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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  Great Car - Honda Success - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Jbruce - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 97 Accord 4DR Special Edition as a Certified lease return when it was 3 years old and had 32,000 miles. Though it was used when we bought it, it seemed like a new car. The ride is very stable and quiet. Fuel mileage is excellent. Features include CD player, sunroof, security system, woodgrain accents, alloy wheels and all power accessories. The seats are very comfortable, and it is easy to sit for hours. Our only problem is a creaking noise infrequently from front left suspension. The engine could have more passing power, but we benefit from the great gas mileage. Honda is a winner and we love their cars!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By g&mb - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best all around family vehicle. We traded an Odyssey for the Pilot. The Pilot gets the same gas mileage, seats one more, and drives better. The third seat is quite acceptable, and more comfortable and roomier than one in a Tahoe.

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  Not a stupid big truck. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridge Runner - June 9 - 1:06 am

  The Ridgeline handles and drives like a car. Power rear window, in bed trunk, hidden radio antenna, center console with plenty of room, all wheel drive, 60/40 rear seats that flip for hauling a bike. I could go on and on, but, true test is getting behind the wheel and take this truck for a test drive, you will be sold.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sw33tduchesse - June 8 - 7:23 pm

  I love my new Honda Civic 06 ride. Its really good with gas cuz it saved me alot of time away from the gas station. The only thing I do not like is that it rolls when you are going up a hill and have to stop at a light. It rolls back. That is the scary part of it. But everything is just the best. Great car.

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  Love, Love, Love my CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - June 8 - 7:46 am

  This car/suv is fabulous. Luxurious leather seating, thoughtful interior touches, so much roomier than it looks. This definitely has a lot of zip and is a breeze to pass people. Its such an incredibly smooth ride. The steering is very accurate (not numb like the Escape) and the brakes are tight and responsive (unlike the spongy Escape ones). Im very pleased with this vehicle. I test drove the following cars to come to this conclusion: Escape, Tuscon, Equinox, Rendezvous, Sportage, Sedona. This Honda beats them all hands down!

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  Best family vehicle - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By aaron haemmerle - June 8 - 7:28 am

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  Finally a hybrid with power and Honda reliability. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Scanman327 - June 8 - 6:23 am

  This car is great. I traded my 2015 touring in for the touring hybrid and the change is dramatically better. The technology advancements are amazing. I was looking at the hybrids back in 2014/15, but was not impressed. Honda took a year off to relocate production and redesign and they hit a home run. Actually seeing 45-48 MPG and Im not exactly easy on the throttle. I know its a hybrid, but I still need to see what it can do and it does impress. Yes guys... itll bark the tires. Couple of things that I have to get used to 1. ECVT- getting used to not feeling gears shift. Plus is it is so smooth when accelerating you lose track of speed. 2. Rear seat does not fold down. Not a huge deal, but still. 3. The warranty. I dont understand the 3yr/36000... almost all manufactures almost double this. Finally.. the biggest and it was almost a deal breaker... no spare tire. Come on Honda. We are paying a premium for the vehicle and you give me an electric pump and a tube of slime. Borderline ridiculous.

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  luv it - 2004 Honda S2000
  By peggie - June 8 - 2:00 am

  absolutely love this car! i will never go back to another vette!

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  Great, reliable car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By CPHV - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Why cant GM make a reliable, high- mileage car like the Civic In 11 years and 82,000 miles, weve had to replace the brakes, alternator, battery and clutch to the tune of maybe $2000. It still gets 30 miles to the gallon in the city.

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  Great little SUV!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lynns SUV - June 7 - 8:20 pm

  Excellent SUV from Honda, like the ergonomics and the dashboard layout! CRV handles real well on very winding roads were we live. The suspension handles potholes good too. I am getting 28 mpg overall so far, have less than 900 miles on Honda CRV. Test drove other SUVs comparable to the CRV ,they did not compare!