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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  Best car in the world!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By username81 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Thats right, this is the absolute best bang for the buck in the world! VERY quick, and perfect for traffic driving; almost no blind spots at all. Ive only had mine for about 9,000 miles now, but Ive enjoyed every mile of it. It also gets GREAT mpg for a "sports" car (38+hwy - 32+city). If you want a car to add performance parts to, this is also your car. I think they sell almost everything you can think of for a Civic. Finding stuff thats in stock on a Civic this new is a little hard though, but Im not complaining...

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  2007 to 2017 - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave Howell - November 16 - 6:11 am

  It is a very nice truck, Sold my 07 that I liked a lot for this. Was very happy on how much better this truck is.

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  I love it. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By old biker - November 16 - 5:16 am

  First 2500 miles I have averaged 36 mpg with a high of 40.2 on a 500 mile Interstate trip with cruise set at 67 mph. Its quieter than my 2003 Accord V6-less road noise. (I still have the Accord) The flat out acceleration is not there but in normal driving the engine and transmission perform so effortlessly that the car just seems to intuitivly do what you expect. The handling is superb without a harsh ride. This is one great car. I had planned to purchase the Si model but there was a 6 or 7 month delivery wait so I opted for the EX with the idea that Id trade for an Si next year. I was concerned about only 140 hp but Ill keep this one.

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  Drive safely Feel safe - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Miller - November 16 - 3:45 am

  This vehicle is well made and a delight to drive. Vacation every year lots of miles no issues. We always felt safe driving in this vehicle. Also my dealers service department is the best.

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  Such A Deal!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Elementary - November 16 - 3:36 am

  I drove the Element/CRV/Rav4 before buying. The Element won out because of its overall roominess; the rear area is cavernous! I love the high ceiling and how the seats move out of the way for carrying large items. Rear Leg is room is great even for tall people. The 10,000 mile (between) oil change engine is great and incredibly quiet. The gas mileage is very good; 24mpg. The 4cyl is plenty powerful, and there is very little body lean in turns. My improvement suggestions would be to have the tilt-wheel rise up higher, have a better center console, and do something about the easily scratched interior plastic. I also didnt like the "dealer" items which should be standard; ie the roof rack.

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  2008 Odyssey LX - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By 2008 Odyssey LX - November 15 - 2:46 pm

  Before buying the Honda, I extensively test drove every 2007 and 2008 minivan currently available on the market. Ive only put about 1,000 miles on this van so far, but I am extremely impressed with every aspect of this people hauler. The LX came with everything that I wanted and nothing I didnt. We owned an 05 Accord for a few years and I think the Odyssey handles like an oversized Accord with a better view of the road. Around town mpg is right at 20 so far - no trips yet. I think this is the best van on the market for the money (paid $23,500 plus tax and license). I am rating this against recently test driven and previously owned mini vans, not all vehicles in general. Hope this helps.

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  Honda delivers another knockout - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew Popoola - November 15 - 9:10 am

  Absolutely the best minivan money can buy. Only fault is that a power liftgate should be standard on EX and above, and a 4WD model should be available. But overall, the best money can buy.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Don - November 14 - 11:06 am

  My first impressions are: Nice lay out, trunk in bed great idea, exterior style different but seems functional, lights in bed area nice touch. Cruise control button in bad spot. More to come as I put the miles on.

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  I love the new CRV - in fact, I crave it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By arbaldwin - November 14 - 2:00 am

  :-) I love this car! Its super cute and a great family car for a soon-to- be growing family! I always get admiring glances by other drivers and I get excited to drive the CR-V every morning. The car handles well and the backseat is extra roomy. The front has plenty of room for my purse and the extra glove compartment provides extra storage. I love where the gear shift is. I very much recommend this SUV!

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  Rating my 2007 CV-R - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - November 14 - 1:20 am

  Love the car. It wraps the corners like a sports car. Stops on a dime. Great looking car and gets many stares on the road. It has plenty of power. Tons of cargo space in back.