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:

• 

  Great redesign! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HondaFan367 - June 11 - 5:10 pm

  I have driven the CRV about 1700 miles now, and I love everything about it. Its ride is much smoother than my previous CRV, and it is so luxurious! I really like the instant mile per gallon guage, and tire pressure monitoring system. If youre looking for a smaller SUV, I highly recommend taking this one home with you!

• 

  2008 Honda Accord LX - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Greatcare - June 11 - 9:20 am

  I have owned this car for only a few days. Had a 1999 Honda Accord LX that got totaled so needed a new car. What a great car. So roomy on the inside, nice size trunk and great Honda quality that we all come to expect. I am very pleased with this car and purchased it over Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. The base model has all the features one could want at a minimum in the car, keyless entry, daytime running lights, 6 airbags, power windows/door locks, steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system. Also the automatic maintanence reminder is a great plus for this car.

• 

  Great looking & Great driving - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Anthony S - June 11 - 4:16 am

  Very pleased with the purchase. Solidly built, great technology, reliable.

• 

  You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda - 2006 Honda S2000
  By CB 750 - June 10 - 10:19 pm

  My Red S-2000 is my retirement present to myself. This will be the 10th Honda Car I have owned, and each one was an improvement over the previous. However, the S-2000 is unlike any Honda I have owned except my vintage 1970 CB750 Four Motorcycle Finally a Honda that draws upon is racing heritage. Around town its a fun well mannered car but its meant for two lane black top. At 6,000 RPM the 2.2 Vetc really kicks in and the close ratio 6 speed keeps it on cam through all the gears. The first time I red lined S-2000 through the gears I learnd is not just a pretty Boulevard cruiser it is an all out performance machine. One word of warning with the top up you have lots of a blind spots.

• 

  fantastic car for the money - 2000 Honda Civic
  By tracy - June 10 - 9:11 pm

  I bought this car new. had it for 6 years now, driven it for 186,000 miles. Ive only had to do standard maintenance on it, nothing has gone wrong. I plan to buy another civic when and if this one wears out. Fabulous car... go honda.

• 

  Modern, Economic, Fun to Drive, Comfort - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Frank - June 10 - 7:00 pm

  These are still my first month with my Honda Civic and I am just so happy to drive it. Its quiet on the highway and very comfortable. Its also fuel efficient at this point.

• 

  Wish I had bought one sooner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scott - June 9 - 9:13 pm

  The coupe is a fantastic vehicle. On the first tank of gas I got 7.5 more mpg than my previous car. The ride is extremely comfortable, it rides like a car that costs much more. Having the controls on the steering wheel is an added bonus of the EX that I enjoy. I dont have to take my eyes off the road or my hands off the wheel to change the volume or station.

• 

  almost a 10 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bob c - June 9 - 1:43 pm

  Second Odyssey weve owned. This is almost the perfect van. The seat to floor distance is perfect to shorter wife and fine for taller driver. Vehicle height while driving is good to see around area. Ride fit and finish very good. Absolutly no problems at 14000 miles.

• 

  The fit is go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By eldaino - June 9 - 4:13 am

  No problems or silly mark ups, put down payment on one of them and it was at the dealer in two day with everything my fiance and i wanted. Great little car that hardly feels cheap or little!

• 

  My favorite car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Loresa - June 9 - 3:30 am

  I just bought my Fit yesterday and the whole family just love it! It is spacious and comfortable. I feel like Im driving a sports car. It has a great sounding stereo and the air conditioner will just about freeze you out. Ive had three new vehicles, but this one is my favorite by far.