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 Job Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By gman524 - October 28 - 12:54 am

  This is my first Honda I have ever owned and I am sorry at 42 years old that I wanted this long. This car is absolutely amazing, I have a 2013 Honda Sport and the technology, ride and comfort blow the 2010 Mercedes E350 I had away. THATS CORRECT YOU HEARD ME RIGHT, it makes getting rid of my E350 very easy transition. For 1/3 the price I truly recommend you to test drive both and look at the features and you will not be disappointed and will have a lot more money in your pocket. OK it doesnt have the pick up or horse power that my Mercedes had but everything else is better, ride comfort, controls, technology and gas mileage is amazing. I dont hear any road noise and its comfy.

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  ok - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Marlene - October 26 - 4:33 pm

  this is a boring car the interior has no trim just a little silver on the vents. i like the gauges i dont like the transmission shifting. i6ts ver choppy and seems like it underevs. i dont like the whining noise that the engine makes

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  Best small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - October 26 - 12:50 pm

  This is the best all around small SUV on the market. Toyota gets close but has that ridiculous door on the back. All the others just dont match up in refinement and/or gas mileage. We drive 50 miles to work (one way) a day plus around town a bit, and even with all the Missouri hills we average 26 mpg (have seen it average 30 mpg on pure highway travel). The Toyota can probably match that but I know that the Nissan Rogue with its CVT would have issues when it comes to hills. Weve owned two Nissans with CVTs-while very good on gas on flat surfaces, they are extremely bad in hilly areas. Otherwise, the CR-V is a great, quiet, and comfortable ride with lots of space.

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  Hands down the best bang for your buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Comiche - October 26 - 10:42 am

  This review will be a little biased as Ive always been a Honda owner. My previous car was a 1986 Honda Accord DX Sedan which saw me through my college years. Had it not been for me totaling my 86 Accord at an intersection, Id probably still be driving it. It passed on at about 375000 miles. I purchased my 2008 Civic LX Sedan at the end of 2008. It currently has 150000 miles on the odometer which means its just starting to stretch its legs in Honda terms. So far Ive had to replace the starter which, because my car was under warranty, was replaced by the dealer. Other than that all I have to say is that the car is very reliable, comfortable, and moderately fuel efficient. I say moderately fuel efficient because todays cars are very fuel efficient with the introduction of hybrid and electric cars to the market. Those that complain about the cars lack of performance need to take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and ask, are you an idiot? If you want to own a Civic and want performance, its called the Si model. Every other model other then the Si is built for fuel efficiency. Great car, tough to beat compared to its competitors, great value, absolutely the best bang for your buck.

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  Best overall value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HRB - October 26 - 10:26 am

  Best value out there if purchasing the EX. Sure the RAV4 can be loaded with a powerful 6 cylinder, but it costs 5 grand more than the CRV. The CRV maxes its power with an efficient 5- speed automatic that delivers plenty of power [torque] off the line. It cruises quietly at high speed, gets more than 25 mpg while doing it, and is equipped with great standard features.

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  Sorry to Report - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Royal - October 26 - 6:00 am

  I read up on recommended vehicles and chose the 05 CRV based on the Consumer Report recommendation. Also, in the past, Ive driven many Hondas and known many Honda owners that were very happy with their Hondas. Unfortunately, I ended up with an 05 CRV with the dreaded Pull To The Right (pttr) syndrome. After taking it back to Honda 3 times for reapir (that did not remedy the problem) and contacting the Honda Manufacturer directly, the Honda Manufacturer most receently stated that 05 CRVs are known to "drift." Bottom Line: I am stuck with a faulty vehicle that Honda now wants nothing to do with. Other than the pttr, the vehicle was everything I expected.

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  A Class Above - 2008 Honda Accord
  By TK - October 25 - 4:33 pm

  Very happy with our decision. Bought a 4 cyl LX-P and its beautiful. Looks like a 35 K dollar car and not a 21 K car. Solid and fun to drive and I love the room... If I was single my first choice would have been the 09 TSX from Acura. That car is amazing, but being married with a kid on the way made me make the sensible decision.

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  Solid Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wv_ridgeline - October 25 - 8:16 am

  I was a little leary of buying a first- year model vehicle, but having previously owned 4 other Hondas, I decided the risk was somewhat low. I have not been disappointed. The vehicle is well-built, extremely functional and versatile both as a family vehicle and for hauling typical household project supplies, such as wall board, paneling, cabinets, etc. Yes, the material may hang out over he tailgate by a foot and a half, or over the tailgate, but I dont find that an issue for traveling between Lowes and my house. The bed is plenty wide (over 48") to contain anything I have needed so far. Excellent vehicle, excellent quality.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cjh - October 24 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline for 4 months now and have really enjoyed every minute of it. I have to fight my wife to drive it. It drives and rides better than my Honda Van. This is a great truck and you will know it when you get in one and drive it. Ive seen only a few on the road since I bought mine and when you see someone driving one you both have that same look. The look of the satisfaction. You both know what the other is experiencing. cjh

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  2000 Honda Civic LX Sedan - 2000 Honda Civic
  By lazarus629 - October 24 - 9:46 pm

  Simply unbelievable value. Typical Honda "bullet-proof" quality in a fun to drive, roomy, economical, slow-depreciating car. A real home run. In terms of total cost (which of course includes depreciation), probably the least expensive car to drive. And it really can fit four adults! Miserly with gas and still peppy and can run all day at freeway speeds.