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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  great van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mhall - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Just switched from a 2001 MVP which was had very poor performance from the engine and horrible gas millage. The controls in the Honda have a much more substantial feel. The well controlled solid ride, excellent handling and interior features are second to none.

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  Great trruck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Matt - February 8 - 4:50 pm

  This thing does everything most everybody needs to do with a truck. I know that it isnt a fullsize truck and didnt expect it to be. But, I will not own a domestic vehicle because the resale value is way to poor. This is the nicest vehicle I have ever had.

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  2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Carolyn - February 8 - 12:36 pm

  Surprised there is no CD player.

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  I love this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ronbrns - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  This is an awesome little car that is all it is claimed to be. It performs as well as my Civic Hybrid. It has a comfortable ride and is quiet except on highways with those ridges cut in it. The range is a little limited with an 8 gallon fuel tank and the fuel gauge accuracy is marginal at best - an important feature when you only have 8 gallons when full. The fuel economy has been much better than indicated. Overall average for the last 3200 miles of mixed driving has been 35.9 mpg. It has had a reliable 200+ mile range with a 90%+ fill. It would probably do better if the fuel gauge could be relied upon.

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  The Element is the way to go - 2004 Honda Element
  By colospgs58 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We use our Element for everything from transporting kids to college to a camper - and itdoes it all! It rides well, handles beautifully, can carry huge volumes of carge, and can be switched from passenger vehicle to cargo van or camper in a matter of seconds. After having the Element for a year, we dont even use our other SUV - we dont need it.

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  GOOD BUY - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shamarc - February 7 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE BUT I HAVE DRIVEN IT QUITE A BIT. SO FAR SO GOOD. CAR HANDLES WELL AND HAS GOOD ACCELERATION.

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  I love my Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Filippo - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I get 47mpg highway, 39 city. It took a little getting used to driving a hybrid at first. The engine autostop was a shocker. Who would ever think of an engine shutting off while stopped in traffic? And when entering a highway, going uphill was also a bit tough. In order to get more power, you shift into 2 for a few seconds, then just shift back into 1. (This is with an automatic civic sedan.) A few things I miss from my 2002 Honda Civic EX are the color. . I also gained alloy wheels, side impact airbags. In short, I love my honda hybrid!

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  Honda Civic VP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bigwaters - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Traded a Chrysler Concorde LXI for a Honda Civic VP. I thought I would be disappointed, but, the car met all of my expectations.

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  John C. In Evans, Ga. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Fintago - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I only had to take it back once in 34000 miles. The plastic right front windshield post covering was rattling after 20000 miles of dirt roads. Fixed in about an hour. I get 43 to 44 mpg at 80M.P.H. on Interstate, and 49 to 51 M.P.G.around town. The best I got was in the Keys (54-56 M.P.G. (flat land below 55 M.P.H.) And yes, I would buy another one, my other vehicle is a 2003 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab truck.(17 to18 M.P.G.) 15 M.P.G. on the Interstate.

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  Very Comfortable Drive - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ronsing - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The most interesting thing about driving this vehicle is that you really don;t notice anything different about it. It handles like any other Honda Civic. Now, that bwing said, it is a little unnerving at first, when the engine shuts down at a light, but the car is so quiet that you normally don;t even notice that, or the fact that the engine starts again when you take your foot off the brake. I had an SUV prior to this, and only filling the tank once a month is a treat.