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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  Dallas - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Srini - December 25 - 1:30 am

  The only thing I dont like is while backing up, maybe I will get used to it eventually. Else, its everything I expected it to be...

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  2005 Honda EX - 21,000 Miles - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Toto - December 24 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 1 1/2 years now and must say that I have been impressed by the Minivan. With 21K+ Miles on it now, the Van has been safe, secure and stable on wet/slippery/icy roads of the North East. The VSC has really been great and the Brakes/Handling have been very good. My primary reasons for selecting this van over Toyota were the Standard Safety features and I have not been disappointed. Average Mileage 21 MPG.

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  Noise from gas tank - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Brigitte - December 24 - 11:16 am

  I purchased the car in Aug 08. and was extremely happy with the car until two days later. I noticed that the steering would pull to the right. I was told it was the crown in the road. Having insisted on something being done, a number of adjustments were made and it drives better. The next issue which has me pondering trading the car in,is noise heard from the gas tank. When the gas tank is full, I can hear the gas sloshing around and it makes a loud thumping noise. The dealership stated this was due to the design of the gas tank and a condition of the car. Take the opportunity to turn off your radio and drive around. Otherwise, it has great space, and a comfortable ride. Gas mileage is ok.

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  Style nice, reliability questionable - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Richie - December 24 - 11:03 am

  At 57,000 miles, overall the car has been ok, but, I have had both rear wheel bearings and the rear control arms replaced. This was due to a factory problem which caused a rear tire to severely cup. All OEM tires were replaced at 45,000. The past 10,000 miles the transmission is making strange clinking noises when accelerating from a stop. A low roar has developed in the exhaust system. The car handles well but road noise is still a problem. Comfort isnt too bad but the emergency brake handle needs to be relocated. Overall I like the car but I will be trading in for a new Accord as I no longer need a commuter car.

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  Mutil-talented car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dan - December 24 - 3:13 am

  This car new is a great compromise between comfort, performance and practicality. I added fog lights and a rear wing spoiler. I am tall, and find it very roomy, with plenty of leg room in the back seat. The interior is very nice and the overall build quality appears to be great. It is very quiet and smooth. The 6-speed manual transmission is fun to drive, and the smooth free-revving engine feels quite powerful. The engine is only at 2100 RPM @ 65 MPH in 6th. I do experience rough shifts in 3rd gear, like many other Honda/Acura 6MT owners. But it is not too bad. I put Dunlop Wintersport tires on, and this car handles very well in ice and snow

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  ignore sticker mpg - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - December 24 - 2:36 am

  Nice van. Seats are wonderful. Drives excellent, relatively quiet for a van. Engine noise is non-exsistent. MPG is horibble, no where near 20-28 on sticker. VCM is almost pointless at 75 mph so increase in mileage at interstate speeds is terrible. If you drive 45 mph everywhere it may get 25 mpg. Averages 19 mpg with 90% interstate driving, thats not even what it was advertised to get in TOWN! Only problems with some faulty weather stripping yet, but have only had it 2 months and 3500 miles. My 1st Honda so will be curious if it will be reliable. Dealership and sales people horrible. Tried 3 different Honda dealers, none seem to want you business.

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  The BEST car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brian C. - December 24 - 1:10 am

  After also considering the redesigned Mazda 6, I decided the Honda was the better choice. The design quality inside and out makes it seems like it is a BMW or Lexus, but at substantial savings. Ive received so many compliments after only 1 month! The V6 engine has phenomenal power, but yet still gets decent gas mileage. The heated seats are very relaxing on a cold winter day. Temperature and audio controls are somewhat complex, but Im getting used to it (Fan will all of a sudden start blowing at higher speed for some reason--not sure whats up with that.) Also VSA feature doesnt have a dashboard indicator saying whether its on or off. Honda did a great job on this redesign!

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  4 year test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By chris ronan - December 23 - 4:14 pm

  After completing a 4 year test drive on a 2012 cr-v, my wife was so satisfied that she wanted another one. Im delighted with the changes after experiencing zero problems with the 2012. Now theres heated and power seats, color outside cameras, and the best blindspot camera. The touch screen for radio and syncing your phone are excellent.

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  Love the power - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lugnutz - December 23 - 1:13 pm

  This car has exceptional power being that it runs on 87 octane. Mileage has been around 20 with a mixture of city/highway with plenty of full throttle runs on the freeway on ramps. Also a lot of warm-up in the driveway. Love the interior.

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  Good start, but not enough for me - 2000 Honda Insight
  By ECR2003 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Insight was a great concept from Honda, but unfortunatly dose not do anything for me. I hate the fact I can not get more then 1 passanger in my car. Or the fact in a minor crosswind my car feels like it is going to be blown off the road. Or the fact that when going up hill out of town, I feel it will never make the top. I can barly put three bags of groceries in back without filling the back up. And finaly no machanic (besides honda) will take a look at the think to even attempt a repair, so I am forced to go to honda to have anything replaced.