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:

• 

  Better than expected - 2006 Honda Civic
  By paul oneill - January 1 - 6:56 am

  After driving off the lot, stopped at the first stop sign and the car died. Then I realized (ding!) thats reality- the gas engine is off! I am so impressed that the technology is real. Gets an easy 45mpg without effort in city, max city/hwy after a week is 48. Car is quiet- comfortable, great stereo (hydrid has 6 speakers) and seats dont look cheap. doors are so light you have to remember not to slam them. Convenience of cruise and stereo controls on steering lets you keep eyes on the road. This car looks great from the outside but impressive looks within dont stop. Wife just bought a Scion TC a few months ago, now wants to trade it in as her 28mpg is now not good enough.

• 

  I love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottsdale - January 1 - 5:46 am

  I bought to replace the hauling capacity of a surburban and the passenger use of a GMC van. Of course not as large as the Safari van, but what a vehicle. Looks good, rides like a car and I got a good price.

• 

  Great dealership support - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - January 1 - 2:47 am

  Purchased a new 2015 CRV in January of 2016. Had some issues with the car and the dealership went out of its way to resolve the problems. Couldnt be happier with my dealership and will continue to do business with them.

• 

  Great Car if you dont turn on the Stereo - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael - Long Beach CA - January 1 - 12:08 am

  If you are going to buy this car and plan on listening to music look somewhere else. Honda plays stupid and says there is not any problem and the dealerships are just guessing on what it takes to fix the problem. The subwoofer rattles and it is horrible even which the bass turned all the way down. I read in several forums including consumer reports that Honda will say they have never heard of this issue and when I called that is exactly what happened. Since then they have said they are working on the problem but they do not know when it will be fixed. The rest of the car well I love it and once they fix the stereo it will be a great car. The lane assist is a little weird and is nothing like what Tesla has but the over all fit and finish is first class. I hope helps someone

• 

  awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mr bear - December 31 - 7:50 pm

  the spaceship is an awesome experience. from time you turn the key this car does nothing but respond to your every whim. whether it is accelerating, passing, shifting, manuvering, or handling you feel in total control of your every move. kudos to honda & its formula one racing team. your engineers can take a graceful bow...awesome.

• 

  3 Civic Owner - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Maine Compact - December 31 - 9:01 am

  This has been a fantastic car. I brag about the fuel economy, reliability, and low maintenance cost to anyone who will listen. Its now sixteen years old, still looks and runs great, and I cant bear to sell it even though we now have two newer Civics!

• 

  Traveling - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Traveling - December 31 - 3:10 am

  I have had 2 Dodge Caravans and a Chevrolet Trailblazer in the last 20 years. This vehicle is the best so far in almost all respects. Im 3000 miles into a 6000 mile road trip and the comfort provided by the van is excellent wheather

• 

  Economical: Yes!! Fast: No!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rookie60 - December 31 - 1:40 am

  This car was made to sip gas. It does that. It was not made to be fast. It is not fast. It is terribly underpowered. I like the hatchback for carrying things. Steering is numb. Car is relatively quiet except on hard acceleration where the underpowered engine groans.

• 

  Good highway hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By K W Bill - December 30 - 9:51 pm

  The car is very comfortable and performs at or above expectations on highway drives. Up to 70 mph it exceeds expectatilns but the mpg falls off a bit above 70 mph. The electronics excel except for left lane visibility wnere there is no blind spot warning. The interior is very well appointed and the memory seats make sharing the driving a breeze.

• 

  Solidly Built, 6 Seater Car/Van - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - December 30 - 1:59 pm

  Closer to a 6 seat car than a van. A "crossover" ahead of its time. Power: Surprising. Wind the tach and the car moves "good enough". I turned in an 04 3.8 Grand Caravan and I like the characteristics of the 98 Odyssey better. Mileage: Average. I get 21mpg. Steering: Drives like an Accord, but slightly heavier feel (because it is). Above average for a "van". Reliability: Zero unscheduled fixes to date. Interior: Below average. Cupholders useless(verey small), and no center console means drinks sit on passenger seat or lap. Some controls not lit at night dash is very dim. Not enough storage bins. Sound: Poor, worst sound of any car Ive owned.