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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  Civic EX -- EXcellent! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Roger, Penn Hills PA - January 28 - 1:56 am

  Quality is obvious. A subcompact with sex appeal. The car is a total fun ride from the get go. Tight and responsive, accelerating, braking and cornering -- almost a sports car feel. And, yes, it is sweet on gas! -- if anything Honda underestimates their MPG ratings. Other car companies would do well to model this. This is my third Honda -- two Accords, and now this, so my experience with better-than-stated MPG ratings has some background.

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  1 month and loving it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan Perez - January 27 - 9:10 pm

  Took it up to the mountains and it did very well. Got an average of 32 miles per gallon and made it there and back on a little over 3/4 tank of gas on the 350 mile round trip. We did not drive on snow but it handled well on the wet curvy toads of big bear.

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  Much improved over 05 Honda Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 Honda Hybrid and drove it for 35,000 miles and loved the car. I could get 50 MPG if I was really careful and did not use the A/C. My overall MPG was about 4 5MPG. My son now owns the car and I shipped it out to him from Florida to California. He is getting 38 to 42 MPG. I purchased a new 08 Honda and we are getting 50 MPG using the A/C. The new car is much improved over the 05 Honda in every way. Honda has managed to make a great little car even better. I even love the two tiered dashboard. I only have one minor complaint. I wish Honda would reposition the hand brake.

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  Neat Ride & More - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Geo - January 27 - 4:20 pm

  We just purchased our Ridgeline RTL the other day and took it for a weekend trip to visit my brother. I let him drive it around and he was so impressed with it that he now can hardly wait to get one for himself. Though my wife does not drive often, she is very impressed with the thought that has gone into the design for comfort and safety of our new Honda Ridgeline. Im reluctant to refer to it as a truck as it drives more like a luxury car. The ride is excellent and it handles very well on the highway in a side cross wind. The sound system is superb. The split control heating and cooling system is a great idea. Averaged 18 MPG with a good mix of in town and on the open road.

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  Very stable ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - January 27 - 1:26 pm

  I am very impressed with the handling of my new 2007 CR-V. I had to swerve to miss a skunk last night and all I could think after the maneuver was wow, I would not have expected this kind of handling from an SUV. Very little sway or leaning into turns and is surprisingly quiet too. The engine provides adequate acceleration.

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  A slightly different perspective - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Matt - January 27 - 1:23 pm

  I decided to purchase a new car, because I was putting over 20,000 miles a year on a Dodge Ram 1500. I decided on the Accord after looking carefully at the Passat and Legacy. While I would have prefered to get a Passat, I could not find a 2007 Package 2 with a Manual, and the 2008s were not available with the manual and a sunroof. Compared to my moms 2000 Camry V6, the I4 manual Accord has more than adequate power, though its not a barn burner. The clutch is easy to modulate, the trans shifts well, but my 2-3 synchronizer is out of adjustment. The interior quality is good, though the gaps between the doors and dash are a little wider than the Camry. Great exterior styling, huge interior.

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  Ahhh, back in a small car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Singewulf - January 27 - 9:23 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The acceleration is peppy and responsive. Handling is tight. The gas pedal is very "loose", even the lightest tap gives a response. A/C is not very powerful but gets the job done. The sound system is excellent. Cargo room is amazing. Head room up front is fantastic, there is no way I would hit my head getting in or out. The body is well put together, nothing feels or looks flimsy.

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  Buy this car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Buy this car - January 26 - 3:43 am

  You are hearing from a previous 2005 Acura TL owner, so this Accord had a lot of living up to do. I sold my TL to try something new, a 2007 Volvo S80. Total piece of junk. It was in the shop so much that Volvo ended up making one of my monthly payments from me. So I unloaded the Volvo and was out car hunting when I came across the new Accord coupe. It was love at first site. I first purchased an 08" coupe 4 cylinder with cloth. But after a few weeks, it wasnt powerful enough, so I took it back and the dealer gave me a good deal and I got the V-6 EX-L. What an awesome car. Totally worth the extra $3k. You get a V-6, heated leather seats, XM, 18" rims. Buy this car, in the V- 6. Youll love it

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  I love my Honda Accord Sport!! Best deal ever! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Jason Wolff - January 25 - 8:22 pm

  I just bought my third Honda two weeks ago!! I got a great deal, and have been very happy so far. I bought it certified with 20,000 miles and lots of remaining warranty. The car is loaded down with features that I am still learning about. My only complaint is that since I got the Sport model with the upgraded rims and the sporty tires, there is a lot of road noise on the expressway. More than I noticed on the EX-L model that I test drove. Now granted, my car has more curb appeal and in my opinion looks much nicer than the fully loaded EX-L model, which is why I chose this one over the model that was $1,500 more.

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  A Functional Truck with Style & Comfort - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Obewan - January 25 - 12:16 am

  30 days and 3000 miles later has shown that the Honda Ridgeline truck is functional, yet one can still take the vehicle out on the town. A comfortable ride with style awesome sound system the Ridgeline often gets double takes from rubber neckers wondering what they just saw pass. Amazing looks, comfort, rides like a dream, and plenty of room.