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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  Dallas - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Srini - December 25 - 1:30 am

  The only thing I dont like is while backing up, maybe I will get used to it eventually. Else, its everything I expected it to be...

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  2005 Honda EX - 21,000 Miles - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Toto - December 24 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 1 1/2 years now and must say that I have been impressed by the Minivan. With 21K+ Miles on it now, the Van has been safe, secure and stable on wet/slippery/icy roads of the North East. The VSC has really been great and the Brakes/Handling have been very good. My primary reasons for selecting this van over Toyota were the Standard Safety features and I have not been disappointed. Average Mileage 21 MPG.

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  Mutil-talented car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dan - December 24 - 3:13 am

  This car new is a great compromise between comfort, performance and practicality. I added fog lights and a rear wing spoiler. I am tall, and find it very roomy, with plenty of leg room in the back seat. The interior is very nice and the overall build quality appears to be great. It is very quiet and smooth. The 6-speed manual transmission is fun to drive, and the smooth free-revving engine feels quite powerful. The engine is only at 2100 RPM @ 65 MPH in 6th. I do experience rough shifts in 3rd gear, like many other Honda/Acura 6MT owners. But it is not too bad. I put Dunlop Wintersport tires on, and this car handles very well in ice and snow

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  The BEST car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brian C. - December 24 - 1:10 am

  After also considering the redesigned Mazda 6, I decided the Honda was the better choice. The design quality inside and out makes it seems like it is a BMW or Lexus, but at substantial savings. Ive received so many compliments after only 1 month! The V6 engine has phenomenal power, but yet still gets decent gas mileage. The heated seats are very relaxing on a cold winter day. Temperature and audio controls are somewhat complex, but Im getting used to it (Fan will all of a sudden start blowing at higher speed for some reason--not sure whats up with that.) Also VSA feature doesnt have a dashboard indicator saying whether its on or off. Honda did a great job on this redesign!

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  4 year test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By chris ronan - December 23 - 4:14 pm

  After completing a 4 year test drive on a 2012 cr-v, my wife was so satisfied that she wanted another one. Im delighted with the changes after experiencing zero problems with the 2012. Now theres heated and power seats, color outside cameras, and the best blindspot camera. The touch screen for radio and syncing your phone are excellent.

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  Love the power - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lugnutz - December 23 - 1:13 pm

  This car has exceptional power being that it runs on 87 octane. Mileage has been around 20 with a mixture of city/highway with plenty of full throttle runs on the freeway on ramps. Also a lot of warm-up in the driveway. Love the interior.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By C Samuels - December 22 - 2:06 pm

  I have owned, the Suzuki Side Kick and the Chevy Tracker.The Honda out performs both hands down. I am really enjoying driving my CRV. It has great pick up and is really comfortable.

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  Bang for the buck with Honda reliability - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jim T - December 22 - 3:11 am

  I needed a vehicle with smart packaging, hatchback utility, reasonable fuel economy, and upmost reliability. I work as an automotive instructor and consultant, having experienced the "ins and outs" of the major car companies, it didnt take me long to narrow down my choices to Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. I would have considered Acura and Lexus, yet the price jump for the premium brand is just not justifiable versus the features offered in the parent brands. The new HR-V is by no means perfect, yet there are so many great traits in this little Honda which make you forget about the minor flaws. For comparison, I came from an Accord Sport with the 6 speed manual- no race car- but still a reasonably quick car. I see many voice concerns about the HR-V as being slow (my salesman included), I have found the HR-V is by no means slow, it can get into it traffic and handle hills with ease. The CVT will manage engine rpm to keep efficiency and speed up to par. It should be noted that I typically leave the "ECO MODE" on and leave the transmission in "drive" versus "sport" mode- which greatly enhances throttle response. The AWD is a must for where we live deep in the hills of Massachusetts, I actually purchased Blizzak snow tires, making a proper snow handling evaluation impossible. In my professional opinion, the factory Michelin tires do not appear to be ideal for heavy snow conditions. I drive north to the mountains for snowboarding, making use of my snow tires. The interior of the HR-V is what makes it so special, the magic seat and hatchback combination are amazing and must be experienced to appreciate. There are so many combinations! We can carry the dogs, siblings or grandparents, and gear with ease. The heated cloth seats are holding up well and I was surprised to find that the passenger seat even has seat-back heating. The seat position takes some getting used to; the gas tank is located beneath the front seats under the car, making for a raised platform under the seats. The only interior complaint for me (being 511" guy who wears logging boots) is that the drivers dead-pedal is awkwardly close to the drivers seat, I like to stretch my legs out in a car.

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  Trust Honda ! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By cccc - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 90 Honda Accord in 2000 with approx. 66000 miles on it. Have it since the last 3-4 years now (approx. 101000 miles on odometer now). The car has an excellent build quality, is roomy and extremely reliable. With just a little regular maintenance like oil change, waxing, cleaning & vacuuming, it has given me the joy of owning an almost new and very reliable car. In every relationship, there has to be equality in giving. In this particular relationship, the car has given me a lot more - I simply love my Honda! I dont have anything negative to say - just a lot of positives - my experience tells me youll never go wrong with Honda.

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  Positive Review - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Charliebm04 - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car 12/18/2004. this is a new 2004 with a few Improvements. The Dealership. I would rate at a 3 they did the paper work and that was it. The salesman, Spencer: never even met him, he had another salesman do the work. The car However. Fantastic, 67mpg right off the showroom floor. The acceleration really suprised me. It has the git up and go when you need it. For and general runaround or work car. There is no better car on the Market, YET. C-mon Honda you can do better. C-mon People, Keep your website up to date.