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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  Wow, more bang for my buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By onebigkid50 - February 5 - 8:36 am

  The Civic rides so smooth and is such a pleasure to drive. Feels like you are floating and for a car at this price range I was impressed and would have expected to pay a lot more for everything that was included. All the safety features were icing on the cake!

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  Great, dependable little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By f150xltgirl - February 5 - 6:38 am

  I love my cCvic, it was the best vehicle purchase I have made. I drive it on a 97 mile round trip daily and have not had any problems with it in five years. I would highly recommend a 98 Honda Civic EX!

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  I am now a believer in the minivan - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sam K. - February 5 - 6:02 am

  The minivan...what a great invention. Never thought Id get a minivan. It was always RR and S550, but boy what a wonderful and practical car. Ive driven my buddys Sienna and it does not compare to the Odyssey. Toyota tried too hard, whereas Honda is just so good in this market. The only gripe that I have is that someside door armrest stains do not come out easily (i.e. sunscreen residue). Other than that, the slow acceleration, long braking distance, plastic interior pieces are all expected in this vehicle. I will always have an Odyssey in the garage. Perfect road trip and people hauling vehicle.

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  Honda Civic (Exceptional vehical) - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Mike McKinley - February 5 - 12:10 am

  Ive bought a Honda Civic Ex. 2dr coupe, manual trans. A little over two years ago. Even though the car was not in my posession for very long I am very pleased with its preformance as well as its reliablitly. The Civic is a common car which means upgrades/replacements and aftermarket tuning parts can be found any where and fairly cheap. It has an elegant design Both inside and out. However the performance of the viehical is fair. It sometimes can feel very slugish up large hills or with a full car load of people. Steering and handling however is exceptionaly better than other vehicals in made in 98. Overall Its a sporty fuel effecient car that is very fun to drive. Perfect for a first car!

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  Next to my Lexus, the best vehicle Ive owned - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken - February 4 - 8:52 pm

  My new Ridgeline RTL-E is everything I hoped for and expected it to be. Very comfortable, smooth quiet ride (almost as good as my Lexus RX-350). Great safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, etc. Excellent sound system (the RTL-E features the upgraded sound system and 8" touch-screen infotainment system). Navigation system is easy to use. I especially like the voice activated commands for the Navigation and other systems. Storage under the rear seats is really nice as well as the in-bed trunk. The dual action tailgate (opens down as a traditional tailgate and swings open like a door) is very handy. As other owners have noted I wish the tailgate locked, especially since I plan to get the Honda tonneau cover. Overall this is one excellent vehicle!

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  Dissapointing gas mileage - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Diane - February 4 - 6:53 pm

  The 2009 Accord is our eighth Honda. I am very happy about the safety and reliability of these cars. This car has improvements on the 2006 model such as regular tires which gives a much smoother ride. They have included fog lights at no extra charge. However, the seats are very hard compared to the 06. Very disappointing gas mileage 17-19 mpg avg. Much worse than the 06 V6. Considering the new VCM technology it should be much better. It should not cut off the cylinders so often, it should be after you are cruising for a few minutes on the highway. And, you can feel it going back and forth.

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  Great convertible! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Stacey - February 4 - 4:14 pm

  This car is not for everyone. Yes, you do have to do a little work in order to work the gears, but there is nothing cuter on the road, nor anything comparable in terms of engineering and horsepower. This car totally rocks! Fast, fun, and is very comfortable. Slot car indeed, and the looks of a very detailed automobile. Honda - they know what they are doing!

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  One hot compact - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Graham06 - February 4 - 4:46 am

  This is an incredible little car. Honda has really produced a quality piece of equipment. The safety features are incredible for the price. Dont let other dealerships fool you. My wife and I have a Corolla and a Civic both 04 or newer and the Civic is by far the better deal. They even sell floor mats with the vehicle. Go test drive one if only for the incredible driving experience.

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  Practically Perfect in Every Way - 2007 Honda Civic
  By WJWarren - February 4 - 3:30 am

  The car is magnificent. Ive averaged 37 mpg over the first 5000 miles of mixed city/highway driving. Very quick and efficient for a 4 cylinder with this much comfort and room. I love the ULEV2 rating too. I get constant compliments on the style. I only wish the tail of the sedan looked like the coupe.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Phoenix Honda Lover - February 4 - 1:10 am

  Have approximately 500 miles so far. No problems. Handles great, good mileage, and wonderful ride. Stereo sounds is excellent. XM is a real plus. Dont particularly like the daytime running lights. Would like to turn them off. However understand they are a safety item. Center instrument panel hard to read in bright daylight Was looking at new Nissan Coupe also, but purchased Honda because of larger interior.