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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  Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jmc1946 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Dependable auto, only problem which is common to Hondas is that the windshield fogs up easily, air conditioning/defogging is not the greatest.

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  love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sandra McMurphy - July 16 - 4:30 am

  I love my Cr-v, but I dont get the gas mileage as I thought I would. I only get around 20 miles to the gallon and that is city and highway driving. I love the way it handles, it is just fun to drive. My last car was a Ford Explorer. The honda is so much more fun to drive! Honda should have the headlights go on by themselves and have lights in the vanity mirrors.

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  nice car but ugly lights - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dclolly - July 15 - 5:10 am

  I like the car, but not crazy about the color choices and the lights, specially the rear lights, they are long and look like a sad/angry face!

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  Cds for sale - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Roger - July 14 - 11:43 pm

  No CD player with the touch screen radio. Windows roll up or down slowly.

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  Nice, But Missing a Few Minor Items - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By RWWWW - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I made the jump from my Dodge Gr Caravan Sport to the 04 Honda. I miss a couple things,overhead display with mileage, outside temperature. I love the Leather seats and DVD player(even though the DVD is hard to operate, still learning). The dealer wanted me to spend $1,200 more for the extended warranty. I told him Im buying the Honda for the quality and durable that you brag about. He still wanted me to buy the warranty. Must be some good commisions in selling that warranty. All in all, I like the quality, the smooth running engine and trainy combination.

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  Happy after 3 weeks - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vanessa McNamara - July 13 - 1:41 pm

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  i luv this car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By kasuf - July 11 - 10:00 am

  awsome car never taken it to the shop the ex is a lot better than lx

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  The right car for the long run - 2006 Honda Civic
  By craig - July 9 - 11:26 am

  I decided to do something about the high price of gas, I bought a 2006 civic based on reviews, gas mileage estimates, safety and just good old honda quality. So far it has been an excellent decision. Nice style and very fun to drive. I drive over 90 miles per day to work and back so the civic just made good economic sense. Though the civic is pricey, I feel it is money well spent for quality. Give me a honda any day.

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  2015 Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv2015 - July 9 - 1:38 am

  In October 2014, we traded our 2013 CRV EX-L AWD for a 2015 (same model). What a mistake. The CVT is awful. It shifts constantly (up hill, down hill, flat terrain), its loud (can hear it when the radio is on), and it doesnt have any get up and go unless you put the pedal to the metal. The gas pedal is also difficult to regulate due to the constant shifting of the transmission. Before buying a 2015, PLEASE test drive for several miles and take it up some hills. Ask the sales person to remain quiet. Listen to and feel the engine. Id only recommend this car for long commutes/thruway/freeway driving, not for shorter commutes.

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  civic 2006 ex 4door - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mark gangestad - July 8 - 5:00 am

  There is some kind of weird vibration at low rpm. Only in drive mode. you can hear it when come to a stop light. Also when you rev between 0 and 1. the dealer said its normal. What the hell is it.