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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  Proud to buy another Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By malcolm10 - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I have a super commute that makes fuel mileage a priority which the Civic does a great job however comfort and convenience suffered Now with the new Accord EXL coupe I have good mileage combined with a quiet comfortable ride wrapped in more technology then seems possible It does not match my wifes A5 in luxury but it is not all that far away

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  Best MPG for the Cargo space - 2005 Honda Element
  By Michael S. - November 7 - 3:26 am

  My review has to do with your MPG vs. Cargo space... and I believe this car/SUV accomplishes the best in its class. Very happy with gas mileage. Solid construction. Good suspension. Fantastic brakes. Freezing AC. Very little to complain about.

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  Worth the money, worth the wait. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pbear - November 7 - 1:46 am

  My Ridgeline is my ideal version of a 4- wheel Swiss-Army knife. Versatile, solid, powerful, quiet, lots of room for the family and gear, open bed for hauling stuff when I need to, reliable, lots of features for the price, and everyone one and their dog doesnt have one. Lack of the "herd mentality" in the design and engineering.

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  Great Technology - 2010 Honda Civic
  By 6gftbp - November 6 - 11:53 pm

  Ok you may not have a CNG station near you....but this is great technology. Virtually all US supplied gas. Clean burning and filling is as easy as any gas car. Great tax and car pool benefits and best of all it is a Honda Civic. It takes a little effort but there are wonderful rewards owning one.

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  Favorite Car to Drive - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Edmond - November 6 - 9:48 pm

  I purchased the CVT and have not regretted the purchase at all. I get an average of 52 mpg in LA with stop/go/AC. The car had 80,000 existing miles but Hondas extended warranty (150K) for the battery as well as the Honda Care extended warranty (7yr/100K) has taken care of any concerns. I enjoy the car so much that I will be selling my other car because I no longer drive it. Looking forward to the release of the 2009 Insight.

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  Like the car so far - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Tim - November 6 - 8:49 pm

  Moving from a Prius, the new Civic has impressed me on several counts. Ive owned the Civic for 3 weeks and this is what I can say. The ride is much smoother and the infotainment is comprehensive for a car in this class. The turbo engines got a pep to it and accelerates nicely where the Prius toiled (with both cars in Eco mode). No comparison however wrt gas mileage: with Prius I consistently achieved 44-52 mpg, the Civic gives 28-35 mpg (from dash indicators). Lanewatch can be distracting (might get used to it eventually) and not very useful at night. Honda Sensing is a bit of a hit or miss: in traffic, ACC stops the car aggressively (hard braking where easing up on the accelerator would do) and resumes slowly, taking a while to catch up to the car in front so I always use the accelerator pedal. LKAS requires clear road markings or it turns off. The LKAS self-steering on the freeway is not always reliable and can understeer you off your lane, so be careful ! Maybe Honda will upgrade the Sensing sofware to deal with the above issues whence the extra cost would be justified. But as a car, it is quite fun to drive and comfortable, that was lacking in previous Honda Civics Ive owned or driven.

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  One month after purchase - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Ostling - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  Traded in our 2009 Ridgeline w/ all bells and whistles. The new 2017 is lighter, quieter, steers straighter, more alive and fun to drive. The navigation is way easier lights are where they should be and both the headlights and taillights , LED are beautiful. RDl-E. love it

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  Awesome car. Best for the Buck. - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By eric b - November 6 - 3:24 pm

  I already own a 2004 Honda Pilot. I test drove comparable Toyota, Nissan, and Acura SUVs. Honda is the best car/value Bar none. Theyve made so much enhancements to the Pilot since 2004 that I feel like I am driving a different car. Navigation is easy to use and I love the XM radio. I also like the fact that rear camera and fog light is now standard on Navigation model. I simply love it.

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  Impressed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DMW - November 6 - 3:03 pm

  Leased for my commute to work, but found that this car is a good weekend car as well for every day tasks. Happy about the comfort, looks, reliability, and handling. Disappointed with the performance, the clutch, and lack of a 6th gear for cruising. My gas mileage has suffered because when driving above 65 mph on my commute, the small 1.8L, 4 cyl engine is working extra hard with the rpms at 3800-4000; which is why a 6th gear is needed. The clutch needs improvement and I know I cant expect much from 140 HP, and 128 ft-lbs of TQ, a few more ponies should be added. Interior dash is eye catching, and the mp3 capability is welcomed. A/C vents need to be moved. Get rid of hubcaps please!

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  Test Drive One and You Will Buy One! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Granby - November 6 - 9:40 am

  My wife and I were in the market for a compact to mid-size SUV, so we test drove a RAV-4, a CRV, and a Murano. While we were overall satisfied with all three, I found the RAV-4 to be a tight fit for me and the Murano costs significantly more and while it has more power, it is at the cost of fuel efficiency. The CRV rides like a luxury vehicle, gets plenty of power out of its four cylinder, and gets reasonable gas mileage (a little over 23 mpg, combination driving). While my wife convinced me to go with the EX-L, the EX is very well equipped and will save you a couple of thousand.