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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  Six Weeks and Love It More! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hurls - June 3 - 10:40 pm

  After six weeks and 1100 miles I love this car more than when I purchased it. Please note that the EXL models are much more fun than the non-EXL and the V-6 with navigation is downright fun. I thought the non-EXL and the 4cyl, were a bit boring and actually felt like a Buick. Sorry, if you purchased one, just my opinion. I love the EXL-V6 with the navigation package. It is really worth the extra money. Fuel economy is not great, but not terrible. Drivers door is too far out at the top to serve as a left arm rest, becomes a problem on longer trips. Seats are a bit too firm for me. Some days the ride is excellent and others the bumps are felt right to the spine!

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  50+mpg, totally trouble free - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Dave - June 3 - 10:37 pm

  Except for no center armrest in console the best designed most efficient vehicle I have ever owned. Fun, cute, 10K miles mid-February to early june. 53mpg. average--with automatic, AC, PS, PB, PW, P. locks, P. mirrors. Comfortable and surprisingly roomy. 5 day round trip Tucson to San Francisco, driver and passenger and luggage - 38 gallons, $105, 1900 miles! And American Honda transferred the warranty (8 yr./100K miles) for $50 transfer fee, then informed me they had extended the driveline warranty from 8/100K to 10/150K.

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Don - June 3 - 7:13 pm

  I have owned many north American cars and several vws. Some were fun to drive but none of them was immune to requiring several ongoing repairs. Nearing retirement and after listening to many honda owners, I bought one. Have to say the comfort, look, design and how it drives is first rate. We wanted three things, heated seats and mirrors and an easy to get out of back seat for some aging friends. Back seat comfort and entry/exit are great. Very pleased and would buy another.

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  Honda crv-love it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BETTE - June 3 - 10:11 am

  It is fun to drive, reliable and functional. There is a lot of room if you need it. The seats fold down very easily.

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  Superb car Honda CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Durgadevi Bojja - June 3 - 6:41 am

  I like very much Honda CRV

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  CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Andrea - June 2 - 11:23 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is so fun to drive! I was hesitant about the 5-speed but that made it even more fun. It is also Honda reliable. No problems so far!

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  Fast and Fun! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By cobra989 - June 2 - 9:53 am

  I purchased this vehicle about a year ago, and have driven the car almost 15000 miles. I really like this car, she is really fast! This is my favorite year out of the early 90s accords because of the extra power etc... Some of the mods that I have done are full intake and exhaust, indiglo guages, supercharger. The thing that I was scared about the most when I did the exhaust kit was that it would sound like a Civic, but that I4 2.2L sounds great and its definitely a head turner! The only thing that I would do to change the car a little bit is to make the engine more accessible and repairs less expensive, other than that I love this car, its gonna be hard to let go.

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  Wonderfully pleasant car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jkramer287 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 98k miles, and there are no apparent problems so far. Very pleasant highway ride and quietness. Steering is very precise and acceleration is very rivoting. It has a very comfortable back seat and pretty comfortable front seats. Large trunk... everything you could need, why pay more for a fancy name when you get all the luxury features here!

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  SPEED MONSTER! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By CrAZiEx8 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  this car is a SPEED MONSTER!!! it outperforms the porsche boxster S.. the dodge neon srt-4 and it will smash into any Z4 that u approach on the road..

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  Speed Buggy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Speeedbird - June 2 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing this car in Florida, I immediately drove it 1300 miles in 2 days to Pennsylvania and the only complaint was that I had to put the top up due to rain. Even on a long road trip the car is just as comfortable if not more so than much larger luxury cars. The biggest problem is keeping the speed with in legal limits (yeah right). It feels just as smooth and tight at 80 as it does at 35. The main warning is that there is very little front end clearance and you have to watch out for potholes and rough roads not to mention curb damage in parking lots.