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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  Love my CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Love my CRV - April 26 - 5:23 am

  Being new to Hondas, wasnt sure what to expect. I have the most fun driving my CR-V. Like the exterior design, very cute and compares easily to higher end models. Find the interior to be very roomy. Gas mileage is not quite what I had expected for a Honda but still very acceptable (24 hwy/city, 30+ trip). Would like to have more power though mpg would be sacrificed. Find that it shifts to a lower gear more often than Id like when going on hills. Would still buy it again!

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  just perfect for me - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By stan - April 25 - 9:56 pm

  Love it, Comfortabel, quiet and rides like a sedan.

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Jay - April 25 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased used in 2014 with 34k on the record. Has been to date an excellent choice for its reliability, performance and quality. Had its 70k service which took care of 2 recall notices, one regarding passenger airbag and another to correct a software issue affecting the torque converter, also the transmission oil was replaced under warranty. We paid nothing for these conveniences. Just hit 85k in 2017 no mechanical issues, problems or disappointments.

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  Great!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By uncrichmond - April 25 - 2:26 pm

  Ive had this car about 2 years now and am at 55k miles. This car is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I do a ton of driving for my job and can get up to 34 mpg driving on the hwy. You cant beat that with a car that looks and performs like the 2dr accord. The only maintenance Ive had outside of oil changes and tire rotations is having to replace the rear break pads at 52k. I cant say enough about this car, if you are looking for a dependable good looking car, get the accord, you wont be disappointed.

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  NOT boring - 2005 Honda Accord
  By blackntan - April 25 - 2:10 pm

  The Accord tends to get slammed in competitors ads for being boring. Believe me, its not. In fact, I was originally drawn to the Mazda6 for the sporty nature of the car, but I was wary of the cars unknown build quality and decided to go with a vehicle I knew would hold up over the long haul. I have not been disappointed. The Accord is surprisingly satisfying to drive - it holds a good line in corners, the gearbox is just a step below that in my old Miata, its quiet, economical, reasonably quick, well-built, and the quality of the interior materials is top-notch. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the power seat makes it easy to find a good driving position.

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  Its a great all around truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cisco - April 25 - 12:03 pm

  I love this truck! I have owned a chevy, and ford 4WD. And the Honda is the most versatile truck Ive owned. The ride comfort is superior to any truck on the road. Although it is a midsize pickup, you would never know that sitting in it. It is very roomy even two adult males can sit in the back seat very comfortably without having their knees dug into the back of the front seats. The Honda is a nice balance between hauling/towing and a smooth comfortable ride thats roomy enough for day to day use.

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  Best car Ive ever owned!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Maje - April 25 - 2:00 am

  this is what driving is all about! Forget about the TT, the Z3, the miata, the boxter....they just dont match up. The S2K will blow their doors off!!!!

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  NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Element Lover - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking at the Elements for a few days now and I have liked every part of it so far. The only problem I can really argue over is that the outside is alittle ugly at first, but it grew on me in less than five minutes. The price is very reasonable and not needing a tuneup before 110,000miles is a plus.

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  To Alaska and Back - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JPFerris - April 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2002 Odyssey for the purpose of driving to the Yukon and Alaska with our family of four. We loaded up the van in late June 02 with the camping gear,dog and two ski boxes, heading west from Ottawa, Canada. The trip to the Yukon took us 10 days and on the AlCan highway showed how reliable and powerful this minivan is. In tough mountain driving nothing surpassed this van in performance.We cruised at 70 mph the whole way without a hitch. Highway mileage was very good, city mileage can be improved upon. 7 weeks and 18000 km (12,000 mi) later we returned home with the Odyssey running like a fine swiss watch. Exceeded our expectations.

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  Nice Unit - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry and Lori - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased so far since we brought it home. Had a chance to drive it in ice and snow the other day, and it performed better than I expected. The wife says the more she drives it the better she likes it. ITS A JOY TO DRIVE!!!