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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  Along for the Ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John OLeary - February 10 - 5:10 am

  I originally purchased the vehicle strictly for use in the car pool lane for my 56 mile each way drive from LAX to ONT airports. The 112 roundtrip miles per day I thought would be painful at best. However, the acceleration, performance and sports car handling is makes the drive exciting and fun. I have blue tooth technology for hands free conversation and an iPod connection that allows me to set the mood for the morning and evening commute. Im extremely satisfied with the car. Oh yes, the gas mileage is great too.

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  Very nice minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bigbob - February 9 - 5:36 pm

  We have owned this van for a month and LOVE it. Its our first minivan but it doesnt feel like one. The whole driving experience is sooo great. Were an average family with two little ones and a teenager and we all enjoy going for rides together.

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  Love this car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By R. Parker - February 9 - 2:40 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that got better mileage than my truck (not that hard to find) and I found the civic hybrid. I did some research on them and found that it would be the best deal for me with the long distances I travel. I was spending about 150 buck a week with my truck on gas and the the prices went up. this car is unbeatable if youre looking for good mileage (40-45mpg hwy and about the same in the hills that ive been traveling in) less than 70 bucks to go from fl to ct

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  Paragon of utility - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Jensen - February 9 - 8:58 am

  Are you kidding? There are so many storage options in this truck there is a concern that one might forget where one put something. The entertainment options are just as numerous. I live in the mountains, so FM radio is scarce, but AM is here, and Sirius/XM radio is here. Between the broadcast alternatives and my bluetooth iPhone music library, I never feel at a loss. The truck handles my mountain roads like a champ, with very little body roll one might assocaite with trucks. The transmission shifts at all appropriate places, never hunting for the right gear. I havent driven it at night yet, but I understand the LED low beams are terrific, just what one needs where there are no street lamps, and curving roads shrouded in forest. I cant wait to use the beds trunk, a unique and compelling piece of design for a truck. I had a Garmin navigation device long ago, and am pleased to see the reliable Garmin in use in this truck. It never misses a beat, and takes me right home, though other, DVD systems, apologize for being unable to provide turn by turn directions on the roads where I live. It sells itself.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kendra - February 8 - 8:10 pm

  Living in Wisconsin, I wanted to trade in my Honda Civic for an all-wheel drive sedan. I test drove several, and only decided to try out the CR-V after seeing an ad online. I never intended on being such a loyal Honda owner, but once I test drove this car, I fell in love! Even though its an SUV, it didnt take much to get used to driving. Within the first week of owning, the TPMS light went on, and my Honda service dept. got me in right away to replace one of the sensors. I didnt think the TPMS was even a necessary extra, but sure enough, it lit up when the temps dropped and Honda checked my tires and filled me up for free. I havent had a single problem since then.

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  Terrific Bang for your buck! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - February 8 - 5:10 pm

  I decided to wait at least two weeks before writing this review. The car is fabulous. It drives like a car and the bells and whistles are great. I tried out the Toyota Highlander, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Nissan Murano before buying this car. I felt all the other cars drove more like a truck. I was spoiled with my Honda Accord EX V6 and found it difficult in deciding on a second car. Well Honda has another fabulous car that is economical on gas, drives like a car and is a great alternative from a minivan! It was well priced and affordable. I truly have become a HONDA fan after this purchase. So many features come standard with the middle EX model. Honda is a great product.

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  Ridgeline is an outstanding vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Albert Hernandez - February 8 - 12:28 pm

  I am very pleased with my new Ridgeline. The truck has an amazing ride that is both smooth and quiet. I was looking for a truck that could haul bulky items when I needed it, but also would provide the comforts of a car. Its a pleasure to drive the truck every day and be in a very comfortable ride. It has great performance for a truck too. The other day while I was on the off ramp, a german car owner thought he would show me the dust by accelerating past me....lol....did he get a surprise when I put my foot into it and left him in my rear view wondering how that just happened.

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  Jeep Guy to a Honda Guy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By John V - February 8 - 11:33 am

  I have owned a Jeep Wrangler for ten years and just purchased a 2008 Honda CR-V. This car drives like a Cadillac, nice and smooth and has lots of power. I am so impressed with the power. It has so much passing power. My CR-V is black with black leather seats. The interior is so classy and roomy. The sun-roof really opens things up and I love the shelf tray in the back. Lots of room when you fold the back seats up.

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  Nice car. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By evped - February 7 - 5:43 pm

  Ive owned many Hondas and this one is the best. I dont understand the low mpg that others complain about. Every Honda Ive owned has averaged whatever the highway mpg figure is. I drive mostly highway and keep the tires inflated and the speed under 70 mph. My lowest mpg has been 38 and the highest was 42.

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  good value - 2010 Honda Accord
  By JoshK - February 6 - 10:00 pm

  I was deciding between this, the Genesis Coupe, and the Camaro. I ended up buying the Accord Coupe for the history of reliability. Im not brave enough to buy a Camaro or genesis in their first year of production. Im not a huge car guy, but I do think performance is more important than comfort, especially for a machine that has transportation as its primary function. Which is why it was a huge disappointment that I couldnt get the V6 engine unless I also paid for unnecessary luxuries like leather, heated seats, dual zone climate control, etc. So I settled for the I4 engine. Its fine on the highway but the acceleration is weak (which I realized on my test drive). Oh well.