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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  Strong after all - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Oscar - June 8 - 2:59 am

  After 80,000 miles since I bought still running strong, got 160K miles now and still faster than many cars out there .. even in 2006 still turning some heads and getting compliments ... not bad for a 12 y.o. car =) I bought ricer tailights painted red/white and looks great now, also the 94 accord rear lip, helps.

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  2004 Insight review. - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Gordon Shepherd - June 8 - 2:41 am

  For economy, the only car I feel could beat the Insight would be an electric car recharged with solar panels. Its aerodynamics makes it almost uneffected by wind for safety as well as energy efficiency. Only drawback is that it carries onlt 2 people, but the space is very ample and comfortable for those 2 people. I know I can race any car on the road to the end of our tanks, and win. The place where it wins the nicest is at the pump at every fillup.

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  2018 honda ridgeline - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard DuRette - June 8 - 2:09 am

  owned a 2007 honda ridgeline for 11 years. one of the most reliable and good all around vehicles i have owned. it is a light duty pick-up / passenger vehicle that is comfortable, easy to drive and covers all of my driving needs and conditions. theses are the reasons i have purchased a new one. the 2007 ridgeline still remains in the family.

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  300,000 and going - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Ronald - June 8 - 1:27 am

  My civic has 300,000 and its still running. Doesnt burn a single drop of oil. AC works yes I am ready for summer. Just changed the brakes will need a paint job soon. Muffler has cracked but still passed CA emissions :). I love this thing I am sure It will be a classic soon. The sunroof is nice. Put some rims and lower the car with better shocks and you got urself a very good car. Keeping it gangstar. Hella room for everything. I have the 89 civic si red like the picture. No rust so I am luckly. Its a great little car..I love it couldnt have asked for another car did I say it has 300,000 miles and still running..:)..

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  In just a few weeks.. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Xavier311 - June 8 - 1:13 am

  Excellent vehicle! Yes, it doesnt stand out in a crowd of other SUVs (in terms of looks), but thats not why I bought it. The interior is extremely high quality and very functional, and the smooth ride is great! The steering (handling) could be a little better, as it does feel a bit bulky at first, but after getting use to it youll never notice it again. Acceleration is slow at first due to the AWD, but then quickly picks up speed. The ride is so smooth, that you sometimes dont notice how fast youre going. Overall, a great vehicle whether you have a family, or are looking for a roomy mid-size SUV.

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  06 Civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By J Rod - June 8 - 1:00 am

  This has to be my favorite car to drive. Its Very comfortable, gets good gas mileage, let alone the LSD equipped 6 speed mated to the 2 liter I-Vtec engine... What more could you ask for?

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  Fun and Stylish Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By klm1031 - June 7 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my Civic for just over 1 week now, and I absolutely love it! I put on about 400 miles already and I just filled the tank for the first time yesterday. I didnt sit down to figure out the mpg but I am estimating it to be in the low 30s. That is really good considering I do more city driving than highway (about 60/40). I love the atomic blue color, I get compliments from everybody! I also love the ride, it is so smooth. I traded in a Ford Escort and this is my first new vehicle and Honda purchase. What an upgrade from a Ford. I expect this car to last pretty long. As long as I dont drive too aggressively and I get my car maintenanced on schedule, Im sure it will last.

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  Lots of fun, for a minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By eguy13 - June 7 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the Ody after test-driving the Ody and the Sienna. Love the handling, drives like a large Accord. Fuel consumption is a major setback. Getting approx 14/gallon with 60/40 highway/local driving. Lack of quality control when leaving plant. Had to bring the vehicle back to dealer to correct manufacturing defects and imperfections.

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  Quite the SUV! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jesse - June 7 - 4:08 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive. It has excellent control, decent acceleration for an SUV, and a turning radius that can get you through any tight parking situation or do a fast three point turn. The only problem is that the wind can often blow the car off course during highway driving. This is rather dangerous and you therefore have to keep your speeds way down on windy days. It is due to the cars aerodynamic (or lack of one) design and therefore most likely unfixable in later models.

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  Honda 2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JG - June 7 - 2:36 pm

  Great car for the price!!