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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  A fun car for a great price - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By GeoBernd - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a small SUV and researched a lot. I am happy with my decision. The CR-V handles almost like a car (I drive a lot of winding mountain roads and I like to drive...) has lots of cargo space and enough horses to go around. That with good fuel efficiency makes for a great everyday car. I didnt not expect to get this much car for my money...

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  I love my CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By BlackCRV - March 24 - 10:00 am

  When my husband first wanted to look at the CRV I didnt want to. I decided just to look for fun and ended up getting one. It is perfect for my family, its very comfortable and drives very smooth no matter what teh weather conditions are. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  adrenalin infuser - 2006 Honda S2000
  By nicktop - March 24 - 7:08 am

  After driving this car almost one year I still find that there are no walls ceilings or "flaws". Glycerinized clutch, brakes, shifting and booster rocket sensation.

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  Great car? - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Anne Shapland - March 23 - 1:55 pm

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  Review - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tom DiLeo - March 23 - 12:04 pm

  Love the CR-V

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  V6 Power; V4 MPG - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JLAnderson - March 23 - 1:53 am

  This was an impulse buy -- was getting my 03 Accord LX serviced, saw this car on display, smelled the leather and was sold. Am averaging about 35 mpg -- heres how I do it: When the green "eco" light comes on at the desired speed, I hit "cruise" and stay there. Im trying to get rid of a heavy foot. If you want to drive this like the performance sedan it is, hitting on all 6 cylinders, youre going to see lower mileage. Its that simple. Dont drive like a nut, and youll be rewarded. This is truly a great car; Ive been driving Accords for almost 20 years and this is the best by far. Trust me.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Honda - March 22 - 4:16 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord and it was not a tough decision to come back! Cannot find a better value for all the features you get. Heated seats have been great now that its cold, Navi is great for directions, XM rocks on long trips, and dual air means no more fights over temperature! Great car, solid build!

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  Best Sports Car in the Price Range - 2006 Honda S2000
  By KGood - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  My S2K is a daily driver, and I find it to be the perfect combination of exceptional acceleration/handling, while still returning good fuel mileage. And unlike so many sports cars that have come and gone, it is reliable as a hammer. You will not find another manual shift up to this quality, steering is quick and perfectly weighted, the brakes are faultless, the body structure very rigid. Cautions: if you drive very aggressively, be careful of snap- oversteer. This series is better than the original, but it can still punish the ham-handed. Ride is firm. While having more driveable power/torque band than 1st S2Ks, best performance still requires keeping the engine in the correct rev range.

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  Pleased With Purchase - 2006 Honda Civic
  By B.Hablutzel - March 22 - 7:33 am

  I took a short test drive and was amazed at the great sound in gears 1-5 (C&D calls it "pseudo Ferrari"). You dont have to rev it high to get that great sound either. Gear 6 is a true overdrive, so that the car quiets right down on the Interstate. This car is very sporty and fun to drive, while having most features of a luxury car. Add-in Honda quality and resale value, and whats not to like?

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  Better than a Miata - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Phil Hoilien - March 21 - 9:56 pm

  Owned two Miatas before the S2000. Great leg room, better performance, better detail, fit & finish.