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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  Could be better - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DanaS - March 19 - 4:20 am

  Picked up a Honda Accord for the wife to drive. It seemed to be a good economical car, but hasnt gotten near the EPA mileage. The six cylinder with the auto is nice, but not as economical as we thought. The interior is well put together and somewhat plush like a 1980s Buick. The parts fit together well and are acceptable for a 25K car. The ride is an anamoly...flaccid yet tinny. Not much of a step up from a Civic.

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  Massage chair set on vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Previous Honda lover - March 19 - 1:02 am

  Want a massage during your mani /pedi? get one on this car. Great for a 15 min massage but extremely uncomfortable on long journeys or sitting in traffic for a long time. Plus the steering wheel rocking wildly back and forth after the Odometer reaches 14,000 miles while the transmission is slipping does not feel as safe or comforting as a massage.

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  first sports car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jdg - March 19 - 12:11 am

  The S2k is my first and maybe my last sports car and I love it. It is the most beautiful car that I have owned. Mine is black on black, which in my opinion is the best color for this car. It goes down the expressway like it was on a rail and it rolls down the city side streets with all eyes on the car.

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  Returned to CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Pat R - March 18 - 5:55 pm

  This redesigned CRV is what weve been waiting for. Its no longer the plain Jane of SUVs, but an example of the latest in mechanical engineering with its Turbo engine and hi-tech applications on the dashboard. Its part of the newest generation of cars with no apologies to be made. I love the side view mirrors/camera set-up. Has already saved me from an expressway fender bender. The cruise control/distance link is super convenient and eases highway driving. Seat adjustments make it comfortable for all shapes/sizes. Dont let the controls overwhelm you, learn them one at a time. Dealers help in setting them up is imperative.

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  Premium experience - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kolstad1 - March 18 - 5:16 pm

  Looking at the most fuel-efficient choices out there, I naturally settled on the Prius and Civic Hybrid (and held onto a secret wish for a Mazda 3 hatchback that could get 40 on the highway). The Prius had an appealing zen-like quality to it, but it just wasnt comfortable for someone my size (63"). Acknowledging my natural Hondaphile leanings, I drove the HCH (with some reservations over the supposedly "underwhelming" performance). After that, it was a no-brainer. It accelerates more than well, never once leaving me with that sinking, sluggish feeling. Add to that comfortable seats and billet-like build quality, and I feel I got a premium-class car with 45 mpg for $21.5K. Very happy.

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  O say can you see? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By carcare - March 18 - 4:10 pm

  I am surprised that I have not read more about the visibility problems with this car! I only have one bumper left without a scratch. You can not see the front of the car at all and the back is not much better. The car is also very low to the ground making it awkward to get in and out of. I love the gas mileage, the interior design but hate the visibility problem.

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  Bad choice - 2005 Honda Civic
  By j perez - March 18 - 11:15 am

  The driving of this car is been unreliable, since I purchased this car Im been having a lot problems, replace the alternator, passenger window regulator, and driver cv joint and still make another noise.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bruce - March 18 - 9:32 am

  Greetings to all, this is my first purchase of a vehicle from Japan and I have to say this "Ill never buy anything else" again. My wife and I both love this vehicle, I am 62" & my wife is 52" we both fight over who is driving this vehicle on the next long trip! She hated my Jeep! Oh well, Honda & Toyota have it going on and the & Camry was the other choice, I went with the Pilot due to my size and the ease of entry for me. The Camry was a lot quieter though at 100MPH, yeah, I live in Germany right now & love the Autobhan here!! :) Ciao

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  Economical and sensible but not much else - 2006 Honda Civic
  By craig - March 18 - 6:38 am

  Owned this car for three years and have had no major problems -- Just two recalls for a tensioner bolt and drivers seat bracket bolt. Gas mileage is superb, but it is only a small 4 cyl. and you can notice the strain. As a prior poster mentioned, car is not good in the snow. Maybe too light? Have had difficulty ascending slight grades with only a coating of snow on the road. I have also had problems with traction on level streets from a stopped position. Interior constructed of VERY cheap plastics that scratch and mark seemingly from just looking at it wrong. Suspension squeaks during cold weather months. No momentum obtained on highway driving have to keep your foot to the floor.

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  great car!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By usedcarbuyer - March 17 - 11:24 pm

  Bought this car in 2005 and its been wonderful. Had regular maintenance and replaced battery and brake pads... and tires but no major problems! It gets wonderful gas mileage!!! It now has over 90,000 miles and still running great.