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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  For a Honda it rides like a horse buggy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By rpcmrsz - March 31 - 9:16 am

  The looks are nice but comfort wise its awful. No middle arm rest, hits hard at bumps, turns are tough. For the money its expensive.

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  Finally found the "one" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheryl - March 31 - 6:10 am

  I must say this has been a long search for the automobile of my dreams. I am sure other more expensive models would be great. But being a single Mom of two, I needed an automobile with the perfect features. Roominess for my growing kids as well as reliability. This being our only vehicle, I needed to have safety and gas economy also important features.

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  Cool - 1991 Honda Civic
  By kid - March 30 - 10:02 pm

  I love this car, love the way it can turn soo fast, Ive rebuilt the frame for the rust had eaten away at it and gave it a cool paint job now it looks like new. Its only an automatic but its my sweet heart.

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  The Truck you need, if not the one you want. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kaleb G - March 30 - 9:29 pm

  I liked the looks of the Tacoma and Colorado quite a bit more than the Ridgeline but after test driving all three, there was no doubt in my mind which one I would buy. If not the comfort, then the tech, if not the tech, then the active safety equipment. I absolutely love the fold up rear seats and the trunk bed, well worth the slightly higher bed height

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  Good, but not great - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By GeoMan - March 30 - 1:49 pm

  Ive owned this car for 15 months now. This is a very good, safe and reliable SUV. Its very solid with no rattles. However, there is more road noise that expected. The gas mileage ratings of 17/22 are a dream. Reality is more like 14/20. Ive taken this vehicle on several 300 to 800 mile trips. Ive soft pedalled the gas and kept the speed between 70 & 75. The best Ive seen is 20 MPG. I would certainly recommend the Pilot, as long as you know ahead of time the mileage is overstated.

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  You get what you pay for - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dmvp29 - March 30 - 1:43 pm

  The car is fragile. Moderate winds will really affect driving, car sways easily. Acceleration 40-60 is extremely poor when A/C turned on and average with A/C turned off. Acceleration 0-40 with A/C off is above average for what you pay for. Gas mileage is good, comparable to what is advertised. Wheel alignment is fragile. Even moderately aggressive driving may cause alignment problems in the future. Car does not handle curves well. If youre buying this car for a child who only needs a car to get from point A to point B, then a Civic is a terrific investment and great value. This car gets you from point A to point B, nothing more.

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  first suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By glenn krantz - March 30 - 7:03 am

  front seats great,seats rear leg room a plus,all doors open fully & extra cargo space

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  second time around - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pscreech - March 30 - 1:30 am

  This is my second one. We got the 99 sight unseen and got this one same way. This thing drives very good, It puts my ML500 to shame on handling. Had a whistle type wind noise. Took 3 visits to Team Honda to get it fixed, No problem they gave me loaner car just like the MB dealers.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ARN - March 29 - 4:55 pm

  I have had the S2000 for more than 2 years. Works great, fun to drive especially with the convertible top down. My wish list is that the door would open wider and an outside temperature gauge (Ive heard the newer model does have the temperature guage). A bit tight but all and all I would buy another.

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  Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brian M - March 29 - 1:27 pm

  Weve owned this vehicle for 10 years and have had zero mechanical problems. Incredible reliability and it still runs nicely with 165,000 miles on it.