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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  Very close to perfect! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 20 - 9:22 am

  This car manages to keep my long commute fun even though it doesnÂ’t have much power. The 5-speed manual transmission still shifts like butter even with 120k of hard driving in southern California traffic. This car really doesnÂ’t feel like it has the miles that it does. It still handles very well but could use new struts (they are a bit weak). This car has aged very well and I plan to keep it for at least 4 more years. The only repair other then routine maintenance so far on this car was the headlight switch under warranty.

• 

  Our First Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By joesp8 - March 20 - 7:26 am

  We love our first new van EXL with DVD. The interior was very well designed, very spacious, and very comfortable and room. Not so crazy about the gas mileage but still better than our old SUV.

• 

  Best value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jolsen - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Got mine just below sticker. Excellent handling, very spacious interior, averaging 19 mpg city and highway. If you have an old SUV, you will not believe the difference.

• 

  03 Honda Pilot-Navi - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Biren - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Its the best SUV that Honda has come out with--

• 

  WOW - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dave - March 19 - 6:13 pm

  After considering the purchase of this car for almost 20 years, I finally picked one up. I paid probably more than I should have but the dealer would not let it go and I could not find another one on the north east. It is the most impressive family 6 cyl, MT car I have ever driven in its class. I have not had such a thrill diving a car since a VW Passat almost 10 years ago. This car is simply amayzing.

• 

  Comfy ride - 2017 Honda Accord
  By monika waniek - March 19 - 4:26 pm

  Very reliable

• 

  09 Honda Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Happy FIt - March 19 - 2:26 pm

  I bought a Base Automatic for MSRP. I think I got the first one available in the state. We have been looking forward to this car for more than 6 months. Pretty much meets expectations. We have gorges here with very steep roads. Averaging 27 MPG. Our Camry was getting about 18. I was surprised by the amount of plastic in the interior. Still it feels very solid and it is fun to drive.

• 

  Very nice car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Rich - March 19 - 1:06 pm

  Great looking car, both inside and out. Im very pleased with the ride- much more planted and quieter than older civics. Found out you need an IPhone 5 at least- so I am without music so far. Would a CD player kill ya Honda??

• 

  Just What I Wanted - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mr. DennyDennster - March 19 - 11:16 am

  This is the car I wanted 3 years ago when I ended up with a Hyundai. I finally got my Accord Coupe. It is everything I ever wanted and more. Love the dark blue metallic paint, as well as the tan leather interior. Some of the interior plastic seems flimsy...but nothing too bad. The ride is remarkably smooth, and the car handles great. Overall Ive been getting 26-27mpg, the same as my Hyundai, which was smaller. Wish the headroom and rear visibility was a little better, but hey, its a coupe, and those are some trade-offs for having a coupe.

• 

  A perfect vehicle - 2007 Honda Civic
  By arizonahuskerfan - March 19 - 3:30 am

  I am a former Toyota driver and thought I would switch for a change. My Civic Coupe is absolutely amazing. It handles great, feels sporty and looks it too! It is the first "fun to drive" vehicle I have had in many years. This is a well-thought-out car!