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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  Cant beat a honda! Best bang for $$$$ - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rraallpphh13 - April 5 - 2:40 pm

  Car is way better than previous models. however, the door handles plastic under part scratches very easily, and when getting into vehicle its easy to bang your knee cap or shin bone on dash end. HURTS!! im averaging 29.5 mpg city/hghwy and not the 40 mpg highway as listed. all other features are awesome. in general the car is comfortable, very practical, great resale value and built quality. i traded an 04 mustang gt convertible for this, and i dont regret it. Dont hesistate to buy any civic model :)

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  Love It - Will Never Drive Anything Else - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TaxiGirl - April 5 - 8:53 am

  I have nothing else to add except that this has to be the most amazing vehicle Ive ever driven. Spacious, yet drives like a car. My family loves riding in it (and watching DVDs on those long trips).

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  Satisfied but not overwhelmed - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bangzoom - April 4 - 6:38 pm

  Purchased new in Feb 2001. Has 73K miles. No major problems, replaced brakes @ 45K. Power Doors stick periodically and warning buzzer alarm goes off occasionally when hitting a bump in the road and wont turn off unless you stop, open and close the doors to reset. Dealer has attempted several times to fix and has not been able. Annoying wind noise over 65mph also can not be fixed by dealer. Light in clock went out @ 37K, and dealer wanted $300 to replace. Ill go timeless at night thank you. Disappointing gas mileage around town (15-16mpg). No breakdowns or major repairs. Overall I am satisfied.

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  Fun fun fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By maccve - April 3 - 7:06 pm

  I just picked it up last night, but it has been nothing but fun since then. This is my second SI, the first being a 1990 model when I was younger. I never owned a vehicle since then that had so much fun character to it, till now. Anyway, it has a great sound from the exhaust and is a blast to drive. I have not quite gotten the sound system adjusted, but I am coming from a BOSE system in the vehicle I have passed to my wife, so it may never sound that good. All I want to do today is drive drive drive!

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  Cant go wrong! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Johnny - April 3 - 6:24 pm

  Ive had this car for about 5 months, its been nothing but reliable for me! Oh and it gets 44MPG! Recommended over any hybrid that will cost you thousands more!

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  Unrefined tech added to a good car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kevin McMurtrie - April 3 - 1:30 pm

  The 2005 Accord Hybrid suffers from unrefined technology. I nearly lemon-lawed the car because the engine malfunction lamp flashed at full throttle. Only a recent software update fixed it. Glacial transmission downshifting makes it a real drag to drive on winding roads. Various electronic systems seem to be prone to glitches and odd behavior. This car is barely a hybrid because the electric motor is rarely used for acceleration. Its primary function seems to be as a virtual flywheel during 3- cylinder operation and a power source for the hybrid A/C. The non-hybrid portions are what youd expect from Honda. The car is quiet, refined, comfortable, and handles decently.

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  OK Fine - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stay - April 3 - 3:46 am

  I like my Civic Hybrid fine. I miss some of the features on my old vehicle (Sienna Minivan) such as a mute button on the steering wheel and the really comfy seats. I would say it is fun to drive and a great conversation piece. I still go to the gas station ever week I just dont spend near as much.

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  super - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Constance Brault - April 3 - 3:45 am

  Have driven many different makes over the years. Wasnt sure about the Honda but it was rated number one and I can see why.

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  Happy.. so far - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By budinct - April 3 - 3:00 am

  I reseached my purchase for several months. I am a previous Jeep GC and MB ML320 owner and current Odyssey owner. I am very happy with the style, comfort, finish or the truck. Plenty of room, power and refinement. I purchased an EXL for a great price with the current incentives. No regrets after 3000 miles.

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  I love the new Ridgeline. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By JayRidgeline - April 2 - 11:48 pm

  This new 2017 Ridgeline is not my its belongs to my brother. I have a lot of good things to say about the new ridgeline. This new body Style put the old ridgeline to shame, its so much better in many levels. The gas mileage is better my brother been averaging 19.5 to 21 mpg in town have not gone on long road trip yet. The seats are very comfortable but I notice the back seat area is just a tad bit smaller than old ridgeline but not much still very comfortable and backseats sits a little higher than front seats. I like the trunk space in the bed in the back and its slightly smaller but still very roomy I am 6,2 and I got inside the trunk and fit in good and a little tight but wanted to see how much space by getting inside of it. The bed is much better than the old one because its wider and longer. The old ridgeline drove pretty good but new one is much better because its easier to park it in parking lot and the horsepower is better. The ride is a little smoother and softer than old Rigdeline. My brother test drove the old one thinking he might save more money but decided to buy the 2017 Rigdeline because its so much better in many levels. Only a few downsize which its not a big deal at all. I want to buy one in a few years maybe the RTS model. I highly recommend the new Rigdeline because its very good on gas and good to keep a long time because its a keeper.