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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  cute car, great drive, awesome price! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By P. from Toronto - October 22 - 9:56 pm

  Absolutely love the exterior and interior design. The two-tier dash design is actually great in that you can see the speed gauge almost without taking your eyes off the road. A really smooth and comfortable drive, perfect handling on both dry & wet road. A great choice altogether. Totally recommend it!

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  Great to have - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Sampath Namburi - October 22 - 8:10 pm

  We thought of going for sienna but after looking at honda we completely changed our mind and highly satisfied... here is what the main items for us to go for honda odyssey. 1. Leather seats in honda are far far far better than sienna 2. Seats are BIG ... try sitting in second row in sienna and you will see the difference in Honda 3. 8th seat in Honda is a REAL seat not like a folded card board in sienna 4. All security items come with all the trims in honda --- you need not to ask for it 5. Tires life is more -- comes for 40,000 miles and higher .. this is not true with sienna (based on feedback from two friends) and most of all .. it is NOISE free .... I know in the before honda is meant of noise inside the car but now it is not ... i can say a definite go for honda Odyssey ...

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  2000 Honda Civic - CLS - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Christy - October 22 - 9:15 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Civic. In every aspect it has been a great car - the best car! I have never had mechanic, or any other problems. Six years after purchase, I still consider my car new. It looks great, gets great gas mileage, and runs as good as it did the day I bought it. I will be a Honda owner for life!!!

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  Bonding with new 08 - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chupek - October 22 - 8:20 am

  I just purchased a new 08 CR-V EX and traded in my 06 EX CRV---love the new chassis design and the upgraded cabin. Hate the fact that I am driving an automatic for the first time 18 years...but its kind of nice to be a "lazy" driver! Not many more bells/whistles from my 06 but the redesign makes up for that--06 has VSA, side airbags, etc. The engine in automatic is just a big change and doesnt seem as responsive as I would like but I am still adjusting...ride is smooth and fun. This is my third CR-V and my SEVENTH Honda vehicle...Im a lifer.

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  All I can say is "Its A Honda" - 2005 Honda Accord
  By James - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I really thought hard about which car would be good for my wife and I. We both agreed that the Accord was the one for us. Not only is this a great car but its so comfortable for long trips. Its fast and so stylish. Its everything a car should be. Its a very dependable car. After having 1 Hondas we did think we should look at may another car and maybe give it a chance; but after all the great years with no problems we just had to tun around and get one more!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Honda CRV EX - October 21 - 8:26 am

  Incredible all round CR-V in mud, snow, open road. Comfort and dependability 9 plus. Economy 8 plus. Great SUV

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  Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Chuck S. - October 21 - 8:21 am

  My Pilot and the selling dealer have been a wonderful experience. I now have 8,000 miles and everything still works! I am building confidence that this trend will continue. I like a car that stands out from the rest and with the extra Honda dress-up options available, I have been able to do just that. I also added 3-Ms chrome wheel-well moldings and a chrome body side accent which was not only easy to install but really gets some double takes. I love fold down second row seating which doesnt require the front seats to be moved forward for clearance. Wake-up GM!

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  RidgeLine tops Blazer and Tacoma - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TheGreatOz - October 21 - 7:40 am

  Having driven a Chevy Blazer since 1996 and after shopping three dealerships for a new TrailBlazer, I settled on the RidgeLine for its versatility, price, and Honda quality. Ten years of improved safety features, better gas mileage, and features unavailable on the new Blazers made the choice a hands-down cinch. The fit-and-feel and ride-and-handling cant compare to anything by GM except the Suburban, which I also drive. The Amazon Green looks like something out of the movie PATTON, but aside from red, its the most appropriate color for the RidgeLine. I was close to buying a Toyota Tacoma, but the rear seating in the extended cab is for children only, plus the RidgeLine has more style.

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  9000 RPM in 3rd gear 100 MPH and 3 to go! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Alan - October 21 - 5:33 am

  I loved my S2000! You have to look at what it is you are purchasing. a 2 door sports car. The car rides harsh, has a lot of road noise, and is not much fun with the top up. That being said, put the top down on a nice day, rev the heck out of the engine and put a wide grin on your face. For this car to require no more then fluid changes and tires it is amazing. I purchased the Honda extended warranty thinking that something had to give. 5 years later and 25,000 summer miles I never had a need to use it! If this is the car you desire I prefer the 2002, and 2003 model years with the 2.0 engine and glass back window with interior improvements over the 2000 and 2001. Later years had the 2.2 engine

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  The Right Car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mark herte - October 20 - 8:25 pm

  Ive owned many cars and this is not the best, most expensive, biggest, fastest, or sexiest, but it is the most "right". While Id say nothing about it is perfect, virtually everything is good to great. Truly exemplifies the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The best features are the outstanding economy with surprising performance when you need/want it.