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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  a superb automobile - 2001 Honda Accord
  By john szewczuk - February 17 - 6:44 am

  This car has performed flawlessly for all 67,000 miles. The only maintenance I have performed on it is factory suggested oil changes, tune ups, and a brake job. And at 67,000 miles this car has the ride of a new car!

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  Very Satisfied with my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mrcay - February 17 - 3:20 am

  Ive owned 4 Toyotas (1 Camry, 2 Highlanders & 1 Matrix) before and this is my first Honda. I am very impressed with the CR-V. I was considering a RAV4 but this is a better choice--more features and lower price. It is spacious for a small SUV. The acceleration is just fine for a 4 cylinder SUV. I love the pewter pearl color.

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  Very Good Car!! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By |\| () | @ |\| - February 16 - 11:47 pm

  This Car has over 218,000 miles on it and still running strong. Its gotten a new timing belt and i believe a new starter before i bought it. It was my first car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a good reliable car, with great gas mileage and good power for a four cylinder car.

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  Wow that was fast!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Resnik - February 16 - 4:27 pm

  I purchased my new Honda CR-V (touring) on June 1, 2015. I have accumulated over 35000 miles on the vehicle driving across the west and in the northeast after retiring. Actually moved out to California for the winter with my dog, from Pennsylvania, with everything carried in the car. The car has been very comfortable, and I have felt safer due to the blind spot monitor camera on the passenger side view mirror. The car has been driven in a variety of weather conditions, esp. rain and wind conditions. Did have two episodes of hydroplaning with the OEM tires in severe downpour condidtions, easily dealt with by slowing down by taking foot off the gas pedal. Majority of driving has been freeway/interstate. No experience with snow or ice with this car. I love the quality of the entertainment system and the variety of options with Pandora and satellite radio. The hands free phone system is very cool in connection with my iPhone 6plus. Navigation is effective in helping me get where I want to go, and in accurately gauging the "are we there yet?" factor! Power lift tailgate is a great thing to have! I am concerned that later this month, after only 10 months of ownership, I will be out of warranty having driven as many miles as I have, but have had great experiences with Hondas (an Accord LX, a CR-V LX, and a Pilot Touring) in the past. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  good truck so far - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Troy - February 16 - 11:28 am

  10K so far and going good. Bigest issue so far has been windshield washer lines getting blocked as they are so far from the windshield.

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  we love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sharon - February 16 - 12:50 am

  We have had our ridgeline for almost a year now and we love driving it. I feel so safe in it, and the 4 wheel drive is great in our winter weather. We find it very comfortable for traveling in. We would recommend this truck for any one. We will be buying another one in 2 years at the end of our lease agreement or purchase the one we have.

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  Great car. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By skips73984 - February 15 - 5:50 pm

  Bought my Civic 6 weeks ago and have about 1000 miles on it. Chose it over several other competitors because of the new design, larger engine and Honda reliability. So far I am really in love with this car. I have averaged 31 MPG in largely city driving. The car is very comfortable, even with our family of four inside. It is a blast to drive and is much better in the power department then I expected. This car gets up and gos. It handles the interstate at 75 MPH with ease--very little engine or road noise, and fine acceleration. It has a feel of quality inside, and of course with Honda reliability you feel very confident in your purchase. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Best Commute - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ES in AZ - February 15 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased this car after my wife objected to the look of the Prius. She was right. This car is much more stylish and given my driving habits, almost as efficient as the Prius. The car has been rock-solid with the only hiccup being a modification to the rear suspension to avoid tire cupping. You learn to drive a hybrid. The car has several feedback indicators which allow you to adjust your driving habits to attain the best mileage. During the Phoenix summer my mileage will drop to about 42 mpg (as measured at the pump), versus a best of 53 in the winter. The best feeling is when you are in "auto stop", look around, and realize that you are the only car not putting anything out the tailpipe.

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  Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Flick5786 - February 15 - 3:19 pm

  The only good design out of this body style. The front grilles and headlights are designed to look sportier and the reverse lights inside the main lights on the back add a nice touch. The 2005 model is far better looking that the 02-04 models.

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  Silver Pearl Metallic Touring with Nav - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By madabout1269 - February 15 - 2:30 pm

  I finally got my Odyssey,and first off let me say that Honda got it right this time,I have owned a 2002 ExL,a 2003 Havasu Blue EXL RES and most of the shortcomings have been fixed.road noise has been greatly improved,power,well it accelerates furiously,only drawback is the engine is more vocal,quiets down nicely after that though.Now for the creature comforts,all I can say is you will not want to step outside of this van,the navigation system is the best there is right now,I used it on my road trip and it is simply inspiring,the stereo system says Premium Sound System and actually lives up to the moniker. All in all folks this is the van to own.