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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  Dream Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy to finally find a truck - August 29 - 7:49 am

  This truck is very comfortable to drive/ride in. Plenty of front seat room and adequate rear seat room for passengers. With the rear seats folded up there is plenty of room for dogs or hauling groceries. The handy lockable trunk in the truck bed is very nice for things that you dont want to load in the cab. Drives very smooth. This truck may not be the truck for people that want a true truck. This is more like a luxury SUV with a truck bed. Still have not tested the AWD features.

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  Fit to Drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jim S - August 29 - 6:43 am

  I bought a Sport MT in June. I live near Cripple Creek Colorado and drive to the Springs.(104Mi, 2 Hr) I average 42 MPG. Power up the pass is adequate.I recently drove to Georgia and found that when I exceeded 65 mph my mileage dropped to 35 to 38. At lower altitude it was noticibly more powerful. Wind and large trucks did not seem to effect it.The radio is great. It looks small but is roomy inside and a hoot to drive. Handling is a little stiff but sure. Its not intended to be a luxury car. My first snow experience tested the highway treads standard on this car. I will change them before next winter. Fit and finish is beautiful. Ride is quiet with room to haul all your stuff.

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  Why I bought a 2002 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By MC - August 28 - 6:56 pm

  I had my 2000 Accord stolen and then wrecked. I have seen other cars that have been wrecked and I was pleased to see that my car had protected the passenger compartment very well. (So well the thugs were able to escape from the crash unhurt!) My insurance company gave me $21,838 for the car before my deductable. I bought a 2002 the same day for one reason: VALUE. A new car is a bad investment, so if you must drive a new car you might as well buy one that is relible and holds its value.

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  Odyssey transcends the Mini-Van stigma. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Nathan - August 28 - 4:26 pm

  Honda continues to build a great vehicle with so many features, plenty of power, and comfort necessary for those long trips. The ride is smooth and quiet but yet theres plenty of power in reserve when you need it. All the leather seats are very comfortable and actually fit an adult over 6 tall (a major selling point for me). We didnt purchase the touring because the additional features were not needed and the consensus was that there are still issues with the run-flat tires that need to be worked out. I think the parking sensors should be standard - instead I will be purchasing them from Bernardi Parts. This van has the same turning radius of my 95 accord!

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  Its good enough for me - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Contagious01 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Well by the fact of me being a college student this car is off da hook....It is great on gas has enough get-up and go for me and it will run up and down the interstate with the best of the other brands....I just broke 146,000 miles and it just seems to run even better with a lil bit more power of course with a couple of mods.

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  EX-L Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By HQ - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Best all-around SUV. Smooth and quiet V6. Seats for 8 and flat cargo when 2nd and 3rd row seats are fold down. Muscular and good looking SUV. Wide stance should provide good stability.

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  Pilot takes out the competition - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rick Sheehan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is all very simple, quiet, lots of room and storage, quality inside and out, Honda reliability and no competition that compares in all of the above categories. We love our Pilot!

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  as nice as it comes - 2000 Honda Accord
  By gsa - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd accord with 36,000miles and my first v-6, everytime i drive this car it reminds me why i got an accord, rides sweet, cannot hear the engine on the highway, light throttle responds to quick power. no problems yet, but a little squeak from the sunroof. problem can be solve, spray a little silicon lubricant onto the rubber seal of the sunroof. this fixed my squeak, its because the rubber is dry from its oil and is rubbing against the roof. anyways overall this car is a "10" on my list. slight road noise, depends in certain roads, but no wind noise in my car. my last accord had 256,000 miles on it and lets see how many can i put on this one.

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  What more could a girl wnat?! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Betsy Ray - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was all ready to test drive a Toyota Prius last December when an article at Edmunds.com alertted me to Hondas plan to make a hybrid Civic. With Civic reliability and safety and the fuel mileage and low emissions of the hybrid engine, this is THE PERFECT CAR (OK, all electric would be even better, but I regularly travel farther than current electrics will run on a single charge.)

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  Awesome vehicle - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Laura - August 28 - 3:00 am

  Coming from a family that all own Hondas, I decided to see what all the talk was about and purchased the Accord for myself. Now I know why all family members have been dedicated. What an awesome car! Great ride, fantastic stereo sound, comfortable seats. An all around awesome car. Looks and runs great. Hope to have it as long as my sister has had hers; a 1994 with 230,000 miles on it and still going strong. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.