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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  Honda goes Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Satisfied - May 13 - 7:00 pm

  Excellent vehicle! Perfect for the city family that needs the extra advantage of hauling, towing, and inside room. The quality is felt throughout the vehicle, from comfort to performance. If you prefer the "standard" styling of a pickup, get a Ford or Chevy. If you like thinking "out-of-the-box", get a Ridgeline. Lots of "great" reviews on this vehicle, mine included !! Ill be keeping my eye peeled for the next "new- year" model (07). Thinking about getting a "city-truck"? Give this one a look !! The Honda should retain value as they normally do.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sue - May 13 - 10:36 am

  I purchased the CR-V EX because of gas prices going up. However, the seats are very uncomfortable. I had a wreck several years ago, so the seat comfort is a big issue with me. After 4 days of owning this suv I traded it in for a Highlander (better seats). Will not buy another Honda.

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  Love my Accord! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Janelle - May 13 - 9:41 am

  This car is amazing. Great comfort and technology as well. The front LEDs are wonderful looking, as well as the rear ones. AWESOME GAS MILEAGE!! I get an average of 38 mpg, and my 2013 Fusion got only an average of 34mpg! I highly recommend this over the Fusion..or any car!!!

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  Love my Accord! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Janelle - May 13 - 9:41 am

  This car is amazing. Great comfort and technology as well. The front LEDs are wonderful looking, as well as the rear ones. AWESOME GAS MILEAGE!! I get an average of 38 mpg, and my 2013 Fusion got only an average of 34mpg! I highly recommend this over the Fusion..or any car!!!

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  Great little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaboy - May 13 - 4:46 am

  Looked at Rogue, Forester, Rav 4 etc. Theyre all very similar. CRV seemed like best choice. Classic Honda, simple, fun to drive. One minor gripe, I wish the steering wheel would tilt down one more click. AWD was excellent in snow. Overall pleased with purchase.

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  The car that never stops - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Loeters - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 11 years. Never in 11 years has it not started. It just goes and goes! I have 250,000km on it now and it runs as good as the day I bought it. I am convinced it has another 250,000km in it. Incredible.

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  WORTH EVERY PENNY - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By A - May 13 - 2:00 am

  worth every penny. got it brand new. i "drive it like i stole it", and the performance has been outstanding. extremely happy with it.

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  Very noisy vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Kongable - May 13 - 12:26 am

  This van turned out to be very noisy and hard riding. On the test drive the car performed well , had a good ride and didnt seem noisy. After arriving at home, I checked the tires as is my practice and found that the tires wee inflated at 28 psi although the door sticker says 36 is the recommended pressure. Think the dealer did this on purpose? I keep 32 psi in my tires. We took a 2000 mile trip right after the purchase and found the road and tire noise to be very bad and the rough ride made the trip very unpleasant. Gas mileage is 16-18. My 99 Chrysler T&C got better mileage and had a far more comfortable ride. Its a good looking vehicle but not the superior all-round on that I expected.

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  A nice car for the price - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Abdul - May 12 - 7:00 pm

  I bought the car almost one month ago. I have driven through almost all the East Coast from New Hampshire to Florida and made 3700 miles. My first impression is that it is exciting to drive it no matter how long you are driving without a stop. The power&fuel economy balance is excellent in my opinion. Interior design is cheerful and quite ergonomic. I found this car quite comfortable on both highway and city roads except the seats. You slip in a while and need to reposition yourself. Also you need to be careful on blind spots due to unusual windshield design which on the other hand completes the sleek exterior look of the car. Fortunately I have no technical problems so far.

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  Hybrid Not as Good as Expected - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By rgh4 - May 12 - 4:17 pm

  I now have 8,000 miles on my Accord Hybrid. The mileage claims are extremely optimistic. I live in Wisconsin and in cold weather you will be lucky to get 30 MPG in city driving. In the summer on highway driving you can get into the middle 40s MPG. I have never seen 50 MPG and my Accord is always in the eco-mode. It has also left me stranded once in the winter as it would not start due to the cold. I am also having issues with the paint chipping. This was no surprise as the paint quality on Hondas has gone down a lot in recent years. Overall it is not worth the extra money over a regular Acord.