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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  Very Cheap - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Real Customer - May 31 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned many Hondas including the V6 EX 2004. This 2008 V6 EX has a ton more road noise and the everything just feels so much cheaper. In addition, Im only getting 24 mpg on the highway. Overall Im disapointed.

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  Honda lives up to its name - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Greg Nice - May 31 - 8:23 pm

  It has been a month and every day I love something new about this car. The build quality is outstanding and the Honda name is what I have been missing since dealing with Nissan. My Accord is amazing, the ride is smooth for a V6 and the acceleration will blow you away. I got a great lease price for 24 months on this car and I dont know if I want to give it back. I am paying under 265 month and I only put 1000 out of pocket, thats it, nothing else. I will never ever stray away from Honda to go for something else. This Accord is what a sedan should be made of.

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  love is blind! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By essjay - May 31 - 3:00 pm

  i am very impressed with my civic coupes style, performance and sporty feel. however, due to the roof design, there are significant "blind-spots" in the rear/sides of the car and after three months of driving, i still have no idea where the front bumper is exactly as the slope of the hood drops off... but the good news: excellent front seating that hugs your back. no fatigue on long trips! simple, smart dash controls and layout. very quick and responsive. beautifully designed exterior. large trunk with fold down rear seats. its an awesome car for the size and money. glad i purchased. highly recommend the civic coupe lx.

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  3 Year Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Pizzo - May 31 - 10:15 am

  50k miles in 3 years. Excellent SUV for the money and every for every positive comment posted on this site. Mileage is very dependent on how you drive, I average 21 for city driving. Ive owned 5 Honda cars and the CRV is by far the most intelligently designed, easy to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. When do you ever hear from people on how easy and fun a car is to drive? Its so true. At 50k miles, Im having to replace 1st set of tires and brakes, nothing else so far.

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  good compact car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By harleyd - May 31 - 8:56 am

  Handling is so good. No wonder people call it sporty car

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  Half a Hummer! - 2007 Honda Element
  By mdredwing - May 31 - 3:02 am

  This vehicle is a riot to drive. It has so many standard features I cant list them all. It looks cool and is very useful as an utility truck. Plenty of cargo area and is a very safe car to operate. With Honda, safety comes standard. I traded in an 07 Saturn Vue and had to take a big hit on the trade, but it was worth it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Adam - May 31 - 2:53 am

  This is a great car. There is nothing to it. Great gas mileage, comfortable, nice interior and exterior, and I love the features, especially the navigation system. Although the windshield wipers dont work well dry, the only other complaint I have is the lack of heated seats.

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  Civic Horror Story - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ladyluck1 - May 30 - 5:33 pm

  I thought this was my dream car. Traded in a 2001 Nissan Altima. (Miss it) I bought this car on Monday and its been in the shop since Wednesday. Car broke down on my way to work, once I got it started again, engine light came on, took it to dealership and they couldnt duplicate problem. Broke down again the next day, on my way to work, car still in shop. They state it wont be fixed until Monday or Tuesday, have to install a a whole new assembly? Refuse to give me money back, no offer of another car to made good on bad Civic. First new car in 20 years and thought Honda was the best. The exterior is awesome, love the dash. Cant comment on mpg, havent drove it or had it long enough to know

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  Ridgeline is everything I expected! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - May 30 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned 4 Honda cars, this is my first foreign truck. I feel for the kind light truck work that I do the Ridgeline seems fine. I get 17 MPG around town and 22 MPG the highway. I currently have 2300 miles on it with no problems. I have talked to other Ridgeline owners that get 24 MPG highway miles. They mentioned that the mileage improves after 10,000 miles.

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  2005 ex-l - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By al - May 30 - 3:30 pm

  this is my frist honda and the family enjoys it but it has stalled and killed many times while driving and everytime i brought it in they claimed they fixed it but it would stall again finally i recived a recall on it and i took it in they fixed it but my wife does not like driving it because theres that little doubt in the back of her head it will stall again. gas milage is god awefull 12/15 mpg they say it the type of gas what bs i use shell