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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  1997 honda crv still going strong - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By flygirljill - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Drives well, especially in rain and snow. AWD makes very stable & smooth. In 7 years only had recommended maintenance & front power source (cig lighter) fixed. 76000 miles and taking on long trip next month with no worries. Good on gas. Plenty of power. Honda knows how to get more hp on a 4cyl than anyone. Lots of nice features. Rear seats fold flat. Stereo is great. Seats are comfy. Great visibility. I have no reason to want to trade it in yet. Looks great, drives great.

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  I like it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Hybrid - March 14 - 11:10 pm

  This little car is fun to drive, even when trying to maximize gas mileage. You can easily get 40 MPG if you drive with a little skill and control. If you drive the way the government does when testing gas mileage (50 miles per hour on a flat road with no wind) you can get 50 MPG.

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  Personal - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill Pope - March 14 - 8:16 pm

  I shopped extensively before buying this vehicle. I decided on the Ridgeline because of Hondas reputation for quality and its practicality. It doesnt handle the way most trucks do. Its about the same length as a single cab pickup so parking lots are easy! The truck hasnt developed any rattles and the road noise in muted, umlike my first Honda, the Pilot. I kept that Honda two months before trading it for a Chevrolet truck. I am so much happier with this truck than the Pilot. The seats will make you feel like driving for hours. The navigation ,satellite radio are wonderful, though I found myself in front of a residential home rather than a pancake house in San Antonio.

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  Multiple Major Mechanical Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By timp - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The first five years of ownership were exactly what I expected from a Honda. Very reliable. However, in the last 11 months Ive had to replace both the transmission and the engine totaling over $6k in repairs. The selling dealer is the same as the servicing and I have maticulous service records. In both major repair cases neither Honda or the dealer have helped other then stating the major failures were extremely rare. A lot of good that did me. After driving Hondas for the last 12 years, this may be my last!

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  Great Car!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By cableguy2 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a roadster, fun to drive, powerful, but not a "chick" roadster. Looked at Porsche, BMW, etc. s2000 was best and cheapest in its class. Great handling/acceleration. Nicer interior than Porsche. Quality Honda all the way. Plus, I dont pass an s2000 every 10 yards on the road.

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  perfect SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By robduck - March 14 - 10:00 am

  just got the new pilot. i have been a honda fan/ owner since the days of the first hatchbacks and this SUV is just about perfect. my extremely-hard- -to-pleas ewife had grown tired of my honda preference, but ALLOWED me to purchase the car - she loves it. - no complaints at all.

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  Fun to drive if SHE could steer it! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jonathan Chu - March 14 - 10:00 am

  At 511 the steering wheel and controls too far away from the driver. It is an uncomfortable and destracting reach to change the radio, heat, air and so on. Female member of home will not drive the car due to this.

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  New Honda Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KSC - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought our new civic after researching all Sedans on Edmunds. With the pricing provided we were able to get it at invoice with 2.9% financing.

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  im in love! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lannabug - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This honda is my first car, Im a 20 year old college student. I couldnt decide between a civic or a corolla. I test drove both and decided that the honda was the better choice for me. Im in love with it! Its beautiful inside and out. I have it in the new color for 2004 (magnesium metallic) and the interior cloth is gray. It rides nices, the sound system is decent, everything about it is perfect for me! We shopped around on the internet and used the TMV price to settle on 15,200. The dealer we bought from was great, but the dealer we test drove from tried to sell us an $800 package that was unecessary. Dont fall for an extra fees!

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  I just Love my Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By KellyPina - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Since I have purchased my Accord LX Ive been in Heaven on the road. My experiance with this car has been smooth, extremely comfortable and definately reliable. I have not had any problems what so ever with this vehicle. I always said Even if I was a Millionaire I would still drive a Honda Accord.