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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  love my civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By chante chante - January 11 - 10:00 am

  i love my little civic. it has performed wonderfully and has more power than i expected. i shopped around A LOT for mine and, like others, had the best experience from the internet division of my local dealer. not only was i able to avoid dealer expensive (and unnecessary) dealer add-ons, but i got a great price (below dealer invoice) without haggling.

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  Sport Sedan? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By scout - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive purchased for June 2 delivery, a nighthawk black 2003 Honda Accord EX V6 with front air dam, rear wing spoiler, 17 inch 9-double spoke alloys, auto- dimming compass mirror, black leather seats...I narrowed down my field to this and the Mazda 6. Accords dash material is more luxurious in looks and feel. The bolstering on the cloth front seats of the Mazda6 cut into my leg, making it sore a numb after only a few moments driving and Im not a "big" person. The Mazda6 leather is better, though. Scout

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  Great Car!!! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By xaznx - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Very enjoyable car, and fun to drive, cant wait till my next drive with the top down

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  Fit Rules - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Pleatia - January 9 - 10:43 pm

  This car runs and runs fast. You will think there is a bigger motor than the mini mill. All the Honda quality is there and not any real issues. You may have to live without a few items, but the gas pump will not make you pay. The lack of a dead pedal is not a problem either. The driving position is a bit awkward on a long road trip. It is workable however. This car is highly recommended. Keep looking and find a dealer who will work with you and dont buy from the arrogant Honda dealer.

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  Smoothest 4 Cylinder Ive Driven - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Seth Bernstein - January 9 - 7:13 pm

  I couldnt believe I was driving a 4 cylinder car that gets 25 mpg in-town and 35+ mpg highway after hitting the gas pedal of our 2006 Honda Accord 4 Cylinder Special Edition. The acceleration is smooth and assured, rivaling that of many 6 cylinder engines I have tried. The areas to be aware of are that the Accord sits low to the ground, and compared to past Accords has a little more of a sporty feel to it. The compromise is that on rough roads and cracks, there is some jitteriness, but the performance won me over.

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  Worth the wait and fun to drive - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Monty - January 9 - 3:03 pm

  Although this vehicle hasnt been in production for two years and most people say do not buy the first year of a redesigned vehicle, you cant go wrong with the 2017 Ridgeline if you are looking for a medium duty pickup for occasional hauling, camping or your tailgating at your favorite teams game. The water tight storage trunk in the bed is great for trips when you need that extra storage or when you need to load up on your favorite beverage for the tailgate to keep cold. Easy access and the bed lighting form both sides when you open the trunk, truly make this a needed accessory on more vehicles. The ride is smooth, the engine powerful and the remote start means you dont enter a cold vehicle in the winter or a hot one in the summer and that is important in West Texas. The vehicle comes prewired for towing and even has a connection for trailer brakes, meaning you dont have to do extra wiring yourself or have to take it back to the dealer to have the wiring upgraded. Mileage is good whether on the highway or making errands around town. May be the best vehicle purchase I have made in the last 20 years.

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  Excellent - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By CC - January 9 - 4:30 am

  I changed jobs and now driving 30 miles each way. I am averaging 35 mph on the highway. This car has been extremely fun and comfortable. My mileage around town is averaging 30-35 mph. This car has been a truly cost saver for me over our other car, a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited.

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  Good Car - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By M2SEWELL - January 9 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Prelude has been a very good car. I have had no serious problems and it is very fun to drive. I like the quickness of this car.

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  My First Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Badfish - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Im 17 years old. This was my first car i have ever owned and i absolutely love it. Compared to other 4cly. this has a lot of power. I am currently fixing it up. I have a new AEM cold air intake, Hayame exhaust, and lots of accesories. I get tons of complements on how nice it is. It still runs like its brand new and performs like a pure sports car.

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  Sub Compact Star! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By R Rimel - January 8 - 9:26 pm

  Excellent powertrain design. Honda engines are classy. At 60mph tach reading only 1900rpm! Best 4cyl eng around. This car is designed around aerodynamics. Even the underbody has several panels for aero drag reduction. Windshield rake is extreme, but effective. Honda knows aero drag reduction calls for radical styling, but I like it. Noticing alot of people looking twice at this car. I love the digital speedo up high at base of windshield, so easy to track your velocity w/o taking your eyes off road, very HUD-like. Tilt/telescope str whl & racheting driver seat great for adj to differing driver sizes. Like location of park brake lever away from console. Road noise low, some tire noise only.