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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  Like the Mississippi - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Oxford15 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car just keeps rolling along with problems, without fuss. Though Ill probably but an Acura TL later this year, its not b/c Im having mechanical issues with this car. Reliability has been and continues to be outstanding. The only non-scheduled maintenance repairs Ive needed have been to replace the power antenna, the driver-side power lock motor, and the exhaust (at 9 yrs in the Northeast).

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  not that bad for a little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CommuterMan - February 21 - 7:43 pm

  I prefer larger cars, but living in the city and wanting something fuel efficient led us to get this Civic. After getting rid of the stock Firestones, this car is reasonably comfortable driving around town, has enough room to drop off the kids at school, and isnt embarrassing parked next to my boss Mercedes. My gas mileage isnt as good as I expected, averaging 22 mpg, mainly because I have a short daily commute across town. However, on long drives to my in-laws, this baby get almost 40 mpg.

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  Impressive!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Honda_fond - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used (110K) vehicle for my college bound son several years ago. He recently returned it to me with 170K miles as he succumbed to a new vehicle attraction. I replaced the alternator and a rear strut that was rattling and I am driving it daily about 100 miles. Im averaging 32 MPH and it is as tight and peppy as one half its age. First auto Ive owned in 62 years that Ive felt safe in driving these distances with the miles that are on it. It will be my work ride until I retire, I hope. Just dont overlook the timing belt!!!

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  good mileage - 1991 Honda Accord
  By geys - February 21 - 2:00 am

  i actually like this car we bought for our daughter in college more than our 2002 honda accord se..wish i had looked for an older one before i purchased new.

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  More fun than I thought - 2002 Honda Civic
  By SanFranDan - February 19 - 10:00 am

  We wanted an easy to park, easy to drive, easy to maintain, clean, efficient car. The Civic delivered with flying colors. It handles really well on curvy roads, too.

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  tsim - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By tsimone - February 19 - 2:00 am

  A great car for getting around close to home.

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  A good SUV that can be improved - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rajiv butala - February 18 - 1:25 am

  Expect Theee types of Noise 1) Aerodynamic noise due to height. I am sure Honda can reduce this noise by improving insulations on roof. 2) Tyre noise can easily be reduced by changing to a better quality tyre instead of Continental tyres. This tyres also make it feel as if SUV is out of wheel alignment and keeos pulling in one or other directions. 3) Transmission noise. Its because of new CVT type transmission.

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  My time with a 2016 Honda Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By JC Smith - February 17 - 11:33 am

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Jessica Smith - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my car. I am a teenager and loved the look of the car. I have been driving it for over 2 years and love it. I like the look so much better than the newer one, and the gas mileage is great. Its a great car.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Big boy - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV so far I looked at alot of others and this one was the best bang for the buck. Feul mileage was one of my gripes but then i reminded myself this is a SUV they dont get mileage like a car.