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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  2 Yr review - 2000 Honda Accord
  By SFcommuter - July 30 - 10:00 am

  2+ yrs, 32K mi. Reliability great. Rides smoothly at 85mph. But wind noise really loud over 60mph. Must crank up radio 4 levels on hwy. 4 cyl engine is peppy. I sometimes pop down to 4th to pass (although car is automatic). Seats way too hard during long commutes. I bought a furry sheep skin seat cover and this helps. Leather seats better? Test rides not long enough to notice hard seats & wind noise. Interior is clean and easy to use. The ABS, keyless entry and aluminum wheel rims are a nice value w/ the SE. Overall, Im still very pleased with this car. Its a smart buy. The longer I have the car, the more it becomes a dependable/reliable friend.

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  Go Hybrid Go! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Shaune - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is great on gas and costs so little upfront. This is the direction that all cars should be headed!

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  Ridgeline - highly engineered truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By College Student - July 30 - 7:58 am

  Sports utility truck, not a work truck, ideal for many people. If you want to lift your truck and go off-road rock crawling, this truck is not for you. if you want a highly designed, engineered and comfortable truck to help you through your active mobile life, seriously consider the new G2 Ridgeline.

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  Not what I expected from Honda! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CrimDoc - July 30 - 7:10 am

  I am a long term Honda owner who selected the CRV over the alternatives mainly because I have been VERY happy with my 95 DelSol. Thus far, my experience with the CRV and has been mostly negative: First, my car has a pronounced pull to the right: both under acceleration and when rolling. The dealership tried twice to fix it and then DECLARED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND HAS REFUSED TO DO ANY MORE WORK!!! Moreover, American Honda is BACKING THEM UP! Second, Honda quotes fuel economy numbers of 23/29. So far, Ive been getting less than 20 (primarly highway). I know its cold, and perhaps the engine still needs to break in, But so far this vehicle is far from fuel efficient.

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  on the mark - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dee - July 30 - 3:10 am

  Love this van, hard to believe you are driving a mini van. Very comfortable and controls are within reach, handles very well. Lots of storage. First time owning a foreign minivan, sorry I waited so long.

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  Great Mid-sized SUV - 2001 Honda Passport
  By TommyV - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Great mid-sized SUV. Bigger than the Liberty, more cargo space than the Mercedes or BMW. This is a REAL truck, built on a truck frame by a truck manufacturer (Isuzu), so if youre looking for a feather soft ride, pass this one by and be prepared to spend some more cash too. We didnt want to go the mini-van route and we wanted 4WD, so this is what we chose. If youre a mid-sized pick-up truck guy or gal and find yourself in the "family way", dont want to give up the feel of your 4wd pickup, but dont have the cash for a new crew-cab - this is the way to go.

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  Happy NC Owner - 2002 Honda S2000
  By anthro - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Originally I wanted a 350Z Roadster. After test driving one I was impressed. I then looked at the Honda. I liked the build quality of the interior much better. After driving it I was sold. Wow! I feel like I put my car on in the morning. I still like the Z, but for less money I got a better interior and a better performing car.

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  Love It!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By yorel23 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Only one small problem with the power sliding doors. Other than that I have never had a problem with anything significant. If your in the market for a minivan, you MUST drive the Odyssey and let it speak for itself.

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  This Car Rocks My World! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Athena - July 29 - 5:13 pm

  This is my third new car in 5 years, and by far has been my favorite. The acceleration is awesome. I drive an average of 300 miles a day for my job, so a comfortable car yet fun car is a must! This car is so comfortable, peppy, and absolutely beautiful. The aerodynamic body design and styling is a work of art! The gas mileage is average for a V6, but I think the acceleration on this tops my 2003 Mustang GT, which had a 4.6L V8. Others complain about the road noise, but I dont find it to be too bad. Besides, I am too busy blaring the clear and totally awesome sound system! XM is a nice feature.

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  I Love It !! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By LB - July 29 - 1:06 pm

  I just bought my civic. I owned a hooked up Acura Integra and I was going back and forth on the civic be/c there are so many on the road. To my suprise ... I love it! Being that its a special edition, they shouldve given it more horsepower, but you can improve that on your own. The engine is quiet, the stereo is great and the interior is nice, especially the dash. Overall, its the best value for your buck!!