.