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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  Battery drain issue - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Ody-driver - May 25 - 10:40 am

  We really like our 12 Odyssey, and if it werent for the annoying battery drain problem weve had since we bought the van new, we would have rated it a lot higher. The dealership admitted to me there was a design problem, and I should lock my van when parked in garage, or to make sure the dome lights were switched to Off instead of on Door as this somehow deactivates a circuit that remains energized. It still doesnt seem to help as the battery has been weakened enough after being killed a dozen times, so now if I know I wont be driving it for several weeks, I hook up my battery charger.

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  A Welcome Change - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shoreman - May 25 - 7:13 am

  After many years in a SUV, this was a welcome change!! Nice road handling. Nice acceleration for highway on- ramps! Surprisingly quiet inside. Well see how it does in the snow...

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  Wish I had two of em - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Tom Harmening - May 24 - 4:06 pm

  Ive been driving this Civic Hybrid for a week and already my fuel bills are plummeting. It is a great car and rides much better than my previous car - a 2003 Prius. Its smooth and quiet at both street and freeway speeds. My MPG is slowly rising (they told me it would take approximately 600 miles to get to optimum mileage levels) and now stands at 41 mpg average - up from 33 when first delivered. Friends and neighbors cant believe its a hybrid -- as one said "It looks like a regular car and not an egg". Honda has nailed this technology. I wish I could afford two of them - Id trade my Lexus in an instant for another Civic Hybrid!

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  Great Great car!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kylee - May 24 - 2:39 pm

  I am absolutely in love with this vehicle! It is the first brand new car that I have had and I absolutely made the right choice! I would not have wanted any other car after test driving this one! I bought it from Piedmont Honda in Anderson, SC and they were absolutely amazing! Before I started looking at this vehicle I was looking at a Honda Accord and then this vehicle caught my eye. I started to looking at it and I saw that it was very roomy. I test drove this car and after that there was no going back. I knew that I was leaving with this car. The price was not bad I thought for a brand new car of this quality. I have always heard fantastic things about Hondas and the reliability. Before this car, I had a Toyota and that was the biggest piece of crap I had ever had. Every time I turned around it was always needing something. This Honda is the best vehicle ever. I do not have kids yet, but when I do I know this car will still be great! It is awesome on gas. My boyfriend and I drive it everywhere and I can go a whole week without having to stop for gas and it cost no more than $25 to fill up. I highly recommend this car to anyone!!

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  wow!!! impressive!!! got our $$ worth! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By bnward1988 - May 24 - 10:16 am

  Was looking to downsize with an economical vehicle and had looked at many other economy cars (mazda 3, hyundai sonata, toyota corolla) before looking at Hondas Civic. Have been impressed with the engines performance...Living in Co. thought wed have to buy a standard to provide more power to drive over the mountain hwy, yet, was impressed during the test drive..that we bought an automatic and have not been disappointed. Enjoying the interior layout! Feel were getting our $$s worth and if we decide to trade in later, we know that well get a better trade in value compared to other vehicles.

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  Wow! Thats an Accord. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By TP - May 24 - 6:06 am

  I have been in the market for a car for a while. Anyway, I test drove many cars including the Camry and Avalon. The Camry just wasnt the car I was looking for and the Avalon equipped with the options I was looking for was more than I wanted to spend. Anyway, I drove to the Honda Dealership and didnt realize they changed the styling of the Accord in 08. At first I thought somebody drove an Acura to the Honda dealership. I absolutely love the styling. It was the combination I was looking for, great look, good value, decent gas mileage, and Hondas resale value.

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  Nice car. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Victor - May 24 - 2:03 am

  Havent driven very many miles yet, so this review is preliminary. The engine and transmission are performing quite well. Decent mileage and plenty of power for me. The civic is a rather noisy and hard riding car. Although the stiffness is great if you like to take corners at high speed and dart around in traffic, lowering the spring rates would do a lot to soften the ride for people who want a comfortable ride. The seats are pretty stiff, but Ill wait until I take a long trip before I pass judgement.The interior has lots of room and I like the speedo and the armrest with cupholders in the back. The interior materials seem like they are high quality.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By E. Gray - May 23 - 2:40 pm

  Just drove the Ridgline 2,700 miles. Front seats very comfortable for ten hours of steady driving. Ride comfort was pleasant. Avg mpg 21 incl mostly interstate at 65-70 mph. Loved the lockable in bed trunk. Recommend this Honda product for anyone needing the usefulness of truck for small homeowner type jobs and one not requiring a comfortable back seat.

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  I love my Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sdfem23 - May 22 - 8:40 pm

  I was really impressed with how much the Civic has changed. Its surprisingly roomy on the inside and in the trunk, though I wish there was just a little more leg room in the back seat. This car has impressive get- up-and-go for a 4 cylinder engine.

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  Passing the test - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By joyce - May 22 - 7:53 pm

  Made a 4000 mile trip to Nova Scotia this summer pulling a camper with no problems at all. Didnt even feel much drag going up the hills. Love the car and the room for kids. Dont have the DVD but a lap-top works just as well in the back seat. Gas mileage wasnt bad considering the load and supplies. Cheaper tow package would sure be nice (about $1000.-ouch!). Dealer said transmission, etc. may not be covered if it wasnt a Honda installed item. Car handles great. Just a few minor complaints that I can live with.