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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  CRV upgraded - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Marie - September 29 - 6:43 am

  Overall, I’m very pleased. I love: Apple Car Play, Honda Sensing, 3 views for the reverse camera, and cross traffic alert. Some things I’ve noticed: driver side speaker cuts in and out in calls, volume of text read or voice prompts is very loud and doesn’t respond to volume knob. Also, ticking noise coming from right front of the vehicle, when accelerating.

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  great van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By hirsch - September 28 - 2:00 am

  a great family car ... never short of space

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  Does Honda quality still prevail? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Johnny - NJ - September 27 - 8:30 am

  Ive always had Hondas. My 98 Honda Civic was an awesome car and value. My 89 Honda CRX was also amazing. Ive had the 2009 Honda Accord for 5 months & have put 10k miles on it. There is no question, it looks great in & out. This new design has character, the Accord has been missing this for years. Im not impressed with the ride quality..you feel every bump..no exaggeration. Also, the interior scratches very easily. This is still by far the best car for the money!!

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rosalind Arthur - September 27 - 7:12 am

  This vehicle sways in the wind even when the wind is not that strong. Visibility along the sides towards the back is very poor, and makes it dangerous because you dont see vehicles in your blind spot.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rosalind Arthur - September 27 - 7:11 am

  This vehicle sways in the wind even when the wind is not that strong. Visibility along the sides towards the back is very poor, and makes it dangerous because you dont see vehicles in your blind spot.

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  Quality control - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By david asher - September 26 - 7:24 am

  I have no power to the trailing wire harness. I cannot believe that a quality control issue has come up straight from the factory. This truck should never been sold without a thorough check of all the systems. The dealer is ordering a wiring harness but this issue should never had been allowed to leave the dealership or the factory for that matter. Not very happy and will consider another brand in the future

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  EX Coupe - 1991 Honda Accord
  By ComputerGuy - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car overall! Slight fuel efficiency and braking issues bc of the rather heavy weight of the car (I think it is the heaviest Accord ever made). Also, no ABS or SRS AirBags bc it was before the new laws in place now. Otherwise great car that always started up with proper maintenance (sp?). Anyone who is looking at getting a used car and if this car is in their budget should buy it bc it will last forever if properly taken care of.

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  Great Metro Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By chuckdadams - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, efficient, fun to drive - roomier than earlier Civics. The car is perfect for the daily drives, trips to the store, school, work, etc. The driver has the most fun, especially with the 5 speed. Love that 2nd gear. BUT, not the best car for long trips. Noisy with a firm, busy ride. Itll storm a long at 85, but you cant hear the radio, and the old backside begins to tire too quickly from feeling every wrinkle in the asphalt.

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  fun car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jeni - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive car. Lots of power and go, even though its only a 4 cyl manuel. Roomy interior. Back seat not ideal for sleepy kids. Shifting can be a hassel. Exterior looks much better with the spoiler. Over all sporty and fun to drive.

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  1999 odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By spaniel - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Great reliable family car with room for everything and everybody.