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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  Holds its Value - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Happy Dad - June 27 - 3:55 pm

  I bought the car for my daughter with 35,000 miles on it. The few times I have driven it I have been pleasantly surprised. It is especially comfortable at highway speeds. I just looked up the resale value and it has only depreciated $1,500 in two years. I would like to see the front bucket seats beefed-up somewhat. I weigh 225 and the seats do creek upon entrance or exit.

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  Great...except...rocks behind the brake plate? - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kelly M. - June 27 - 12:28 pm

  I love this car...except two weeks in it was making a horrible noise. The noise stopped and the dealer told me a rock had probably gotten stuck behind the brake plate. Freak occurrence, right? Then, it happened again yesterday, while driving in a rainstorm in unfamiliar territory. I stopped the car, then accelerated quickly and the noise went away. A second freak occurrence? I will check with the dealer when Im back home. Feels like a rough start 6 weeks in.

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  Im in love - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Susan - June 27 - 10:40 am

  I was feeling pretty low as I started my search for a car. You see, Id had a stupid wreck, my fault, and now I was being forced to replace my beloved 300ZX. A friend told me Id know my new car when I saw it and boy, was he right! One test drive was all it took. You have to drive this car to understand how tight it feels. I challenge any car lover to drive it and not smile. If you want interior bells and whistles, look elsewhere...no dash GPS here...but if you want an amazing piece of affordable engineering that is a real drivers car, this is it. Also, the red color I purchased is so loud you can practically hear it.

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  Value First! Look for a deal they are out there - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Chapman - June 27 - 9:26 am

  I have been driving a Honda Civic Hybrid for about 6 years. I didnt know how much pain I was enduring until I drove the 2013 CRV. It is wonderful, really good power, great gas mileage for an SUV and a much more comfortable driving position. My model is somewhat basic but even it comes with blue tooth which made syncing with my phone a snap and it reads my messages to me while driving. A nice touch as well. Fold down rear seats are crazy easy, just pull the lever and they completely fold themselves. Really nice when your hands are full. I love this car.

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  Traded in our 2012 for a 2016 LOVE IT!!! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather Hagen - June 27 - 7:57 am

  Traded in our 2012 EXL for a 2016. I am in love!!! I love the subtle changes Honda made, I wont miss my old odyssey at all because they are a lot like. They added the touch screen stereo I really liked this feature a lot. I like that the EXL is now equipped with camera with your blind spot on the right. The truffle leather interior is beautiful we got a pearl white exterior so very pretty. Rims are stylish. Very happy with our purchase.

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  A great van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Rex - June 27 - 4:00 am

  This is the first ever honda van.we have owned four other vans. but this is the best. we are now sold on the honda van.

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  best money i ever spent for a car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rudy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  i get a smile every time i get into this car, after that my smile gets bigger! ive owned an MG years ago and this is way better. This car will scare most people before it gives and when it does it does gently. I drive it like a madman and my wife can drive it and be cool, its a wonderful machine!!

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  first suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john bratvold - June 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliable, well thought out, good power, disappointing mileage.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MusicloverLCH - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a CRV since 1998 and Im thrilled to finally own one. This is the greatest car Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive and great in heavy traffic. The CD player and cruise control make long trips way more enjoyable. I highly recommend it!

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  Its Great ! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this one has got to be the best ever. I love the ride quality (more like a car than an SUV).It has plenty of interior room for passengers as well as cargo.I cant understand why anyone would pay a higher price for one of those heavy suvs when this one does it all at an affordable price.The CRV is an exceptional value even if you pay full sticker price for it. (I didnt)