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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  Seperate yourself from the norm. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTLTATE - October 14 - 11:20 am

  Ive owned them all, and if you are the average consumer with the need for light duty towing and room for five men, this is the truck for you. Not too big, not too small.

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  Not as good as previous models - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Alberto Azula - October 14 - 10:13 am

  Handling not as good as 2002 Accord I had before. Doors are hard to close. Controls for air condidtioning, defrost, etc. poorly located, which makes it necessary to take your eyes of the road. Hood cannot be opened unless you get out of car. Dashboard lights go on when you open the door, then get brighter when you put on the key, then go off, then go on again when you turn on the key. All these games with the dashboard lights are very annoying and serve no purpose. I like the gas gauge and I appreciate the excellent gas mileage, but all in all, I am disappointed with this car. Not as good as the previous Accords I owned.

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  2016 Honda CR- V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By hugh graham - October 14 - 5:41 am

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1995 Honda Accord
  By El-Duro - October 13 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this car when it was 2 yrs old and had it for almost ten years. Very reliable. During my first two years the only things I had to change were the muffler and the battery. Other than regular scheduled maintenance and normal wear I only had to change the radiator ,the axle and a couple of hoses. Great overall vehicle, looking forward to my new 2008 accord

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  I miss my "03" - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - October 13 - 1:23 pm

  This is my 3rd Accord since 1997. Aesthetically the car is fabulous inside and out. Bigger, more luxurious and a little more power. I think the seats are very comfortable contrary to other reviews. Unfortunately, my brakes do squeal after 5K miles and a persistent vibration does emanate from the rear, interior deck. The transmission is weak, gas mileage is poor 19 mpg city/mixed where my "03" got around 22 to 24 with the same "spirited" driving style. Worst of all...I feel 40+ years old when I drive this thing whereas my "03" was much sportier, quicker and agile. Overall, a very good car but I probably should have bought the GT Mustang instead!

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  Superb Craftsmanship - 2013 Honda Accord
  By amram - October 13 - 11:36 am

  For 2013 Honda has outdone themselves with this model, I have owned several Hondas in the past; This particular year model I just had to have. The body lines, aggressive looks,commands respect and in my opinion has even outdone Hyundai in the design department, not to mention the entry price and features that it offers.

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  2017 Accord Hybrid Touring - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Daniel - October 13 - 9:13 am

  Had looked into hybrids for a while and am glad I held out for the accord hybrid. I have had the car for 2 weeks and am averaging 46 mpg with a 42 mile commute 1 way. One day last week I pulled a 53 mpg trip. Hybrid expense wise: I purchased the trim level I would have purchased had it not been a hybrid, which is similarly priced with a non hybrid accord. I traded in a RAM 1500 that was getting 18 mpg. The only con is the radio controls: not very intuitive on changing the source through the screen when you have the iPhone connected. Maybe that is intentional so you use a steering wheel thumb with eyes on the road instead of staring at the radio for sources. Honda Sensing takes some getting used to. I shut the lane mitigation off after about 50 miles. 6 Month Review: Still an outstanding vehicle!! Parking lots are fun when you can make the average trip mileage go up to 199.9. I turned the lane mitigation features back on after I was used to driving the car. It took a little getting used to the corrective vibration and mini-torque on the wheel but now I am used to it. It is a good commuter car but a little questionable as a family car, at least with 2 kids still in booster seats and 1 kid sitting in between them. The weight sensor in the trunk is a little odd if your backpack is your office and the seats in the car are full.

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  2nd to none under $35G - 2007 Honda S2000
  By ddgreen33 - October 12 - 6:26 pm

  I owned a 2003 and the 2007 has a little more giddy-up and better audio. My opinion hasent changed since 2003. You wont find a better "fun car" at under $35G. This car will handle itself rather well against any car Ive come across except for the Corvette. However, in a series of S turns the Vet couldnt keep up. Its insane how the S2000 handles all styles of cornering. I know the tires have a lot to do with it but still.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BRyan - October 12 - 1:31 pm

  This is my first SUV of any size. I downsized from a 4 dr off road F150 and thought it would take a lot to get use to. The CRV feels like a much larger vehicle but handles like a small one. We took a 3k mile trip and it handled great over to mountainous highways with about a 28 mpg average. The navigation unit makes it even more fun to drive. Whenever I get out of it I am amazed at how small i looks from the outside because it feels like a regular size vehicle.

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  Overall good value - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By johndoe2008 - October 12 - 1:20 pm

  This car has been reliable and sturdy. It performs well (more responsive steering than the Tahoe) and is a comfortable ride. Gas mileage is pretty good for an 8 seater (avg 20 mpg around town).