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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  Love it! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Donna - October 1 - 1:33 pm

  Thousands less than the Prius and comparable mpg. Plus, it seems like everybody and their brother drives a Prius these days! I like having a car thats not ubiquitous. Its fun to drive, and I am getting around 50 mpg. I am very happy with my Insight!

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  Love the CVT - 2016 Honda Fit
  By gloria thomas - October 1 - 12:36 pm

  This is the first time I have received wildly different price quotes on a small car like this. Shopping around really paid off. As for the car, I love it. This was my first automatic, and I was concerned that I would find it dull, but it is still fun to drive. I have read a few people complaining about the CVT making noise in the lower gears, but for someone who is used to manual transmissions, I like the fact that I can detect its downshifting. I have only driven the car 500 miles, but I am getting 40 MPG combined driving--better than with my old manual Fit.

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By vmb63 - October 1 - 11:23 am

  We puchased this SUV to replace my wifes Passat Wagon. We werent sure which we wanted, another wagon - Volvo XC70 or an SUV. We saw this on the road one day and the wife loved it. It has just enough cargo space, spacious passenger cabin, fun and easy to drive, very safe, the award winning VTEC Honda engine and great fuel economy for a decent sized SUV. Nicely equipped, excellent build quality and famed Honda reliability. The engine is responsive and quiet. We were sold on the CR-V after the test drive.

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  No regrets! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By JIm - October 1 - 9:56 am

  Been shopping for over a year, comparing all models in this class. Also reviewed all the Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and Motor Trend Reviews to find a reason why I should not buy this car for my family of 5. I could not find one, other than the controversial styling, which I love. Looks like an Accord on steroids! Love the ride too; responsive, plenty of room for my 3 adult sized children in the back seating, and the quietness of the interior w/Active Sound Control makes the stereo and the cabin much more pleasurable. I did not want an SUV or minivan like every other family. This has great utility and rides like a car. NO regrets!

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  Trumps luxury brands, even from Hondas own acura - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Pey - October 1 - 3:12 am

  You can get a great sound system with subwoofer (almost the same thing you get on ILX top ELS version), a powerful yet very efficient turbo engine that is both snappy and stingy on gas, great styling inside and outside, top tech including self steering that lets you take your hands off the steering wheel for a few good seconds even in a turn, adaptive cruise that takes the car to full stop and restart going in stop and go traffic. And apple and android car play that takes the entertainment system to another level. Cant find the same combination not in any luxury brand today.

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  Accord V6 is a great ride! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Hector Torres - September 30 - 11:46 pm

  Test drove Toyota Camry, Accord Sport, Mazada 6 (Standard) was very compelling, and this was the best drive. I like the seats on my old VW Passat a little better, but so fart that is the only little disagreement. I like that it takes regular unleaded, the oil filter is an actual filter, and it is not too hard to get at.

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  Hoobie Joobies! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By George Hockenbliber - September 30 - 9:53 pm

  Wow man! This car rocks my socks! Wicked! Whoa! Eeeeek! Neck breaking acceleration! Speed at every turn! Holy shnykees!

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  kind of project car - 2008 Honda S2000
  By brandon m - September 29 - 11:02 pm

  I love my car. it is wonderful. Its quick but want it quicker. The steering is wonderful. Takes turns well.

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  Overall Good Choice - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Kurt - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Purchased 3 days ago. Love it, however, noticed that the drivers side power door will close, then beep 3 times, then open. It does not do this all the time. Noticed a little wind on the drivers side door with the radio off. With everything, I am pleased with the choice with Honda.

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  best mileage out of a totally gas engine - 2003 Honda Civic
  By matt1689 - September 29 - 6:09 pm

  Ive got a 2003 honda civic ex coupe totally gas engine 1.7 L 5 speed ive got about $200 worth of upgrades in it, trust me its totally worth it.. Im getting avg 44 mpg on the highway and 37 in the city, its got a cold air intake with a ram air inductor new exhaust, came stock with 2 mufflers, now it has one straight pipe with one straight muffler, plus a small performance chip, i go within 3mph of the speed limit and when Im coming up on a stop or going down hill i kick it into neutral. i can get between 550 and 650 miles per fill up depending on how im driving, i always fill up b4 the gas light comes one