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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  Exceptional Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By oldtimer - June 21 - 9:16 pm

  Have had car for 3 weeks. At 862 in town miles, overall mpg is 38.2; should improve with break-in. MSRP $27,520, paid $24,580 (below invoice). Excellent room in all seats for 62", 190 lb. body. Very comfortable seats. Quiet and comfortable ride. Exceeds expectations. At price paid, its an outstanding value.

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  Typical flawless Honda - 2015 Honda Civic
  By D - June 21 - 9:06 pm

  What else can I say? A typical just get in and drive it Honda. Never a worry or fear...just drive it, change fluids and filters (I just do that myself) and nothing else. Do they ever break down? It may not have the fastest acceleration but mime age has been averaging over 38 mpg for the first 25k. Clearn lines, easy to operate, and love the console display screen.

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  Outstanding car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lockerc18 - June 21 - 2:30 pm

  Our 3rd Accord. Cant find a better value for the money. Reliable, economical, spacious, loads of fun to drive. The coupe is a better looking exterior design, but has too many blind spots because of the roof pillars, and of course, the back seat is useless. So, the sedan wins.

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  Fun and Safe to Drive!!!!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By biem Caamano - June 20 - 5:03 pm

  Amazed at the power and smooth ride. First time a vehicle surpassed my expectations.Ive always purchased hondas,but never an suv. i would recomend this vehicle to anyone interested in a suv.

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CBinBigD - June 20 - 8:10 am

  Purchased new 2 years ago. Previously had a 2001 Civic, and the gas mileage is slightly less, but this is a much better car with more power. Average 30 MPG town, about 36-40 hwy. Only problem was driver window came off track, but dealer repaired at no charge. Have 41K miles on it, very reliable, excellent in traffic. Highly recommended, if you are looking for a low cost, economy car with a lot of safety features.

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  Luxury in a honda.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Goldstein - June 20 - 3:23 am

  This minivan or should i say luxury vehicle is unbelievable.... My wife and kids love it.... It handles like a sports car and a luxury vehicle all in one... I still cant believe its a minivan... Honda did an incredible job with this vehicle... I highly recommend it to any family in the market for a new minivan....

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  Unbelievable value - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kyle - June 20 - 2:21 am

  This truck has great features that other large competitors do not offer. First the lower trunk storage in the truck bed is great for groceries or putting dirty work boots in. You can spray it out and pull the drain plug tonlet it drain out. Tailgate folds down like normal and also swings like a door making it super easy to access lower storage and anything that is in the truck bed.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sonia - June 20 - 12:53 am

  First week with new Honda EX - no regrets. Car is very smooth, quiet, roomy. Dark Graphite color looks great on it, grey interior matches with metal trims - very elegant. Fuel economy after first week not bad at all. On first tank gas 70% hwy 30% city my averege is around 32 mpg! Love it!

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  well built reliable vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tony webb - June 19 - 12:03 pm

  having tested Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, & Volvo, this little Honda, dollar for dollar seems a wonderful buy, took it for a ride in the Poconos- it performed very well. no its not a corvette but it runs on regular gas and is comfortable for the family and it seems well built, with thoughtful extras, not electronic junk that might not last for 100k miles. the rear seat configurations have been well thought out with plenty of room in the back

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  2000 civic ex - 2000 Honda Civic
  By swimmer - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and overall have been happy with it. I put 25k miles a year, and am now at 84k. I have had two problems so far. The ignitor went out luckily while still under warranty. The ac compressor went out this summer. I have used semisynthetic oil since new and it runs as strong as the day i drove off the lot.