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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  Love My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob - May 28 - 12:16 am

  This is my second Accord LX 5 speed in 5 years. I traded my 2000 with 169,000 miles on a whim because I wanted a new car. I was not sorry. Ive had my 04 for a year and 50,000...wow what a car! I get 32-33 MPG consistently. It handled like a dream in the snow and messy winter roads. Love the ABS...once I got used to how they work. The front seats are not as comfortable as my 2000 were, but after fooling around with the adjustments, Im basically happy.

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  Love my Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Hondamom - May 27 - 4:46 pm

  We bought our Honda EX new during hottest part of summer, and took it on vacation. Very roomy, 40mpg on highway, about 23 in town (very hilly where we live). Air conditioner, heater are fantastic. Is garaged, but even sitting outside in subzero temp days after getting off work, starts great! The car got around on snow and ice fine! Only thing Id rather have is a higher bumper in front, Ive scraped the bottom a few times pulling too close to a curb while diagonal parking, and on ice berms when slushy roads refroze. And backing out of diagonal parking spot when next to a long pickup truck can be tricky. But other than that, LOVE IT!!! Vacationed with 2 teenage boys in backseat, enough leg room.

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  Great light suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By tihonet - May 27 - 6:50 am

  This is a fine ute just the way its set up . adding a 6cyl will make it too heavy. as will wider tires (more rolling resistence).A very nice trim package makes this car near perfect. The space under the cargo area seems to resonate the road noise.

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  Glad I bought it - 2010 Honda Accord
  By b seng - May 27 - 1:07 am

  We were just saying how good our luck has been with this car. Bought certified pre-owned in 2014, hasnt had to go back to the dealer. Bought the usual wear items: 2 tires, wiper blades, and a battery. Turns out it is a California car, so needs a different battery. That might explain the mediocre accelleration. Reliability was our priority, and we got it. Leather, sunroof are bonus. I like the way it looks, too!

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  Love, LOVE the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Seric927 - May 27 - 12:40 am

  I have not had a truck since the late 80s, but needed something to haul cargo. This truck is fun to drive, along with Hondas durability, reliability and resale, I couldnt go wrong! Drives just like the 2003 Accord I traded in. Only wish I would have gotten the Navi system

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  Ridgelinen Special - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lee Hutchins - May 26 - 7:47 pm

  This is my third Ridgeline. 1st 235,000 miles normal service no major repairs, 2nd 171,154 miles normal service no major repairs still use this truck in my work,the 3rd one is my Wife’s. She loves this truck, handling, comfort, fuel mileage, looks, TRUNK, an safety features. Just came back from a 1375 mile trip. Drove About 2 MPH below the speed limit which ranged from 55-80 mostly 65-75. Actual MPG was 24.2. My 2006 & 2012 were & are good & reliable trucks. This new 2017 Ridgeline is better in every way. Can’t say enough good things about the things that count about this new Ridgeline.

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  Si Fun in the So Cal Sun - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mykeey - May 26 - 6:43 pm

  Being an owner of a BMW, the feel and performance is similar for a car that is not in the same league. In two weeks, I have driven 2000 miles just because. Once you sit in & start the engine, the feeling is just unexplainable. The deep sound of the engine, the snugness of the seats, and the interior with a look like a cockpit just adds to the experience. I test drove TC, GTI, & Jetta but did not like. Originally I was looking at getting the EX and saw an SI in the lot, the salesman warned me that once I drive the SI, forget about the EX. The way the car takes on curves, accelerates and shifts are really outstanding. Glad to see that Honda did bring more back to the Civic line.

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  2008 Accord Ex (4cyl) - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Josh B. - May 26 - 4:40 pm

  What a great car! I look forward to it every time I get to drive it. I have 2,000 mils on it in the first month. Not a single complaint. I am averaging 27 mpg mixed city/highway. Its a smooth ride. The 190 HP 4cylinder is plenty for everyday driving and passing. The car handles very well and doesnt show a difference on wet roads. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sandyvankula - May 26 - 2:03 am

  I drove a Hyundai for 20 years and this is my first Honda. I have owned this FIT for three weeks and have 1500 highway miles on it. The gas mileage, which I am very thrilled with is between 36-40 mpg. Acceleration is great and this car corners very well with very responsive steering.I commute 53 miles each way to work and the cruise is wonderful. Air conditioner cools very well. The suspension is a little rough especially in work zones where the road is on the berm, and the noise in the cabin is a little louder than I was used to with my Hyundai. Driving at 65mph with the front windows partially down caused the front end to bounce up and down quickly..scary.. Cheap carpets. no arm rest.

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  SMOOTH RIDE - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JORGE FORTICH - May 25 - 9:30 pm

  I HAVE ENJOYED THE QUIET RIDE VERY MUCH. BEING ABLE TO RIDE WITH MY WHOKE FANLIY OF 7 ADULTS AND BE COMFORTABLE IS FANTASTIC. GREAT FAMILY CAR