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 to the end. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By postmanrr1 - March 11 - 5:45 pm

  Very nice vehicle as stated in other reviews. Mine is the rare one that the transmission self-destructed today to the tune of $3000. The dealer gave us a very good wholesale trade toward a Ridgeline which we took. The resale of even broken Hondas is amazing.

• 

  Quality Honda - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Alex - March 11 - 4:54 pm

  This vehicle offers enough power to put a Mercedes Kompressor to shame. Styling is wonderful, and the interior has greatly improved.

• 

  Would do it again! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By S Miller - March 11 - 12:22 pm

  With no kids, our 02 CR-V was fine, but now with 2 kids, our 04 Odyssey is awesome! Never thought I would drive a mini van but this feels more like a luxury car! Our EX-L is way below the lease miles (by almost half!) So the decision to buy it next year will be difficult! Comfort for all is top notch and performance for such a big vehicle is better than expected! Beware if you put your foot in it, the pickup is fun but it will eat your gas! We usually leave the rear headrests off, the seat is rarly used but remains up for the use of the deep well for storage of stroller n stuff. Both kids are in child seats and are an ease to put them in with the wide doors. We love it and will do it again!

• 

  2017 Civic Hatchback Manual Transmission - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Reza - March 11 - 12:22 pm

  Excellent car. Well balanced design. Great handling. Great value for the price.

• 

  fun to drive - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By chucki42 - March 11 - 11:34 am

  i bought this vehicle for myself to commute to a job. what a blast to drive. a bit noisy but i solved that issue by putting sound insulation in. easy to work on, parts are not that expensive, easy to get at, i put the vehicle grouding system on, air intake, and the mileage is in the 30s around town. now that the youngest is driving i am surrendering my baby to her.

• 

  Best purchase Ive ever made - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Eric Scott - March 11 - 8:56 am

  Ive had this car for 11 years and have changed the oil/tires/muffler. The only other thing that has gone wrong is a starter went after 10 years. Its been paid off for 7 years and I plan to keep it for another 5 years. You cant buy a better car than an accord.

• 

  everyone should have this car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Atlanta Driver - March 11 - 8:30 am

  I hear people with SUVs whining about their gas mileage, maintenance costs, and other stuff, and their jaw drops when I tell them I spend about $20 a week on gas! I bought this car in 10/03 w/ 53k miles and since then have driven the heck out of it. I now have 106k on it and have had no problems at all. I have done most of the big scheduled stuff on the car (spark plugs, timing belt, etc) and it runs like new! It also is a LOT cheaper to maintain than my wifes Liberty. My 63" stepfather is comfortable in the backseat. Drives smoother than any other compact I have ever ridden in! I love it!

• 

  Honda 2005 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Honda S2000 - March 11 - 7:19 am

  Love it fun to drive get car faster than GT Mastang little car on steroids. MPG is great 237 hp

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04 CR-V - March 11 - 3:49 am

  Everything about this vehicle is great. I have not had one problem with it. I am in the Military and in Germany, I average 100 mph on the autobahn. It handles great. Gas mileage is outstanding. It is a little noisy but nothing that is annoying. The vehicle is roomy, quick and comfortable. Traded in a gas hog (Chevy Tahoe) in for it. My wife and I are glad we did. I recommend this vehicle to anyone

• 

  My Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Honda Element - March 10 - 11:30 pm

  I have owned my Honda Element for 3 months, I have 3000+ miles on it. Would it have enough pep, get up and go for me? Yes it does. I like view from my drivers seat, you set high and can see outside from all angles. It will surprise you when you open all four doors and see all the room there is inside. I like the rear the way it opens up to load in and out. There was a lot of thought put into this SUV and I have nothing I can say against it at this time. I like this satelite radio XM. The longer I have this car the better I like it. No I am not a kid I am 75 years young and am looking forward to traveling over the USA in this vehicle. I love to go fishing and camping it sleeps two.