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 get any better - 2014 Honda Accord
  By John Nazzal - January 6 - 6:29 am

  The Car is new garaged all the time and still smells fresh like new

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  compact - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Hondaparts03 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  89 to 91 civic si, are just simply fun. I owned one since 91. No trouble at all, until around 100k miles, i changed the cv joint and alternator. Thats about it. Just last summer, i changed the motor into a B16. 2000 Si motor. Everything fits great. Now i have 160 hp VTEC. 13K miles.

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  Awesome SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rottnhombre - January 5 - 7:23 pm

  Living in Phoenix, AZ I expected the summer use of AC to give low gas mileage, but my CR-V averages 29 MPG highway and 26 city with AC on full-blast. Reliable, fun to drive, comfortable - and hauls the rottweiler! All my friends love riding in it. Im a very happy owner.

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Pantherkent - January 5 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car used (w/21,000 miles) and paid almost the full retail of what a new 2005 goes for. Nevertheless, Im completely satisfied with this Civic EX Coupe. The color (Satin Silver), the styling (the headlamps, taillamps, alloy wheels, sheetmetal creases on hood and down the sides), the value features for the money (cruise, 6 speaker stereo, ABS, sunroof, keyless entry) and then theres the great gas mileage! Im average around 35mpg in mixed driving. Pickup and power are good for a car that weighs around 2600lbs. This is my second Honda (first was an 86 Accord LX-i hatchback) and hopefully this one will do 200,000 miles plus like my first one!

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  My wife picked it out! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - January 5 - 4:50 pm

  My wife loves this SUV. We have had a Honda product since 1985. This year she said no Hondas. I picked out 3 SUVs. Grand C, 4 Runner and Pilot, after on-line research and test driving several different ones incl, Volvo, Trailb and Pathf. She picked the PILOT. One of the past complaints was the A/C defrost. Prob solved. The styling was her favorite. The seats are comfortable. The Nav system is tough to get used to, but once used to it works well. The XM trial offer has cvinced me to get it for my other car. With my wife happy,I am very happy, EXCEPT, I think there is an issue with some electronics, in the ignition. The engine shuts down when placed in R. It goes to shop Tues.

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  06 Odyssey is a very nice van. . . - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dmaxwellh - January 5 - 4:13 am

  The vehicle drives well and is quite comfortable. We have had no quality issues in the first few months and 3000 miles. Our mileage has averaged 19-22 mpg. I was surprised that a few simple items have been overlooked by Honda, such as an auto-on/off feature for the headlights and an auto-lock feature for the doors. These should be standard across the model lineup! I also believe that for such a safety-minded vehicle that power adjustable pedals should be available on each model, as well. Overall, my family has been pleased with the Odyssey. By, the way, our first venture in to snow was not too successful, thus new Blizzak snow tires have been ordered!

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  Vanilla van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eric Barrows - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Old design no fun too big to park

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  Like my first Honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - January 5 - 12:56 am

  So far, so good. I have driven my new Honda Ridgeline RTL 1500 miles with no complaints. The interior room is excellent and more spacious than my Infinti G35. Horsepower is adequate for my driving style. This truck handles well, more like a car feel. For gas mileage, I cannot complain. On the highway I am averaging almost 20 miles per gallon. This is lower than the G35 but at least I can use regular gas in the Ridgeline. I noted some of the nice features and suggested imporvements. I would like to see improved are power passenger seats, automatic rear view mirror should be standard, thicker polymer used on bedliner, telescopic steering wheel would be nice. Price is the only major negative

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  Civic sedan ex - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bonzo - January 4 - 2:15 pm

  Great car, very stylish! Younger generation love the look. Ive had MANY comments on the look and size. Huge trunk!

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  Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jon - January 4 - 12:16 pm

  A lot has been said about the poor gas mileage of The ridgeline. I have found this not to be true. In city driving (stop and go) I have been getting between 16 - 17.5 mpg. I just took it on a short road trip of 130 miles at the posted speed limit and got 23.76 mpg. I made it a point to fill it to the top on both fuel refills. I am very pleased with the mileage.