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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  Best SUV For The Money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Brad - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  I say I have to agree with most of the reviews. Its still hard for me to believe how much room is inside. Also the foolproof service display tells you when to change your oil, rotate tires and much more. Love this SUV and its looks great. Fun to drive!!! Great job on the new design!

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  Best car ever (not literally, but yea) - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Birthday Ball - June 19 - 2:52 pm

  Id be making millions and Id still be driving this thing. The design is great inside and out. Surprisingly room and big for a compact vehicle, though it still gets some wicked mpg. I love it. I drove a 93 Honda Accord before and it was as reliable though less cool. I used to take the thing off roading and never gave it oil changes- still never broke down. Hondas are reliable creatures. I give my 06 Civic regular oil changes, and have changed the brakes and transmission oil once. They just need regular maintenance (that can be done at home if you dont mind getting your hands a little dirty), and theyll last you forever.

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  Looking forward to many years - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill F. - June 19 - 10:36 am

  The truck has a lot of features that I am thrilled about. You get the convenience of a quality car included in a truck. I hated paying $35K but I have to admit this is a real value compared to the competition. There are many features that will take time to get to know before I am fully comfortable knowing my way around the cab.

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  A Good Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mid-west mom - June 19 - 8:17 am

  My second Honda-another manual. If it were a station wagon it would be perfect. Great mileage-40 mpg on the highway, 32 in mixed driving. Reliable, easy to drive in town or on the interstate. Enough "go" to deal with big semis going 80, but handy to park. More fun to drive than our Toyota. The kids say the back seat is a squeeze but they arent buying the gas to run it. I expect that my 11 year old will drive this car through college and beyond without problems. I have owned Volvo, VW, BMW, and Toyota cars, but for ease of ownership, reliability, economy, and over all performance,my heart belongs to Honda. I just really, really want a real station wagon again--like my 1991 Accord. Please?

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  The Best Minivan for its Class - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By yodpad - June 19 - 4:05 am

  So far since I purchased this car has been terrific. Drive very smooth. I have put 3000 miles on the already. Has a great acceleration. and Good on gas mileage compare to other van.

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  I love my Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By maynard - June 18 - 10:07 pm

  Most people who hate this car dont own or drive one.

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  Great, practical car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By J-Red - June 18 - 3:20 pm

  I didnt expect much from an entry level 4-cylinder sedan, but this car is very fun to drive and very well designed inside and out. Im 6-3, and headroom has been a problem in the past, but I have room to spare. My legs fit comfortably too, not resting against the door and center console like usual. The only thing I need to adjust to is that the car downshifts with light braking, which is causing me to stop too soon. I suppose this is partly because I am accustomed to V6 and partly because the car skews towards a younger, less experienced demographic.

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  perfect for me - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cl - June 18 - 2:10 pm

  The Fit is fantastic. I needed something fuel efficient, and something to transport dogs and bikes. I looked at other hatchbacks, new and used, and this seemed like the most bang for the buck, even brand new. I was in awe at the amount of interior space for such a tiny-looking car. With the back seats folded flat, I can fit 2 bikes, luggage, 2 dogs and 2 people! I can also fit both dogs in the back/hatchback area and 4 people in the car simultaneously. I have friends that borrow the Fit to move furniture (chairs, dressers) - something typically reserved for trucks, but the Fit can handle it!

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  Love This Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JHog - June 18 - 12:00 pm

  I bought this car not to long ago, i am a first time Honda owner and i love this car. This car was well maintained by its last owner, its only had Royal Purple synthetic oil in it changed every 6,000 miles even though its suggested to be changed every 12000 miles. All scheduled maintenance has been done throughout its life time so far. It has 140,000 miles and drives like new. It starts right up, drives perfect. the last owner took unbelievably good care of this car.

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  Good deal - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gunmetalalloys - June 18 - 4:10 am

  Had an 02 RSX-S. This has improved engine and tranny refinement. Shift action is almost perfect (pops out of 3rd on very rare occasions). I have grown to like the dash. Sound system is really nice for stock and in this class - good enough bass I havent bothered installing a sub. Seats are grippy. Limited slip works well enough, neutral handling for a fwd but still some understeer. Tossable. Well placed storage.