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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  Lots of car without spending lots of money - 2008 Honda Fit
  By TPINES - January 3 - 8:46 pm

  A really fine value. The Fit is fun to drive, economical, roomy, very practical. Build quality and reliability is classic Honda excellent.

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  Good reliable choice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By monica - January 3 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car after much consideration of many models. I chose it for the low emissions, value for the money, reliability and gas mileage. Its a great car, I just miss my BMW which was way more fun to drive. Im 6 tall, and find the driving position pretty comfortable. I get 27+ MPG in mixed driving, which is pretty good although its annoying that I have to calculate it manually. (ok Im either spoiled or lazy)

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  2006 honda touring odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By czar2906 - January 3 - 11:43 am

  I purchased this van for my wife that said she would never drive a minivan. Im overwhelmed on how it drives like an Acura more than a Honda. I would reccomend anybody with kids to get this one.

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  A Spunky Little Honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By imaculprit - January 2 - 6:25 pm

  This is my first car. I got it from my cousin who had it for a year. She got it from a liitle old lady that drove it to church and groceries once a week. I got it with 56,000 miles on it. Amazing, hasnt even been broken in with. It unfortunately is an automatic transmission. Though a 5-spd is more sporty, this little honda can hold the road for a front wheel drive car, even on wet pavement. With the proper tires on it. This car will drive forever if I let it. I observe about 27-32 mpg depending on how I drive for the week. I average 250 miles a tank which lasts 6-7 days. With the price of gas it is important. The brakes are flawless. No leaks and little squeaks.

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  Ron`s Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ron D. - January 1 - 4:09 pm

  Great car to drive(fun), solid,very reliable, maintenance free, good style. Would recommend to buy. Feel very safe in vechicle, Wife`has no fear of driving in the snow.

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  Not all leather - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Leslie - January 1 - 7:23 am

  I felt mislead when I asked the salesmen if the interior seats were all leather. Two salesmen said yes, "all Leather". Not true! In fact the interior of the car is mostly vinyl. Do your research. Honda is now replacing what was mostly leather, with vinyl. Only the middle part of the seats and middle part of the back is leather. But it all looks like leather. Check it out! It still looks nice inside, but dont be fooled. The salesmen should know better than to tell a customer its all leather. Beware when the car pamphlet says "Leather-trimmed".

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  Im in my "element" - 2004 Honda Element
  By Andyo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Its practical for a mom with kids for around town or a weekend trip, and it has the Honda reliability! Especially love the rear open side doors.......gives a lot of room in the back.

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  very well made suv but......... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CMAN - December 31 - 2:00 am

  love my pilot only a few items that bug me poor fuel economy,gas tank splashing and honda have no OEM DVD SYSTEM or NAVIGATION SYSTEM

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  Vibration - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bencal - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle came with front end-steering wheel vibration. Balancing tires didnt get rid of it completely. Tailpipe rusting. Side windows vibrate during cold weather. Hard to see out of rear window due to back seat headrests. Little inside storage space. Zippy drive but too many initial problems for a vehicle touted for its quality.

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  great car - horrible on fuel! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jtyler - December 30 - 9:21 pm

  great suv but horrible on gas. please honda do something about the fuel ecomony! im lucky to get 17 mpg on hwy and 12 or 13 in town. thats not what the sticker price said!!! i could have got an expedition if i wanted that type gas mileage. im doing good to get 230 miles a tank. thats horrible!!