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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  Great Minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By shoop05 - June 23 - 10:10 pm

  Honda makes a great minivan that is powerful, comfortable, stylish and reliable. This vehicle has a very tight fit and finish, very low road noise and great creature comforts. The interior of the van has all the features that make it feel like a luxury car and the exterior is sharp looking. Overall the van outperforms it competition.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Peech22 - June 23 - 1:36 pm

  The Honda Accord SE is by far one of the best sedans considering the price. Its smooth and has most features that the EX carries, but for much less in cost.

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  I love this suv!!!!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jingle - June 23 - 10:16 am

  This is my first Honda and SUV, and I would buy it all over again in a second! There is nothing about this vehicle that I dont like. I bought the LX 2WD model about 1 month ago, and let me tell you, even though it is the base model, Honda proved that they still care about my comfort, and most of all mine and my childrens safety! When I bought it, I did not like how the door locks worked, I would have to push my unlock button to get my kids out of the back seat. But , My husband read the manual, and found that this can be changed. I have 5 different options of how I want my doors to lock, and 3 options for unlock! HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Buy This car, you wont be sorry! I LOVE IT !!

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  Amazing car! Better than Prius - 2006 Honda Civic
  By SF - June 23 - 7:53 am

  I am very impressed with this car! The 06 HCH is far superior to the 05 model. In fact it is far superior to the 05 Prius. The 06 Civic Hybrids build quality is very high with a near luxury car feel. The road handling is stable with excellent steering and control. The 06 HCH is quite stable in high winds and truck turbulence. Far more stable than the Prius, as road tested. Road noise is very quiet and the interior feels roomy for a compact car. Quieter than my previous Audi A4 and 05.HCH. The Styling is forward looking and truly ergonomic. The seats are very comfortable (Im 59"). The GPS nav system is great and performs accurately. MPG actually as advertised! Wow.

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  Very happy with this car after 18 months - 2003 Honda Accord
  By john - June 23 - 2:56 am

  After 29000 miles my Accord drives like new. I have not had one service problem. I love everything about it.

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  The Energizer Bunny - 1993 Honda Civic
  By rolande23 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 122,000 miles now at 174,000 miles! With regualar care this car will last forever. The only indication of age are blemishes on the body. The handling is great, Ive dug into corners and beaten-up the shocks on dirt roads and it feels remarkable strong and resiliant. The 5spd transmission makes up for the 102hp engine. The interior is comfortable but dated with its slider controls all of which still work beautifully. With the exception of the chrome detailing on the exterior the body is subtle attractive yet . This car definitely grows on you.

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  My review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian Ruderick - June 22 - 6:30 pm

  When I shopped Prices Ford,Chevy,Toyota All said They could not beat the price.When I test drove it, the Ridgeline felt like a car, excellent handeling comfort and styling were all I needed.Besides a few minor problems except for the peeling paint on the rear bumper that they say they are going to fix,I love this truck,yeah I said it TRUCK to all of the naysayers from Ford,Chevy,& GMC, it is the truck of the future soooo catch up fellas!

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  93 Prelude Si - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By HwkWings - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 4 years, and I still love it. I bought it with 132K miles, and it now has 185K. The only problems have been a small oil leak and a worn out distributor. The sexy curviness of this car is way better than the ridged design of the 5th gen. Prelude. Criticism aside, I love the "funky" mid-dash display of the interior. The gauges are easier to read than some other cars that clutter the gauges in front of the driver. A few complaints include: the headlight components are a bit cheap, road/wind noise is more than abundant at highway speeds, rear visibility is less than adequate and the speaker covers are a bit flimsy.

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  Great vehicle. Great price. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Likesfishing - June 21 - 7:57 pm

  Amazingly spacious. Handles very well. Excellent gas mileage. 32 mpg average in the mountains of Utah. Navigation is very good with the single exception of recognizing some named locations. Navi is excellent on addresses. The display. This CRV is very comfortable to drive for someone 63" and someone 54". Excellent value. Cross-shopped against the new VW extended Tiguan (unimpressive) and the Subaru Forester and Outback. The 2017 CRV is totally new and is much longer with much more luggage space than prior CRVs.

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  Wonderful - 1997 Honda Accord
  By kp - June 21 - 9:10 am

  I have never had a problem with this car. It just rolled over 80k and it still drives like new, very responsive. Ive thought about getting a new car, but its hard to leave such a great one behind.