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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  Would not buy again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rick Kirchoff - March 3 - 8:20 am

  This car lacks the performance and handling of previous years. Gas mileage is horrible too, 20 mpg city/highway after 6000 miles. Passing gear seldom works when needed. Drivers seat is not fully adjustable using 8-way power seat which is very uncomfortable. Shift- hold-control prevents coasting after hard acceleration. Reminds me of driving a boat, have to think several miles ahead if you want to do something. Car is not as nimble- footed as previous years. Daytime running lights..yuck!!! Automatic mirror dimming does not work during daylight hours and performs poorly at night.

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  5 months in my Honda Ridgeline RTLNAV - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff Skimel - March 3 - 3:03 am

  I drove a Lexus RX300 for 5 years and we needed a new primary vehicle. I always wanted but never had means of hauling light payloads, such as plywood, furniture, etc. I wanted a rugged vehicle, my wife still wanted comfort and goodies like the Lexus. We both like SUVs. The ridgeleine was the answer; combined all we want and need into one vehicle. I love this truck. The lockable truck is beyond useful- the composite bed is a good quality feature. The NAV system is great and has already saved me time- very reliable. The rear cabin is spacious according to passengers. The drive is responsive, peppy, and fun, albeit a little bumpy on bad roads. I recommend the truck- we parked the lexus.

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  Always wanted a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck H - March 3 - 1:43 am

  Needed a small SUV w/awd and good economy for my short(22m each way) commute to work. Looked at Hyundai, Jeep Liberty, Toyota Highlander, and KIA Sorento. For the money, nothing offered what the CRV-EX does. Was a little sceptical about a 4 cyl. since Im a performance freak but this is the neatest little 4 Ive ever driven.

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  This owner loves it! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cal_cal - March 2 - 1:16 pm

  This is a great car. I wanted to buy it for a long time and I recently got a great deal on it as well. It is super quiet, smooth and has great power. The legspace is amazing.

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  Car of the future! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 2006 Accord Hybrid - March 2 - 9:20 am

  This is not a regular car like the others you see on the road every day. Is it for you? Might not be. If you want a means of transportation, which will save you money in the long run, donÂ’t buy this car, or probably you will be disappointed. There are probably better options to that end. If you want to have FUN while you drive, or you have a fascination for novelty and ingenuity or if you want to do your part as a non-selfish citizen who want to leave some breathable air to the grand-grand-children even though weÂ’ll be dead then, then you might consider this car. I love it, and although it was close to my upper budgetary limit for a car, I consider it to be one of the best purchases ever.

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  update Legend of 21st Century - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Hisham Goreish - March 2 - 5:35 am

  Amazing MPG if drive in city or back roads highway 55-60 miles per hour, drops about 10 miles in cold winter and heavy rain, I have been getting 55 mpg easily on City and small highway, I got repeatedly 60-70 mg in a prolonged City drive, I cannot believe it myself. Interstate 45 mpg at 70 miles per hour, and drops if you go faster. I rented a Toyota pruis, the ride and and quality of the Honda is far much better, a difference of day and night, you feel like you are in a luxury car in the Honda accord hybrid. I am surprised how people pay for the Toyota pruis while the got get a Honda accord hybrid . The mpg is not much better in the Toyota pruis , actually the Honda hybrid accord gets better MPG in certain situations and roads. It is a car with no transmission, only one in the world for this price, so it is unique and it is a history in the making. I think the KARMA does not have transmission too. Honda always do stuff like that like the Honda S 2000 only street car with RPM up to 9000. or Tesla an electric car with a range of 300 miles and beats M5. In other words this is a historic car, NO TRANSMISSION . Change between different driving modes feels like a gear change, and becomes predictable when you get used to driving. Loud noise at certain slow driving situations is understandable when you know how the iMMD works. I call it the iVTEC SYMPHONY. It makes you feel like you are driving a FORMULA 1 CAR, which is hybrid by the way. The car is sporty like a Honda accord and faster than the 4 cylinder accord, and priced right between the v6 and 4 cylinder accord, so you do not feel like you spend too much on a hybrid and worry about recovering the cost of the hybrid. Gas prices are down below 2$, I feel I made a good choice by buying a Honda accord hybrid, I have not lost any power or fun going hybrid. I feel all cars should have this system. you can watch my you tube videos at physics Honda accord hybrid.

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  6,000 miles and ready to report - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By NJRidge - March 2 - 5:06 am

  I waited till I drove the truck a while before reporting. As you can tell, I am pleased overall. The truck drives like a luxury car, it really does. If you want complaints, the only five I have are the turning radius, you can not turn the stability control off when you drop tire pressure for the beach, no trip computer on Nav unit, the bedliner/truck liner scrathes easily, and above all the gas mileage. The good however surpasses anything I have ever owned. COMFORT! i am 64" and love it. You know about the functionality, but there are so many little things done right, you will continue to be impressed. I still find stuff that amazes me. If gas mileage is not a big worry, buy it!

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  Love this car! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Seriously65! - March 2 - 4:20 am

  I bought this car on Labor day. Mine is black. The styling of this car is fantastic. I just have a 4 cylinder engine but, if you are worried about performance dont. This car Is amazingly quick and rides very smoothly. The tech on this car is adequate for me. I love Pandora radio, The controls for everything technological are on the steering wheel, easily accessible controls. We have had a very rough winter. With studless snow tires this car is awesome in the snow and ice. I recommend getting Honda floor mats, they rise on the sides so nothing gets on the carpet on the floor, not even spills! I am super impressed with the 2016 Honda Accord LX! Oh, and I got 39 miles per gallon taking this car through Oregon. If you stay light on the gas pedal i.e dont take off too fast the mileage is amazing!

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  Fantastic SUV, Im glad I purchased it. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - March 2 - 3:40 am

  For me it was a toss up between a 2015-16 CR-V Touring AWD or a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD. It was gut wrenching because my last 4 cars have been Hyundais. Both cars are truly neck and neck in almost every aspect. Although the Tucson had a few more extra features, such as heated rear seats and more refined technology. The two things that swayed me to a CR-V was, it had a much better ride. My Mom has a bad back and it was important to get a car she would be comfortable riding in when we spend time together. And Hyundai would not give me any incentives on a new purchase. So, having this car for two weeks now, I have no regrets. The voice commands and touch screen are painfully slow, and seriously Honda, no rotary volume knob!? I love how the rear seats fold several ways. I have no issues with vibration whatsoever. I was caught in absolutely terrible weather the other night, pounding rain and just nasty out. I felt very secure and safe in my CR-V, the AWD really does give peace of mind. Very happy with my decision. Although there are a few mis steps with this SUV, the package as a whole far outweigh and negatives I can point out. Next up is some window tint, summers are harsh here in Florida.

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  Love my Hybrid Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Pamela - March 2 - 1:46 am

  One would never know that they are driving a Hybrid, except for the gas mileage. Smooth and quiet driving. Great power, even in mountain driving conditions. Everyone assumes that I paid much more for this vehicle. First Honda I have ever owned, but definitely will not be the last! Love it!