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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  3 yrs and counting... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By esteeze - October 26 - 4:14 pm

  Have had my CR-V for 3 years now, and it has generally been an excellent vehicle. It is used mostly for daily work commuting (about 25 miles round trip), in a hilly, city environment. Also used as 2nd vehicle to carry our 3 kids, and for carrying tailgating equipment (during football season... Roll Tide!).

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  Excellent car, but creaking headliner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RockvilleBear - October 26 - 3:30 pm

  Good points: many thoughtful interior convenience features; excellent center console design; excellent acceleration and handling; comfortable seats; great disc brakes; nice courtesy lights everywhere; powerful A/C and heating; in short, many more luxuries than my previous 96 Civic DX which was manual everything. Note: I purchased the Accord w/manual transmission intentionally because I love the control, and I like the Accords manual shifter as much as I liked my old Civics manual shifter. I really dislike automatics.

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  Great Look, Ride and MPGs - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sgas24 - October 26 - 12:06 pm

  I am 41 yrs old and purchased my Civic 1 year ago yesterday and it is the best car Ive owned. I drive 75 to 80 highway miles to work each day and truly enjoy the ride and definitely the fuel economy. I travel above the speed limit and still average above 32 mpg and when I decide to take it easy, it averages around 36-38 mpg. The Bridgestone tires are not as bad as some may believe, I have 26K on the factory set and have rotated at every oil change (every 8,200k) and they still look to have at least 50% tread remaining. The 1.8 L engine provides great economy, a quiet ride and will surprise you on the open road as to how fast you approach that third digit on the speedometer.

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  Great Performance - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Amy Moyer - October 26 - 4:50 am

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  Functional and economical but not comfy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sean - October 26 - 4:20 am

  Have driven this vehicle about 15k in almost a year. Very functional for driving around town doing errands and the 20 mile commute to work. Drive slow and hwy gas mileage tops 34 mpg. City with easy accelerating tops about 29 mpg. Better than sticker says. Seats not very comfortable. Good visibility and very roomy. Seats fold down for ample space. Get a dark colored interior so you see less dirt. Seat fabric is difficult to remove dog hair - it sticks! Very reliable and quiet. Smooth driving. Would definitely buy another but maybe a fancier model. Never owned anything but a Honda!

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  A Great First Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By accord745 - October 26 - 2:05 am

  No mechanical problems at all since I purchased the car. Adding a few after market accessories, like new lights and wheels, make it look at home beside some current cars and a few engine tweaks make it run with them too. When I purchased the car 5 years ago, I compared it to Grand Ams, Civics, Corollas, Sentras, Cavaliers, Sunfires, etc and none of those cars could match the overall package of the Accord. The Accord offered the best combination of practicality (seats 5 passengers comfortably), fuel economy (28mpg), style, and fun-to-drive. Clearly, its the next best thing to buying a brand new Accord, and a great value for anyone looking to buy a first car.

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  Honda Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Pat Mahoney - October 25 - 1:56 pm

  Just took delivery of my Honda Insight. It has surprised me in that the ride is comfortable and the road noise is non factor. The fuel mileage is tracked by the computer and registers 52.4 miles per gallon. I have yet to fill up the tank from delivery. Driven 400 miles. It has opened up my eyes in driving to conserve fuel. Great car for going back and forth to work.

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  2006 Odyssey EX - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - October 25 - 10:46 am

  Great van! I have 6 kids and we all fit comfortably. A solid vehicle all around.

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  V6 Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By V6 Accord - October 25 - 9:56 am

  Quality and great features continue for the 2006 Honda Accord. Fun to drive and good overall performance..

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  Best SUV I have ever owned - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - October 24 - 7:43 pm

  I have owned a 4-Runner, Bronco, Suburban, and driven just about every SUV out there and this is the best all around SUV yet. Reliable, gets decent mileage for an SUV and I was shocked at how well it handles and a third row to boot! Very solid. In the snow I have not ben able to get it to lose traction...great AWD system. I will drive this one for years to come and it has 73,000 mi. on it already..not even broken in yet!