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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  Ridgleline has Some Neat Surprises - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By galvang - April 30 - 1:36 pm

  Just bought the RL with Navi and XM sat. radio. The build quality has been excellent honda style. Pretty smooth riding vehicle up to about 80MPH beyond that it gets a little less smooth. The Navi system is incredible with the touchscreen and voice activation for all of the major cabin controll systems. The XM sat. radio is also excellent especially traveling in the rural areas. Overall comfort is quite good with supportive leather seating. Overall, Im pretty impressed with the vehicle so far.

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  Honda ex sedan 4door (4cy,Auto, leather) - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dinola - April 30 - 9:55 am

  This car has been very reliable. Gas mileage has been a consistent 24-28 MPG. Have not done anything to it except for brakes and Tires. Perform the normal services at 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Change oil regularly. The car is a 4 cyl automatic. It has plenty of pep. I find myself getting tired after sitting in driver seat for any length of time. Good Car. My son is now driving. Airbags all the way around.

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  Frnt Disc Brake Rotor - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Julito Labor - April 30 - 7:08 am

  I love the car but the only problems that I have now is, I have a hard time changing the front disc rotor. Gonna cost you a little more, the design are not so common like two screws hold the disc. The old disc needs to be pressed and the new one needs to be press too. If you dont have the right tools let the shop do the job. Well, the ac is gone too but overall performance I think I already got my money back. Four thumbs up, I love it, love it.

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  Great car. I love it.and the civic 2 - 1994 Honda Accord
  By I Gotta Need 4 Speed - April 29 - 9:18 pm

  So I have this car a couple of months ago and that car is great, is fast, is sexy, and everything else. Someone hit it in the front I cry for it, the guy thought that I was injured. But I still have it. Im going to make it nicer and faster now. Is red Im going to drop it a couple of inch to the floor... Everyone like my car everywhere I stop people ask me how much I want for it... But too bad is not for sale... LOL....

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  Back to Honda - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - April 29 - 10:15 am

  We had Hondas before, and glad to be owners and drivers of one again. This Honda had 150,000 miles (now about 155,1115 miles) when we bought it. It had been well-maintained, and runs great. After about six months, still no problems (other than a cracked windshield and headlight bezel). Just a few weeks after buying the car, we drove it 490 miles in one day when we relocated from Scranton, PA to Norfolk, VA. Im now commuting 16 miles to work round trip daily, five days per week, in addition to a lot of running around when not working. We had Hondas in the past (1990 Civic DX, 1984 Civic), and very happy to be back into Hondas, where we will stay. Have several kids who also drive Hondas

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  I Like My Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dlbuck - April 29 - 8:07 am

  I have the manual trans. If Honda offered the man trans in new hybrid, Id buy one. When I drive at speed limit (55 mph), I ave 55-60 mpg. New hybrid cant approach this. Freeway traveling (60-65 mph) ave is 50 mpg. Headwind kills mpg. Snow tires kills mpg. To me, mpg is more important than getting there early. Two recalls for engine computer stuff. Never any problems. Havent replaced brakes yet. I have them checked at every oil change (3k miles) & so far not worn out. Im getting nervous. Compared to previous vehicle(Jeep Gr Cher, 20mpg) I paid for hybrid August 2003. Honda should offer man trans for Civic hybrid, same as regular Civic.

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  arjmds Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By arjmd - April 29 - 1:43 am

  Good looking, handles well. The stereo would be hard to beat. Easy to park. Easy to insure

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  Gorgeous car, wish for better seats - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steve - April 28 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this car cert. 7 mo old with 13.5K miles, under $20K. For that price this is a fantastic luxurious coupe.There are trade offs that I have no problems with, my mileage after two tanks with mostly city driving is 21 but acceleration is very good, smooth, ride a little firm but enjoy the handling. I rode two hours home from the dealer and my back was sore for days. Have an old back injury. My thighs are lifted too high in the air. Feels like I am sitting in a bucket. A memory foam wedge pillow has made a world of difference. Compared to my Infiniti G20, this car feels huge. Comes with normal coupe blind spots. It is 6" wider and 13" longer than G20.

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  Endless Fun - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Old Goat - April 28 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and there has not been a day when my daily driver hasnt caused a broad smile on my face. And then there is the grin caused by a winding mountain road. Priceless. The engine is a little miracle: sedate if you like, or an angry little monster if you punch it. Undoubtedly the best manual transmission around. The handling is fantastic. The pedals are perfectly placed (heel-toes all day long). The soft top is the fastest and simplest around. Totally reliable. Totally Honda. A perfect auto enthusiasts car. No good if you are looking for creature comforts.

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  Very nice! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By poorwhitefolk - April 28 - 9:42 pm

  I am a diehard Honda lover. I seen that we took in a 05 Honda s2000 with only 2k on it with the factory hard top and I had to have it. It is a well built and well rounded car. Very fun to drive and handles great. I bought a turbo kit for mine a it really awakened the beast. Wow is all I have to say. Almost 500 hp. I would recommend this car to anyone that doesnt need the room and that is not over 6 ft. Tall.