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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  My new 2017 Honda Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Jeffrey - November 19 - 12:31 pm

  I am a 56 year old business man and for 25 years I have driven luxury sedans. But I have always wanted an AWD pickup truck. My new Ridgeline rides very much like a luxury sedan. Its quiet, handles well, is comfortable and roomy, and has all the convenience electronics I need. But its a truck! Best of both worlds. I love it.

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  Watch the Batteries and Value - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Another New Car? - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Recently I noticed that the power cells were discharging more frequently and with less of a stress on them. After contacting my dealer and finding out that new batteries were unavail. and when they were they would be re-manuf & cost $3-5000, I traded the car. The value after 3 years on a trade is only $8-9000. So, If you can sell it privately, do so. Otherwise pay it off and keep it until the batteries need replacing and then hope that they are available. As of Nov. 2002 they were not. A new vehicle priced at 21k only worth 9k three model years later, (with normal mileage) says alot about the manufacturers and dealers opinion of the vehicle.

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  Listen 6.9 ratings!!!!! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JoAnna - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Well I am disappointed at the others that rated this car low. I am a female and I have never had any problems with this car. Its been wonderful to me and vice-versa. If you take care of your car and research one before you buy it there should not be any problems.Period. So I give Honda a 9.999 rating and the rest of you can kiss my cars butt!!! Everything is wonderful, Thank you Honda!

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  Hardcare sport S2K Great handling.... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By JYC - November 19 - 2:00 am

  S2K is so balance 50/50, make the handling so well. It definitely so nice to drive around the coast on HWY1 along the coast in CA. The car produces one the best Horsepower/liter. Think about 240HP in a 2 liter engine. Honda is also great for the engineering on the engine as well as the reliability... As long as you take care the car, it will run forever. Dont forget the VTEC power...

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  Excellent and reliable - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By A. E. - November 18 - 11:25 pm

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  Lucky to find one - 2006 Honda Civic
  By B. Randall - November 18 - 4:16 pm

  This car is very impressive. The engine is nothing short of amazing. The salesman kept my name from a question about the Si back in Oct. 05. In test driving the first thing that impressed me the the exhaust note during acceleration (very impressive) I dont understand the low torque rating because car seems much faster than 6.7 and is pulling hard.

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  i knew id love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By DhectorG - November 18 - 10:00 am

  ive been waiting 3 months for my special ordered 5spd element ex and it was well worth the wait. i love it! Although its not perfect, it is a Honda which means it is a quality package. i think the element is the most functional and sturdy small suv available today. ive only just hit 2000 miles and i already know that ill have a long happy relationship with my element.

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  Another Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Reliability - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Our 5th Honda, but first Odyssey. I wanted the more powerful engine that came in 2002, so buying used was not an option. Gas mileage does not suffer with extra power due to 5th gear on the highway. Its not glamorous or luxurious, but it just feels right. Everything is where it should be and the leather seats are wonderful for easy clean up after messy kids. Weve taken several long trips (1000 mile or more) and felt safe and comfortable.

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  Love It - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By roger heights - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Never would have considered this car until this year. It is so perfect for me - that right size, price, ride and looks. Only thing bad is that I constantly see the same car coming and going on the road.

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  Unquestionable Quality Abounds! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Musclejock23 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  You could not pay me money to give up my cr-v. I owned a 2002 model, but it got totaled when a Suburban ran a red light...long story. So I got another, because I had no problems with my first. There is always plenty of passing power, granted you pass at speeds less than 100 of course. I averaged 23 mpg in a rigorous birmingham, Ala rush hour commute, and it as an absolute blast to drive. It is larger inside than a liberty or an escape, is faster, cheaper, and of better quality than a Sorento(Kia), and like I keep saying is built like a rock (Arent all Hondas?)hehe. Anyway two major thumbs up on this fine ride.