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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  6th Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike - April 15 - 3:53 am

  I have had my Accord for three weeks. The SE was an easy choice over the LX for the added features at a slight cost adjustment. Ride is classic Honda: tight and stable, and the quality is super. The four cylinder is more than adequate and gets very similar mileage that my 2005 Civic had. The five speed automatic is very smooth and reads speed and geography superbly. I changed from the Civic to the Accord for safety. The Accord offers a great list of standard safety features. I wish that a customer didnÂ’t have to go to a six cylinder to get Vehicle Stability Control; it should be standard in this day and age. The Brake Assist has a little too much exuberance.

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  A comfortable ride - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MontanaFred - April 15 - 2:46 am

  I bought my Ridgeline to replace an old truck and SUV. I was tired of dealing with TWO vehicles. So far the Ridgeline has filled all my needs for both trucking and commuting. It is comfortable and roomy enough and when I need a truck (which is almost every weekend for me) the Ridgeline has worked out perfectly. When I need to get myself and friends to where we can ski or hike or just enjoy the outdoors the Ridgeline has performed very well. In Montana the wind and snow and quick turns of weather can be a challenge but so far I have felt more comfortable, safe and in control driving my Ridgeline than any other vehicle I have owned.

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  2006 Honda Civic EX coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bryan - April 14 - 11:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle for $19000 (incl dest charge), which seemed like a good price after getting quotes from all over central Texas. I really like the 140 hp engine, which is noticably more powerful than previous models, and its supposed to get up to 40 mpg on the highway! I havent calculated my true mpg yet. I also like the MP3 input and the 350 Watt stereo (sedan comes with 160 Watt). It handles well, and is fairly comfortable, but its no luxury car. The only complaint I have is that it is difficult to see the front of the car with the steep windshield. I have to be cautious when hugging a curb on a turn or parking facing a wall so that I dont hit anything.

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  I still miss my Accura - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Ralph - April 14 - 10:43 pm

  This car has taken me 66,000 miles without the slightest problem. I drove my last Accura RSX to 180,000 miles on the original clutch. You cannot say too much about the reliability of Honda products. In good old flat Florida the 1500 cc engine is just fine. I found the engine to be very busy in the mountains when I drove out to LA. The handling of the Civic is OK but once you get used to an Accura you are ruined for anything else. My next car will be another RSX.

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  An excellent vechicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mikem - April 14 - 3:36 am

  This is our first new Honda after having a used one for several years. Only problem was with radio going out causing all dash lights to be dark. Replaced under extended warranty, but have since seen this has been a probem for them. I love the radio controls on the steering wheel and the sound of the 6 cd changer. The performance of the 4- cylinder engine is remarkable, and well over 35 mpg on the highway even in the mountians. Everyone who rides in is surprised with the room in the back seat. Overall we love this car and expect to keep it for some time to come.

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  First SUV is WOW! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Susan Spohn - April 13 - 11:25 pm

  After reading all the specs on the Honda CRV, I knew I wanted the EX with the advanced safety features. I drove it off the lot yesterday and am thrilled to have it. I’ve had two Honda Accords before this and drove both of them to 150,000 miles with no major problems. I will always drive a Honda. This, however, is my first SUV. It runs so quiet and smooth you almost don’t know the engines on. Love it!

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  Work Transportation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By countrysHCH - April 13 - 10:53 pm

  My 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid has proven to be a comfortable fuel saving purchase. I’m 6’2”, 210 lbs, 44 years young. I drive 20K miles/year, mostly to work and back. Drivers seat is supportive, all gauges and buttons have the perfect feel to them. In fact the entire interior of the car is spot on. Fit, Feel and finish of interior pieces is terrific. Steering wheel controls for radio/cruse control seem backwards. Cruise is on right, radio on left. Be careful about the “XM Ready” radio. Not as ready as buyer might think. Cost to purchase and install needed components are very high. Exterior fit and finish is some of best Ive seen. Body panels line up perfect. Paint is smooth.

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  Nice car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By New to Honda - April 13 - 11:00 am

  We purchased this car used when the fuel prices were so high. Would have loved the Accord, but had to have the gas savings as I drive 40 miles 1 way to work. Disturbing to have loud road noise shortly after buying it & it was the rear control arms that also ruined the rear tires. Also had the visor break. Honda did take care of the problem, but now worried if we made a good decision buying a Honda. Fairly comfortable car but we were used to the ease of getting in/out of an small SUV.

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  awesome vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hedr - April 13 - 10:00 am

  feel and rides flawlessly.

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  cell phone trouble - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ebony5 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Great family car.