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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  Love my Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Joseph Smith - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car, plenty of room, economical, and fun to drive. Has all the features I care about. Very nice styling, and very easy to drive. I have the 4 cylinder engine, and it has more than ample power.

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  Finally a solid vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scarhill - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I have purchased a Japanee nameplate after many unhappy years with American vehicles. I am quite pleased with the build quality of the vehicle, far superior to the Dodge vehicles that I have been driving. I really love the gas mileage. I do mostly highway driving and I have been averaging about 42 mpg. My wife loves to drive the Civic around town, when she can get her hands on the vehicle. My teenage daughter loves the styling. Seems this vehicle has pleased everyone.

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  Got It Yesterday - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ccitybll - January 31 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good.

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  Needs further gas mileage testing - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GPSSLP - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a great buy for me with only one down turn. They advertise that it averages 48 mpg city and 47 mpg highway, but I havent even been there yet and I have 5000 miles on the car. I average 38 mpg which is good, but not good as advertised. The rest of the car is great.

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  Love this car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By drtrickett - January 31 - 2:00 am

  After driving my 1990 EX for 140,000, this car is a dream. Cabin is a little noisy on the highway. It handles great on the highway and in the snow. Great power and handling.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By icrant - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am very excited with the 2.4L iVTEC engine. With 66.7 HP/liter @ 5500rpm this is the best engine in its class (not talking here about BMW). The fuel economy is incredible (9.6/6.5 - automatic transmision). I am not planing to change it in the next 10 years.

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  My new used crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Holly OBrien - January 30 - 11:53 pm

  Just bought my 2013 crosstour and love it. It drives well and has plenty of room. Its quiet inside and has a very smooth ride. The heated leather are great.

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  What deal... - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By CARLOS GUTIERREZ - January 30 - 10:01 pm

  The first and most importan quality of this car is such amount of features that you can get on EX Trim for a low cost; even I compared the safety features of this with other luxurious cars that not include them. For compact SUV I have to say that pretty spacious inside and finish looks made of quality materials. Very comfortable, good fuel efficiency and enough power.

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  Love our new Sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Barbara - January 30 - 8:20 pm

  My tall husband actually can be comfortable in the passenger seat of this great sedan when I am driving. Plenty of room in this car. Everyone who has seen it loves the luxury look." We love the good mileage we are getting around town.

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  Wow! beats zoom zoom zoom any day! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By tominatlanta - January 30 - 6:42 pm

  Ive owned my 2007 S2000 since Jan. 3, 2007 and am absolutely enthralled with it. Responsive, yes! Fun, yes! Powerful, yes! Comfortable, yes! (Like a glove. Now Im a fairly slim guy, 5 11" 155 lbs. and fit in the cockpit like medium snug, which is good...) Great gearbox. Great steering. Great suspension. All in all, a truly exhilarating ride and driving experience! As a former Miata owner, this is THE TRUE ROADSTER/SPORTS CAR!!! Get one!!!