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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  Still Happy! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Stacie - June 14 - 12:07 pm

  This was my first new car purchase and it remains a great decision. I purchased this car due to the distance I would be traveling to college and have always felt safe, had great reliability, and continue to get great gas mileage. With basic maintenance and the purchase of new tires, my Value Package Honda has lived up to every expectation. Ill be purchasing a new vehicle soon, but a family member has already asked to buy my 1997 Honda because of how great it is!!

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  The best - 2006 Honda Element
  By alicia - June 14 - 11:08 am

  My parents got the element this year and despite the fact that it costs a lot it was well worth the money. Weve owned subarus for 5 years before and none of them have better performed than this car. I love this car with all the space and the clean up is a breeze. It takes me a quarter of the time to clean this car out than it does our other car.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Joe - June 14 - 10:25 am

  I chose the ex because it comes with a v-tech engine and just about power everything. This car drives great. The suspension is tight and gives you confidence around sharp corners because it keeps you firmly planted to the ground (yet it still has a smooth ride). The cars steering is tight and responsive. The engine could use a little more power although it has more than enough power for every-day driving. The v-tech engine is amazing when the v-tech kicks in at 4500 rpm until it redlines at 7000 rpm. This car also has excellent visibility. The air conditioning is ice-cold, and the controls are nicely placed. With a big trunk and fold-down back seats, this makes a great car for everybody.

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  A Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By MMF of Baton Rouge - June 13 - 1:38 pm

  A great car for town and long distance driving. Driven in U.S. and Canada. Carried 3 adults and full camping gear in comfort. Engine purrs like a cat on the road. Almost no repairs needed outside scheduled preventive maintanence. Has 100,000 in nine years and ready for ten years more driving.

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  Another Terrific Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Perry - June 12 - 9:17 pm

  Reliable, good fuel economy, excellent overall value

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  Another Terrific Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Perry - June 12 - 9:17 pm

  Reliable, good fuel economy, excellent overall value

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  Great Find - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Josh - June 12 - 2:55 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a 1995 Odyssey this past weekend and so far we love it. We were blessed to find one with only 95,000 miles and the owner before us kept the car immaculate! It looks brand new! We had a Nissan Xterra before (which we loved) but with two small children we were getting tired of packing them into the small back seat and then having no extra room. The Odyssey drives great and we really havent been able to tell much difference between the 4cyl. in the Odyssey and the 6cyl. in the Xterra (yet). Its so much easier to see out of the big windows and it feels just as solid on the highway. We would highly recommend one to anyone who is looking.

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  excellent car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Catherine - June 12 - 10:36 am

  I have had this car only two weeks and i find it a very comfortable ride.

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  Hondas are awesome - 2007 Honda Civic
  By E man - June 12 - 8:46 am

  I have not had any major problems with my civic. It is a very reliable car and I truly enjoy driving it because it is sporty and economical at the same time. Not to mention, it just looks really cool!

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  Best car on the market - 2008 Honda Civic
  By steve - June 11 - 10:26 pm

  Drove both Civic Hybrid & Prius before buying. Civic is quieter; has fewer distractions for operator; and gets even better mileage than advertised. We have taken several 400 mile trips and find the Civic to be stable and effortless on the highway. We have discovered that keeping cruise speed below 68 mph increases gas mileage by nearly 6%. I utilize GPS on other vehicles and would prefer a more comprehensive data base on the Civic. We love the car and feel that we made the right choice.