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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  Fun To Drive! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chris - June 30 - 7:50 am

  The driving experience is very engaging thanks to a well designed informative display, and crisp responsive handling. If you are transitioning from a manual, the paddle shifters, tach and detailed display make driving just as interesting. Eco feedback is a good feature, 48 MPG so far after 500 miles of an even mix of highway/city. CVT shifting is smooth and braking is natural. Seats are comfortable and inner room is great for a car of its size, 510 friend could sit comfortably in rear. For me this car beat the Prius on style, interior design and the peppy driving feel, the lower price was just a bonus.

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  a breath of fresh air - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AF - June 30 - 1:33 am

  After a long, arduous, and often annoying relationship with various Mazdas, my 2005 Honda Civic EX truly is a wonderfully positive change. Peppy acceleration, agile handling, and a serenely quiet ride make me endlessly happy I chose this car. Even friends in the backseat can ride comfortably and the chrome accents on the dash catch their eyes. This was my first new car and I could not have made a better decision. I look forward to driving this car for years.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MJM - June 29 - 10:51 pm

  By far the best truck Ive ever owned. Fun to drive and handles like a car, but is built and hauls like a truck. Excellent in snow (live in Minnesota).

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  Big time bang for the buck - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By csjroadie - June 29 - 10:43 pm

  This is my first non-luxury car in over 25 years and the gap has diminished somewhat. Owned Saab, Lexus and Acura, all of which were great cars, particularly the Lexus. For just over $32k for a loaded AWD Touring Ive gotten a very well-balanced car that is surprisingly refined and peppy. Do wish it had more ponies under the hood, but thats kind of what you get in this class. Fairly quiet and smooth, especially for a crossover. Mileage is below listed as many posters have noted, but still pretty good. Safety features on par with the NX and RDX I looked long and hard at for $10k more. Infotainment system is not class-leading but certainly way better than some of the dour reviews its received. All in all, Honda needed to hit a home run with the new CR-V and having looked in depth at all of the competitors in this class, I think theyve nailed it. A really well-rounded car that now looks and feels much more premium than the CR-Vs of old and can legitimately be considered a mid-size option.

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  1st Honda - Awesome Hinda - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Charlie - June 29 - 9:30 pm

  Really pleased. Very spacious. Very comfortable. Really happy with the purchase.

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  Pure Luxury - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Scott - June 29 - 6:23 pm

  Originally looking at the Civic for the gas mileage and the looks but the Accords ride and comfort won me over. Had to go with leather because the fabric just looked too cheap and can see how gets dirty easily. Gas mileage hopefully will get better 22- 24 city/hwy with AC on. This car is great value for the money. Fits easily in one car garage.

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  I cant find a thing wrong - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Mon - June 29 - 12:05 pm

  Like most Hondas you have to be very picky to find something not to your liking. I have now owned my Pilot over 3 years and still enjoy driving it. I can do all of the routine maintenance myself thanks to online resources.

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  More than a car. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Robert palmer - June 29 - 6:44 am

  Every detail was more than I expected.

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  2016 Honda Accord Touring Modern Steel Metallic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Greg Orlando - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Saved money switching from Acura TL. Same interior and same size engine as TL.

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  2016 Honda Accord Touring Modern Steel Metallic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Greg Orlando - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Saved money switching from Acura TL. Same interior and same size engine as TL.