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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  Street legal go-kart - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jacques79 - February 17 - 7:31 pm

  This is my 2nd S2000 and its just as reliable as my first. (It was a 2002) I drive it hard every day and its still as tight as ever. The super quick steering (13.8:1) and driving position along with the best transmission feel in any manual production car make this quite the impressive ride. Under 6000 RPM its perfectly fine around town and to get the acceleration you just need to use the delicious transmission. Every thing is tightly screwed together, the top never leaks, the car feels very stiff, especially for a convertible. Brake pedal feel is firm and the stopping distances are excellent. This car doesnt need VSA: its called your right foot and steering wheel!

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  Fun car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By got frank? - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have fallen in love with this car. I put a lot of stuff additionally to this car because I love it so much. Now it has HID headlights and green parking headlights, a talking alarm system, mesh grill for the front, radar detector, 4 inch exhaust, tinted windows, etc.... im still planning to add more things. Well, its a 1997 Honda Civic LX, Automatic transmission. I wish it was a manual, but I can still drive it somewhat like a manual (if you know how). Lovely car, reliable, nice-looking. I wish it had more horsepower and torque on the engine.

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  Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Feraz - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car in my neighborhod and in the highway. This CR-V has enough horsepower for a little SUV. The sound system is great and i love the sound of the bass when i play my music. The remodel is better looking than the older model of the CR-V and i admire the exterior design because is so hot!

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  Love this van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SpencersMom - February 17 - 9:16 am

  We bought this when our children were 1 and 3. They are now 5 and 7 and we have never regretted this purchase. We have had some weird problems with it, such as the drivers seat belt coming unattached from the floor but the dealership fixed it without charge and checked all the other seatbelts. They were all loose at the floor level. The paint is chipping a bit around the doors and some tiny rust spots are starting to appear. Considering that we live in an area that rarely sees snow (thus no salt or sand on the road), this concerns us. Overall, though, this is the best car decision weve ever made. Even trips of over 1,000 miles are easy on the kids its so comfortable.

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  a superb automobile - 2001 Honda Accord
  By john szewczuk - February 17 - 6:44 am

  This car has performed flawlessly for all 67,000 miles. The only maintenance I have performed on it is factory suggested oil changes, tune ups, and a brake job. And at 67,000 miles this car has the ride of a new car!

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  Very Satisfied with my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mrcay - February 17 - 3:20 am

  Ive owned 4 Toyotas (1 Camry, 2 Highlanders & 1 Matrix) before and this is my first Honda. I am very impressed with the CR-V. I was considering a RAV4 but this is a better choice--more features and lower price. It is spacious for a small SUV. The acceleration is just fine for a 4 cylinder SUV. I love the pewter pearl color.

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  Very Good Car!! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By |\| () | @ |\| - February 16 - 11:47 pm

  This Car has over 218,000 miles on it and still running strong. Its gotten a new timing belt and i believe a new starter before i bought it. It was my first car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a good reliable car, with great gas mileage and good power for a four cylinder car.

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  Wow that was fast!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Resnik - February 16 - 4:27 pm

  I purchased my new Honda CR-V (touring) on June 1, 2015. I have accumulated over 35000 miles on the vehicle driving across the west and in the northeast after retiring. Actually moved out to California for the winter with my dog, from Pennsylvania, with everything carried in the car. The car has been very comfortable, and I have felt safer due to the blind spot monitor camera on the passenger side view mirror. The car has been driven in a variety of weather conditions, esp. rain and wind conditions. Did have two episodes of hydroplaning with the OEM tires in severe downpour condidtions, easily dealt with by slowing down by taking foot off the gas pedal. Majority of driving has been freeway/interstate. No experience with snow or ice with this car. I love the quality of the entertainment system and the variety of options with Pandora and satellite radio. The hands free phone system is very cool in connection with my iPhone 6plus. Navigation is effective in helping me get where I want to go, and in accurately gauging the "are we there yet?" factor! Power lift tailgate is a great thing to have! I am concerned that later this month, after only 10 months of ownership, I will be out of warranty having driven as many miles as I have, but have had great experiences with Hondas (an Accord LX, a CR-V LX, and a Pilot Touring) in the past. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  we love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sharon - February 16 - 12:50 am

  We have had our ridgeline for almost a year now and we love driving it. I feel so safe in it, and the 4 wheel drive is great in our winter weather. We find it very comfortable for traveling in. We would recommend this truck for any one. We will be buying another one in 2 years at the end of our lease agreement or purchase the one we have.

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  Great car. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By skips73984 - February 15 - 5:50 pm

  Bought my Civic 6 weeks ago and have about 1000 miles on it. Chose it over several other competitors because of the new design, larger engine and Honda reliability. So far I am really in love with this car. I have averaged 31 MPG in largely city driving. The car is very comfortable, even with our family of four inside. It is a blast to drive and is much better in the power department then I expected. This car gets up and gos. It handles the interstate at 75 MPH with ease--very little engine or road noise, and fine acceleration. It has a feel of quality inside, and of course with Honda reliability you feel very confident in your purchase. I would highly recommend this car.