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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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Great little truck - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sockpuppet1969 - May 9 - 4:43 pm

  My wife loves driving an SUV. We got the CRV because it is relatively small (on the outside) and gets acceptable gas mileage while still feeling like an SUV. Has lots of features in the SE trim. Rides great with plenty of pep. Great cargo room inside.

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  Ridgeline hits the mark on the re-design. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott - May 8 - 11:53 am

  Know exactly what you want as far as infotainment options; as they are different on every level. Im a Silverado old-school guy, so the RTL is perfect for me. However, some options that are desirable (i.e.) XM radio and/or CD player, you will be forced to go up 1 level just for that. Leather seats are much more comfortable than the cloth. Drive train and layout are the same on all. I was impressed enough to give up my newer Silverado for this more manageable and comfortable truck. Access to the bed on 3 sides is unmatched. I have driven a UPS truck for 23 yeas, so I know what a rough ride is. 5k towing is adequate for my Harley. If you desire a full size bed or want to pull a house off its foundation, This isnt your truck. The Ridgeline is a combo of luxury car with a bed that fits 4x8 plywood. Was never a big fan of the previous models. This one caught my eye. Fun to drive and no ladder needed to enter the cab or bed. 4 wheel independent suspension and the AWD system are very refined. Visibility is very good. The icing on the cake is being designed, manufactured, and built in Alabama. Gm trucks contain at least 40% parts made south of the border as stated on the door sticker. I am happier keeping those folks in Alabama working an earning a living.

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  Civic Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By curtis - May 7 - 7:56 pm

  A great car for driving around town. Very underpowered on the highway and suffers from extreme road/wind noise at highway speed. The car is comfortable enough but long trips get very laborious because of the noise. The relatively low power on the highway requires drivers to plan passing and other maneuvers rather than simply jumping into another lane and passing a group of slower cars. If you are a "cruise-comtrol at 65mph" type, this may not be as much of a handicap as it is for drivers used to a car with much more power. I averaged about 44mpg at 75mph through hilly terrain. Bottom line: If you drive it like a hybrid and accept the tradeoffs, you will probably be happy.

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  Great economical car! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By John Emilio - May 7 - 7:51 pm

  I have a basic Honda Civic lx sedan car is great on gas fair enough power meaning acceleration perfect car to go back and forth very reliable!

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  Drop it, you lose it - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Joey N - May 5 - 1:37 pm

  Love my 2006 Pilot. It goes when I go. Only major drawback I have is there is no room to collect your crumbs and coins when they drop to your side. My vacuum wand just isnt thin enough.

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  Lot of miles but a lot of love! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Happy! - May 5 - 6:11 am

  This car is great!! I purchased it with 189,000 miles when it was 20 years old. And it still starts and runs amazingly! It gets great gas mileage and great acceleration all at the same time! Extremely low mileage, awesome first car!

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  2006 Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gioneburnz - May 4 - 5:53 pm

  The 2006 civic EX 4 door Sedan with automatic transmission is surprisingly similar to the 2005 Accord in smoothness. The engine noise is very well isolated and the interior is much roomier than the previous generation of Civics. The automatic tranny has 5 gears vs the previous 4 gears and has a VTECH head which makes the car much more suitable for city driving than the previous model. In other words, it has alot more acceleration at low speeds although the 06 civic, in general, is NOT noticeably more performant than its predecessor due to its increased weight.