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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  New Reigning Champion - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline Hawg - October 26 - 5:06 am

  I traded an 09 Nissan Frontier 4x4 for my new Honda Ridgeline Black Edition. I couldnt be happier with the upgrade. Some question the Hondas "truckiness", but those criticisms are strangely self serving in some weird way. Those who are compelled to point out that the Tacoma, Canyons or Frontier in their most able iterations can out-haul or traverse a more dire off road terrain than the Ridgeline appear to believe that most people buy trucks for such purposes. Research has shown that 94% of truck buyers rarely undertake those endeavors. Just as we often see large 7 passenger SUVs occupied by the driver only. The truth is the Ridgeline rides, drives and handles better than the competition. Its better on fuel economy, has more technology and user friendly options than the competition. And, for doing the work that 95% of truck buyers do, it does it just as well as the others. New champ in town. Long live the Champ!

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  Versatile vehicle - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Miller - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with my CRV. I love the size of the door openings and dont need to bend my head for entry. It feels as though you can walk into the car for seating. Gives you a great view of the road and seats give good back support. Back seat passengers are very comfortable. Great when roads are slippery. Use the fold down seat option often. I am having trouble deciding rather to buy out my lease. or if I should new CRV.

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  Great improvement over previous models - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nelson - October 26 - 1:15 am

  I only have 4,000 miles on this 2017, but it might very well become one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned.

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  LOVE my hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - October 25 - 2:46 pm

  After 1.5 years I am still in love with my Civic Hybrid. I get about 45 mpg and fill the gas tank about every 450 miles. Passengers are always surprised that it seems like a normal car - until it auto-stops at stop lights. They they are REALLY surprised! It has a quiet high- pitched whine that is annoying for people who can hear it but it is easily covered by the stereo.

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  First month in the books - 2010 Honda Insight
  By aw2pp - October 24 - 8:50 pm

  Bought mine this month, after running an old Ford Focus into the ground. First tank of gas returned 46 mpg in mixed driving, in ECO mode, with AC mostly on. And I have learned quite a bit in these last few weeks about driving in a way that maximizes fuel efficiency. I think 50+ regular is well within reach. I am 65", and have little trouble getting in a comfortable driving position. Thankfully, I dont tote anyone around the back seat (which is one of the reasons for choosing the car in the first place). Not much room back there. I know there are complaints about road noise, but in comparison with my previous car (a 2002 Ford Focus), this Insight is a vault at highway speeds.

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  99 prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By SPEED200 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  awesome car, fabulous pick up and once that tach hits 5200...hold on to the wheel...car takes of like a rocket

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  Best car ever - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Carmanic - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car. It is sooooo great!

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  93 Accord SE - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Turk - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, my 93 Accord SE has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

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  Great Car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By HonDaLuVeR - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Looks good, runs smooth, good mileage... Ive had the car for about 6 months now and Ive had people making me offers for more than what I paid for her. I see a LOT of 3rd and 4th gen accords on the road where I live so I know shell probably last a while. The factory stereo and speakers dont sound too hot but once you put a nice system in there shes perfect.

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  Driving Sensation - 2002 Honda S2000
  By booty - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Honda is a good car