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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  An award winning, second to no other, awesome SUV! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By J.M. - March 31 - 9:09 pm

  Do your research. Youll see that the Honda CR-Vs are the best in every category!

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  Sonic Grey Pearl is the best Color EVER! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By J. R. Haskell - March 31 - 7:47 pm

  Bought used Sport Touring from Mass and had it shipped out to Oregon. Took delivery about a month ago and am in love with this car!

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  Sonic Grey Pearl is the best Color EVER! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By J. R. Haskell - March 31 - 7:47 pm

  Bought used Sport Touring from Mass and had it shipped out to Oregon. Took delivery about a month ago and am in love with this car!

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  My 2nd Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve F - March 31 - 10:50 am

  Drove in with my 02 just to see what I could get for a trade. 3 hours later I was driving home in an 06. Got an excellent deal and love the feel of the car. More powerful and sporty feeling than my 02.

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  MPG happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By formermarine - March 31 - 4:33 am

  We bought this car after driving everything under 20K. It was by far the best driving car and priced perfect. My son is 62" and we had buy something that would fit him in the backseat. The car turns on a dime, doesnt sway when you get passed by a tractor-trailer on the interstate and has plenty of get up and go!

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  Best car for us. - 2008 Honda Element
  By Blaine - March 31 - 3:01 am

  The best car for 2 adults and 2 adult size kids. We could configure the interior in many ways to hold what we need.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ken - March 30 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased a new Accord about one month ago. I have put close to 2000 miles on it so far. The gas mileage has been as advertised, hitting 32 mpg on the highway when driving at 65 MPH. I believe I have found the best of both worlds with engine-response, and decent fuel efficiency. This car is stylish and very comfortable to drive. I previously drove a 99 Avalon which is still going strong at 170K miles. I hope to have this one that long as well.

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  Awesome sport sedan - 2017 Honda Accord
  By pmalt - March 30 - 6:35 pm

  I have only had the car about a month but i love the style and comfort. This sports sedan is really responsive when not in ECO mode and you shift into sport mode just fun to drive. Very roomy and comfortable inside. Rear camera and lane camera are very good and a must have. Fuel economy are decent for a 6 cyl and when using ECO mode you can get about 4 more mile per gallon.

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  sequestered car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MACNTX - March 30 - 2:43 pm

  I have a blue Accord LX 4cyl auto. Excellent brake response and feel. Passing power is confident and ready when cruising on freeway driving. Engine is peppy; as is typical of Accord. I drove this car from TX to VA and the mileage comes to about 33-34 mpg with 4 adult passengers at that. Honda could use a better sound system. With 45K miles I still have the original tires, brake pads and has done a wheel alignment. This is my second Accord, the first one a 92 DX with 193000 miles and still running perfectly. Both were made in Japan with VIN starting with JH...My daughter finally "sequestered" the car from me. She cant stand the fun I am having. Maybe a coupe v6 will be fun huh?

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By Christopher - March 30 - 12:29 pm

  I now have 144,000 on my 2003 Honda. This is the only car I can honestly say I like driving more each time I get behind the wheel. I have just now had any "major" repairs done, and that was to replace the front end bushings, a normal maintenance item given the mileage. My family and I have taken trips in this car and I think my 2 teens are more comfortable in this car than my wifes Suburban.