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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  Lovin It - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By gary - March 6 - 6:26 pm

  Not having driven a truck of over 15 I must say "What a change". The Ridgeline has the cab space of the Pilot and a ride similiar to the Accord. I love the in box "truck". Im glad to see that Honda added the lighting to the volume and cruise control on the steering wheel. Ive only had the vehicle a week and Im "Lovin it"

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  The Van To Have - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By thegraduate - March 6 - 3:50 pm

  This van is definitely worth looking at if you are in the market for a vehicle. You may think that you dont want a van, but this was the vehicle of choice for us after a Dodge Ram and Chrysler Sebring. The quality construction, super reliability, and overall value with this car are amazing, especially if you avoid the leather package. Lots of car for the money here!

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By John - March 6 - 1:43 pm

  We recently sold our 06 Pilot w/ 87K miles on it. The mileage in the Crosstour is much better than the Pilot and the CT has more room. We found that we never used the third seat in the Pilot and the Crosstours second row seat has a lot more room. The ride in the CT is amazingly smooth and the interior is even quieter than our Lexus LS. The CT also has a beautiful interior/dash with very high quality materials.

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  The best car Ive owned. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By KarlC - March 6 - 11:43 am

  This car has plenty of power and gets awesome mileage. I drive on the freeway a lot and this car easily cruises at 80mph if needed, no problem. You cannot tell when it is running on gas or electricity and it is quick off the mark at traffic lights, even though the engine turns off when you come to a full stop. It has amazing headroom, my 64" buddy can sit in it no problem. The only comment is that the 12V power outlet could be positioned somewhere else as it prevents the 2nd cup holder from being used when you have something plugged in. PLUS I get a $2000 tax break on next years taxes!

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  Accord Hybrid - great mileage & perform - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Clean & green - March 6 - 10:56 am

  Wow, I was strictly a V-8 man before purchasing this V-6 Hybrid beauty. I get 35 to 38 mpg highway and around 25 in town. Comfort, style, and great handling in this car. I actually bought two 07 Honda Accords, one for my wife (4cyl) non hybrid and the 6cyl Hybrid for me. She loves her Accord also -- it gets 34mpg hwy. Honda quality and workmanship throughout. Too bad Honda has made the decision to discontinue the Accord as a Hybrid. I really dont think they marketed the car that well. I didnt know Honda built an Accord in Hybrid form until I saw one at the dealership.

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  Love the Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sharon Deis - March 6 - 4:53 am

  Be prepared to have a car that works every time you get in to it. The back seat is just as comfortable as the front seats. Very low maintenance costs. This car will last 20 years if you want to drive it that long! The look of the car is timeless, many cars built today look similar.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Happy Honda Owner - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My first major purchase. I am happy it was a Honda Civic. The interior is not cheaply made like many vehicles. Do the basics of the vehicle and you will be smooth sailing. No American cars for me.

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  ALL I CAN SAY IS RELIABILITY - 1995 Honda Civic
  By DX QUEEN - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Honda back in 1998 with 35000 miles on it. I now have 85000 miles on this. The body works rusts a bit but with the money you save from having to repair major "under the hood" problems, you could get a new paint job. Passed inspection all 5 years with only needing tires...(too good to be true).....

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  Best package ever - 1996 Honda Civic
  By ObsessedWithCivics - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for one year. It has 75k on it now had 69k when I bought it. There have been ZERO problems, and Ive grown to love it more and more. The engine cant be better-- it has a suprising amount of power for the fuel economy that it gets. I now believe if you buy any other subcompact car, you are either really braindead or havent done your research.

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  Love my Honda - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Janice L. - March 5 - 4:55 pm

  Buena Park Honda is the best dealer. This car is really nice with a lot of extras and a great price. You will love it too.