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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  Great All Around SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KING - August 11 - 6:39 pm

  The engine is adequate and very reliable. The styling beats the new CRVs hands down. The seats could be more comfortable and the driver seat needs more movement backwards for long legs. I love getting around parking lots and the narrow body allows plenty of room for the doors opening in parking spaces. This SUV has plenty of cargo space and lots of storage nooks inside. I wanted a red CRV with black interior but this is not offered.

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  Pilot vs. Highlander - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tony - August 11 - 3:08 pm

  Moved from a Highlander to the Pilot for more seating comfort. Pilot is great in the year I have owned it. Reliable and spacious although there is more road noise than the Highlander. Still in summary I am glad made change.

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  I love my Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By lrp - August 11 - 8:56 am

  I have owned this car for almost two years. It is a fantastic car in every sense. The pickup on this v-6 is outstanding and it has great vision from the drivers perspective as I am short and have had problems with other vechicles I have owned or rented. I give it a two thumbs up in every respect.

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  CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - August 11 - 6:08 am

  Comfortable ride, good gas mileage, and lots of storage space with the seats down.

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  Lots of fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Laz Morera - August 10 - 3:50 pm

  Honda DNA, car is fun to drive, efficient cargo utilization, good expected mileage (have not used a full tank yet). Excellent ABS brakes, turns on a dime, responsive stering, and fast. Mine is black, beautifull. My wife and I love it. Very practical, This is our 4th Honda. We also have an 05 Element EX. The only recommendation I have is that Cruise and remote keyless entry should be otions offered on the base model. All of this for less than $15 grand with auto and air and a bunch of airnags. Fantastic! Find a good Honda dealer and buy one soon!

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  Pleased new hybrid owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By D. H. of Visalia - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I was originally looking at the Civic EX for the exterior design, fuel economy, safety, and sporty options (sunroof, spoiler, and wheels), but was convinced by my wife to explore the hybrid for the fuel economy. Once I drove the hybrid after driving the LX and EX I was surprisingly pleased by its handling and acceleration capabilities. It didnt have the options I was looking at, but I hope the fuel economy solidifies my decision for purchasing the hybrid. I have tinted the windows and definitely plan on changing out the aluminium wheels to make it look more sportier.

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  A Dream - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wnas - August 10 - 10:00 am

  If any of you all are doing research for your next car, look no further. This car has it all. Engine power, agility, quiet cabin, plenty of room, terrific speakers, and tremendous acceleration. In short, an absolute dream. Why pay twice as much for a BMW 3 series when you have it all with this one.

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  Best for sport,reliability,practicality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jerms - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I originally considered a BMW, but got scared away by claims of problems some were having. For the price of this car, you got yourself something very reliable, very fast, very practical, fun to drive and even a little luxurious! This car accelerates like mad without making a sound. It has such tight suspension and hardly any body roll for taking those curves fast. The factory wheels and tires look great. This really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. You dont need a fancy hood emblem. This car performs like "one of those" but is much more reliable, and holds its value about as well, too.

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  Amazing Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By almassengale - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car this week to replace a Volvo with 197k on it. Amazing machine. It drives like an Audi. Great steering. Ride that soaks up bumps. Strong engine. Well designed interior. Within two miles I felt like I had been driving it for years. Everything makes sense. I think some of the complaints on this car are foolish. Who cares if a mercury has auto-on headlights or doors that lock themselves? Pointless features and mourning their absence makes you forget whats important. The driving experence and thats what the accord has.

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  I Miss Her - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Donna - August 10 - 3:55 am

  Bought my 96 brand new and never regretted it. In over 145K miles, only needed to replace alternator and plug wires. This car never failed to start, the fit and finish was excellent, and it was a solid, well built car. Some idiot decided to steal it, so I no longer have one, but I just wanted to let everyone know what a great car they are. Have not done the research, but I hope that the new ones have kept all the quality features of my 96.