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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  Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jd - June 21 - 9:58 pm

  This was the first Honda we had bought. I just traded it in after only 11 months. We were very unhappy with the gas mileage, 15 city/22 highway. The A/C did not work the day we picked it up and it took several visits after having to drive in 90+ deg VA weather before the leak was found and correctly fixed. Trouble with run flat tire at 10000 miles. Concerning mileage I was told no one should expect what they advertise.

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  What a shame! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Rafal - June 21 - 8:35 pm

  What supposed to be great purchase turned into nightmare.Great engine and great acceleration.Terrible ride comfort.After week of riding I started having headaches and my back starting to hurt.While driving you feel all the bumps on the road and driver seat is very uncomfortable.I will never buy Honda again.

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  Accord V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mac - June 21 - 8:20 pm

  Best Car I Have Ever Owned. Three Years Old and havent had any problems. the Dealer was very easy to deal with and their service (oil changes only so far) is great.

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  Honda for life - 2009 Honda Fit
  By fitinvancouver - June 21 - 3:20 pm

  First car was a Honda way back in 1980 and now so is the new one. Traded in my 2002 Civic Coupe. Coupe felt like a car that got me places, Fit is fun. Only have less than 100 km on it, but can see I am going to enjoy this car.

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  On the Road Again - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Proud father - June 21 - 2:36 pm

  This vehicle is very smooth at the campsite, in the city or on the freeway. Excellent vision front and rear with no blind spots. Interior is very well done with ample storage space. We took five people and all the gear up to Savory Island with no problems,however next time we will purchase a Thule to put on top.

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  New Insight Owner - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gibbey - June 21 - 8:53 am

  Ive never owned a new car, and also didnt think Id really be able to afford a hybrid anytime soon. However, the Honda Insight is a very comfortable and response gas-saver, and the features are incredibly well done. This is a very affordable ride for your normal commuter, and in going through my 90+ miles/day, I have to say the 2010 Insight is fantastic.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RWP - June 21 - 7:29 am

  Purchased in March of 2005, car has been reliable and fun to drive 80 miles each day for work. Gas mileage has been pretty good although the AC does zap mileage more than any other car Ive had. Seats are comfortable for short and long drives. Those reviewers who state otherwise havent adjusted the seats correctly. Back seat leg room is very good for the size of the car.

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  Not for comfort - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Leah - June 21 - 6:00 am

  The S2000 is a fun car, but seriously lacks in comfort. If you into speed and can handle a 2 seater this is your car, but you may want to rethink road trips in it.

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  Best everyday truck ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 21 - 12:17 am

  This truck does exactly what I need - it carries in the bed stuff I would never want inside a car or SUV but doesnt suffer all the negatives a regular truck would (bad gas mileage, bad ride, etc.) It has plenty of power for everyday driving, as long as youre not trying to race. As for the complaints about gas mileage, if you drive the way you should to conserve gas, youll get what I get, which is 19-20 mpg every tank, and that is using the AC at all times, driving a mix of highway and surface roads. No one complains about the V6 4x4 Crew Cab Nissan Frontier getting 17 mpg, so why the complaints here?

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  very good car and value - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Coco - June 20 - 5:40 pm

  I liked this SUV a lot. The cons I found are: 1) there is no much space in the front seats (for a 5 11" person) my knees hit the steering wheel and I cant move it to avoid that and 2) it has too many blind spots when looking back or through the mirrors, we had to remove the headrests from the back to see better. The rest is very good. It does not burn a lot of gas, it is reasonable fast in highway, it is well equiped and it is reliable. In new england the 4wd help even when such a narrow tires.