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:

• 

  Just my assessment - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BOBK - August 22 - 11:13 am

  Overall Nice car. Have some annoying squeaks from the dashpot when cold. Some rattle from the right side also. Appears to be from the glove compartment. Good gas mileage. Quick heat. Nice stereo. Price has dropped since last year. You probably can buy them for at least 500 below the dealer invoice, around $19,400, maybe less.

• 

  love my civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Tiffany T - August 22 - 11:06 am

  OK.... with over 200,000 miles on my civic, I could not ask for a better car. Never had anything major ever go wrong with it.... and going to keep driving it!

• 

  The Perfect Solutioin - 2005 Honda Element
  By Arnold B Bondley - August 22 - 5:53 am

  This is an excellent utility vehicle capable of hauling large-volume loads and filling the need for reliable and economical everyday transportation. The design inside and out was carefully considered and has proven to be ergonomically correct and durable. The styling will prove to be much more timeless than most other vehicles. Resale value remains excellent.

• 

  White Honda accord sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By mlawruk - August 22 - 4:02 am

  Just got my first brand new Honda and had a great salesman (M.R.) who worked with me to get a good deal. Very friendly staff!!!! Will definitely recommend getting a Honda at commonwealth

• 

  No So Happy Anymore - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Used to like Honda - August 22 - 3:30 am

  While the engine and gas mileage are good on this car the rest of it is not up to typical Honda standards. Right after purchasing it the trunk was leaking due to a seam that wasnt welded properly. The little bit of metal that is used on the body is cheap- dents very easily. Had light bulbs burn out in less than a year. Original tires are cheap-had to replace after 2 years and thats with snow tires on at least 5 month/yr. At not quite 3 years old new shocks and brakes. Oh and my favorite the turn signal/4 way relay switch I believe its called just died for no reason-replaced at my expensive of course. And now the cd player decided to stop working. It loads and ejects w/o a cd in it.

• 

  Great car LX model has several luxury features - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kayla - August 22 - 3:22 am

  I fit a whole collapsed lawn mower in the trunk after I bought this. I didnt have to bungee cord the trunk closed it shut without any hassle. Amazing! I have the LX which for a base model has several nice features like Bluetooth, digital climate control, power windows, mirrors, locks, Econ, gets 41 miles to the gallon but has a 12.85 gallon gas tank so I fill up at least once a week. I drive for Lyft and several passengers have commented on how nice my car is. One guy thought it was an Acura lol

• 

  Better than Rav4 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ronaldo Gonzalez - August 21 - 7:51 pm

  Looked at Toyota and Honda. Traded our Civic for a CR-V. Traditional Honda Quality. Lots of safety features and love the styling. Perfect amount of room for our family. Very stable and solid at highway speeds. Great safety rating.

• 

  The Truck for everyone - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ryan Ashby - August 21 - 6:07 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned (I traded in an Acura TL). I needed a truck, but I am in sales and needed trunk space. I got the best of both worlds. It is bigger than you think. Longer than a Tahoe/Yukon, shorter than a Suburban/Avalanche. I would recomend this truck to anyone looking to purchase a truck.

• 

  My 2005 HAH @ 12,000 miles - 2005 Honda Accord
  By EllenC - August 21 - 5:22 pm

  My work commute is 40+ miles round trip in mixed urban/suburban driving and I get about 32 mpg. On a recent highway trip, with some rolling terrain, it was about 40 mpg. I bought the 2005 Accord Hybrid because it had the V6 "giddy-up" thats needed for the crazy traffic conditions in our area, combined with great eco-friendly fuel economy. Although he may disagree, I find it as fun to drive as my husbands BMWs...the 3 series, the 530i, or the 745i. I only wish that it had a power passenger seat, auto-tinting mirrors, and bluetooth technology.

• 

  Honda Ridgeline: a benchmark vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jbodden - August 21 - 2:00 pm

  Leave it to Honda to show the truck world how to do it right. The Ridgeline is such an innovative, intelligent design, we can look forward to Ford, GM, and Dodge copying its features over the next few years. It is hands down the best riding truck on the road! It is safer and better built than any domestic truck. Most people who buy the gargantuan F- 250s and F-350s dont really need the bulk, so unless you plan to haul or pull huge loads, the Ridgeline might just be the ticket.