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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  Comfy, zippy, quiet ride and, boy, this bed trunk. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Victor B. - November 28 - 9:43 pm

  I went through Tacoma, Canyon, Ridgeline and Colorado. Exactly in that order. Money wise Colorado is your best but its also the worst in terms of design, handling and overall quality. Canyon is just little better but still far inferior to Tacoma. Both Colorado and Canyon are example how not to design interior of small tuck, imo its just horrible. Tacoma low sitting position is beyond awkward and the best off road capability is not sell option for me in Florida where I live. I was surprise how good Ridgeline stands among others - roomy interior, very good quality fit and finish, SUV like ride and this bed trunk where Im diving so very often for my tools. I have bed where I can lay flat 4x8 and dual action tailgate to dive into the trunk. For me bed trunk is huge advantage cos any tool box installed on bed render it somehow useless. Ridgeline is not perfect ( which truck is ? ) I found quite annoying that rear cab doors cant be fully open to 90 deg.

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  Love my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MM - November 28 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first Honda and first SUV. I was looking for small SUV with class. Checked Freelander, RAV4, Liberty but CR-V SE had all the options I wanted as standard and best value over all. It is fun to drive and has a lot of space.

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  Honda Accord EX - 1996 Honda Accord
  By ae5867t - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this with 32k miles 6 months ago the V4. This is a very fine car runs smooth and the 4 cylinders have plenty of pep. Honda makes great vehicles and although the 6 cylinder would be great the 4 is plenty of power with 145 hp

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  my first car and not a bad one! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By lalalily - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i just bought the si 3 days ago.. i didnt get to drive it much because i had to leave town to go back to school and take my finals.. i really really really miss it.. it seats are really comfortable.. and the rally shifter is very cool.. hmm.. thats all i got for now.. i might come back after ive driven it for awhile and leave another review.. but i doubt it.. hehehe

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  Good Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Good Car - November 27 - 6:00 am

  This is probably the best compact sedan out there. fun drive, superior safety features, reliability, efficiency, etc.

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  MORE SPACE ODYSSEY - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By philip sorrentino - November 27 - 4:46 am

  The day after purchase we drove two kids off to college. First stop Delaware, then on to Virginia. Total drive was 820 miles round trip. The trip was comfortable and economical. Our odyssey is fabulous. Fun to drive and spacious. At one point there were 8 adults in the vehicle . All were comfortable. We love our odyssey.

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  Very Impressed with this car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Honda_dad - November 26 - 2:07 pm

  The only problem we had with this car was going through three batteries from the dealership within the first six months. What we found is the batteries Honda puts in these vehicles are apparently the least they can get by with. After replacing the third one and taking it to an auto parts store to have the alternator checked (which was checked and found to be ok) I bought an Optima Yellow Top battery for it and after three and half years we have had zero battery issues. Ive read reviews on having trouble with the battery in these cars and those people were obviously having the same issues we were. Cheap batteries from the manufacturer. Other than that, we have had zero issues with this car. It belongs to my oldest daughter and it now has 110,000 miles and still runs and rides like the day she bought it. Very much what I expected from Honda. My middle daughter just bought a used 2013 coupe yesterday. Well see how well it lasts.

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  Edmunds.com shows you the DEALS! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tracey - November 26 - 1:49 pm

  After shopping around, unlike what you used to do with a sales person, there was NO negotiating the price of buying this vehicle anywhere. However, technology certainly played a role in the purchase of this vehicle and Edmunds.com was a huge help in locating the best deal in Southern California. We love our SUV! Thank you!

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  Second one - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Smith - November 25 - 3:36 pm

  I really like the CVR, I had a new 2013, drove it 100k mikes traded for a new 2016. Very well made.

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  my Honda CRZ 2013 - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By Erte27 - November 24 - 11:20 pm

  Have had my Z for about four years now just love it . Its The most fun Ive had in a car in a long time . I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone not sure why people think no backseat Is a bad thing . other cars have backseats and are very uncomfortable .most people drive in cars by themselves . I get 37 miles per gallon always have it in sport. ( guess I could get better gas mileage if I try probably wouldnt be as much fun )