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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  DD Awesome, Project even better! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Project Car - October 10 - 11:39 pm

  The car is a great car. I have whipped the snot out of this car on pavement, dirt and snow. Haddles so well and the replacement parts are so cheap. Come on 30 Bucks for struts? So simple. Not to mechion the car is a cake walk to work on. I love this car because you can beat and beat on it. It will not only take it but ask for more. When your done you can turn it off, work on it and learn about a simple car in the mean time and drive it the next day cause its like working with legos so easy!

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  500.000 miles - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ozan Ozcan - October 10 - 9:53 pm

  I loved the thing first time i saw it.Great design. Exterior and interior complete each other. Engine and transmission work very vell together. great performance. gives you the feeling that you can run with a ferrari. this car made me realize how borind mustang interior and performance is, or big buck bmw or problem child 350 z. Please dont even compare this vehicle with and american made coupe vehicles (Crossfire etc.)Of course $ 65,000 bmw m 3 is good looking and powerfull, you know what i dont care too much money. this car gives you 240 horse v 6 beautiful sound 8 airbags all around, heated seats, abs, esc, tcs, xm radio is a blast and many others buy it wont regret it feel what i feel TY

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  An Excellent Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By vroom01ex - October 10 - 7:40 pm

  Our Accord has been nothing short of wonderful. The car has been incredibly reliable and incredibly solid. It drives well, is very comfortable, and is perfectly sized. the rear seat is actually pretty roomy (after you clamber back there), and the stereo is good. A sports car this is not, but it drives very well.

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  Fit to ride - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tom T - October 10 - 6:46 pm

  Bought a slightly used Fit Sport with 6400 miles on it Sept 07. I really like it, drives a bit different than my old 94 Camry Wagon,probably shorter wheel base and better suspension is the reason. The Fit is actually peppier and handles better than any car Ive owned except my Old RX-7. It fits 4 adults easily, holds a full grocery cart of stuff behind the back seat without any hassle. I love the various seat configurations. nearly as much cargo room as the Camry Wagon had with easy access. Interior & exterior quality are top choice, but seats could be a bit better.

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  Just perfect - 2006 Honda Accord
  By cherpitbull - October 10 - 5:53 pm

  It drives easily. The standard features are amazing. The style of the coupe is elegant and sporty. Its affordable luxury.

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  Love my first Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Dirkie - October 10 - 4:44 pm

  This is my first Honda. Have had Chevy, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Volkswagen etc. This is the first time I write a review on a car. Only reason I really like this car all around. We just returned from a 7500 mile, 30 day trip. Never stepped out the car unable to move my rather stiff limbs, got 29.3mpg over the whole trip (mostly highway driving but still). Have now 12k+ miles on the car and "did" 2 oil changes at a dealer at a cost of $ 28 each. It is the best overall car I have ever owned and I am officially old.

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  Great SUV for everyday driver - 2017 Honda CR V
  By TMac - October 9 - 7:59 pm

  Ride is comfortable. Gas mileage is fantastic for an SUV. Technology is well thought out and APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO is phenomenal.

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  Odyssey EX-L w/ Nav is one great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaman - October 9 - 6:19 pm

  Upgraded from a 97 Nissan Quest after testing driving the new Quest and Sienna. This is the best minivan out there in terms of performance, safety, reliability, feature and price. The exterior design could be better but not as bad as the new Quest. Took two long trips and the mileage is around 25 which is worse than 28 EPA but still better than the old Quest, city is about 20MPG. Nav, 6 disk CD/stereo with XM, moonroof, pwr rear window, sunshade, rear DVD, in floor storage, fold down rear seats are nice. Leather package worth the difference with VCM engine. Glad I passed on the problematic/expensive Touring. Add towing package and fog lights. Good ride but harsher than the old Quest.

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  My Honda meets my expectations - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Norman Smith - October 9 - 1:40 pm

  My previous vehicle was a luxury SUV which I only used to go back and forth to work. I purchased this vehicle because of the fuel economy and reliability of a Honda. I am completely satisfied with my choice at this time. I have about 1000 miles on the car and my fuel economy is 34 mpg which more than doubles my SUV. I have only driven the car to and from work and have not yet been on a highway. I havent found anything wrong with the vehicle to this point. I am very pleased and a little surprised with the pep this car has. I would highly recommend this car for someone looking for an excellent commuter vehicle

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  My 7th accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Accord guy - October 9 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned 6 previous Accords (95, 98, 99, 01, 02, and 04), and this is by far the best. The perfect build quality reflects that it is in the last year of this body style. I tried buying an 06 civic prior to this purchase but found many design flaws and rattles, and poor grade interior materials to be disappointing. I am sticking to Accords. Accords represent the best compromise between cost, fuel economy, practicality, and quality. If you are driving in an urban setting, there is not my difference in fuel mileage between a Civic and an Accord-- 28 mpg vs 25 mpg.