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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  Dont Judge It Until Youve Owned One - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Dave - December 23 - 7:53 pm

  I have read many "professional" reviews of the 2015 Si and I am just at a loss. I think that before someone either publishes a review or posts a YouTube video, they ought to spend more than 15 minutes driving the car. I have owned my Si coupe for just over a year, and I can tell you honestly that I am more than happy with my purchase. To those who whine about the lack of power, I say that you need to learn how and when to shift gears. My car has spun its wheels both off the line and going into second gear. I have beaten cars with larger engines in fair races, both in straight lines and on road courses. While the handling may not be as tight as that of previous Sis, I have yet to lose control of mine, even when powering through turns at speeds that many other cars could not handle. Yes, some tightness has been lost to ride comfort, and there is no actual feedback in the steering wheel. But to an old school guy like me who grew up on torsion bar MOPARs of the 70s, this is of no consequence. It seems that gone are the days of drivers learning how to handle their machines. Todays drivers are spoiled brats who expect their cars to do everything for them. Fuel economy can be achieved through proper driving techniques, proper maintenance and burning good quality gasoline. Even before replacing my air filter with a K&N high flow filter, my Si was getting 35mpg on the highway with the cruise control set above 70mph. This of course was done with the windows closed and the air conditioning not set to max. Aerodynamic drag wastes more fuel than does minimal use of the a/c. For comfort, I give the 15 Civic Si an A+++. I am 62", 240lbs and have driven my Si between NY and FL non-stop, with the exception of refueling. Upon my arrival, I had NO body aches, NO muscle cramps and NO abnormal fatigue. I will, however, state for the record that the back seat in my coupe is there for decorative purposes only. If you intend to carry passengers, I recommend going for the sedan. Overall, I am glad I bought it and if I could go back in time and ponder my options, I would buy an Si again.

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  Pickup for part-time needs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By OLDSE - December 23 - 5:50 pm

  This is the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. The bed is just what I need for occasional use and the ability to lay a sheet of plywood down in the bed was a big factor in my purchase decision. I play a lot of golf and the in bed truck works well for clubs and a pull cart. The cab hauls four of us to the golf course and back with ease and comfort. You can also hold a normal conversation with people in the front seat or back. All the friends who have driven it love the handling qualities and are satified with the power although I think it needs a little more. I would recommend it to anyone needing a light to moderate duty pickup. It is NOT an off-road vehicle.

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  Excellent Car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jsabe03 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 69,000 miles in 2001. I have driven to Chicago, Cleveland, and other places. It never fails to start. I now have 111,000 miles and it runs like it has 2 miles on it. The only thing ihave had to repair was the A/C system, other than that it is the perfect car. WAY BETTER THAN ANY CAVALIER OR SUNFIRE AND DEFINITELY BETTER THAN A NEON!!

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  Happy with Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By brooklynborn - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Element two weeks ago. Went to Tahoe this past weekend and it took the mountain roads with no problem. We were passing V8s on the way up Hwy 88. The interior is roomy, and easy to clean. We have two dogs and it is easy for them to get in and out of the car. There really isnt anything I do not like about the Element except the fact that almost everything on it is optional.

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  Great Vehicle to Own - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By askme - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Having a Honda name is what lead me to test drive the CR-V. After doing extensive research on Honda and the CR- V, it is how I came to my final decision. The SUV handles shockingly well in icy or snowy conditions. I was amazed after the amount of snow fall we had last winter, how well this vehicle handled. Its almost like driving a car. I would (and have) recommended the CR-V to anyone. Its an excellent vehicle overall. Well worth the money. Everything you can possible want comes standard in it. I will definitely purchase another CR-V for my next vehicle in years to come.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By saavedra,l - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I was previous owner of a Ford Windstar until it was totalled in a car accident, perfect opportunity to buy the van I have always wanted.Ive only had the Odyssey for two weeks and can compare pros and cons. The differences between the two are below.

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  consumer review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By consumer review - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car based on Hondas reputation for quality and reliability. The Civic runs well and performs as expected. However the car has more rattles, squeaks and noises than I ever imagined. The integrity is very poor. The dash rattles match the domestics and is far worse than past Hondas I have known. The ride is rough and the driver/passenger feel every road imperfection. Road noise is considerable for this car. Aside from the noise and rattles, the quality seems to be good. I have 40,000 miles on it now and plan to trade it because I am dissatisfied with the overall build quality. I believe I will look at alternative vehicles.

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  Best car out there - 2003 Honda Accord
  By luvmybaby - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! This is my first time buying a new car and I couldnt be happier with my decision. I am so glad I sprung the extra few bucks to get the leather interior, it looks 100 times better than the cloth interior and is extremely comfortable. This car drives great, runs smoothly and to top it off looks so sleek. I especially enjoy the controls on the steering wheel. I love driving my Accord and almost wish I could live in it.

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  Dont do it!!! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By NottherealJLO - December 22 - 3:45 pm

  First and foremost, I am Honda obsessed. With the exception of my very first car when I was 16, Ive only owned (and loved) Hondas. However, Im deeply regretting my most recent purchase. I have a brand new, beautiful to look at 2017 Accord Hybrid that I HATE. Its loud, the drive is jerky and feels unstable, and does not at all feel like a Honda. Ive been ressured that there is nothing technically WRONG with the car, "Its Just the way the hybrid drives". And I got better gas mileage with my 2015 Accord, though they assure me my MPGs will go way up once I hit 1000 miles or so. Either way, HUGELY disappointed with a very severe case of buyers remorse. Its going to be a very long 36 months.

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  Great car if the deal is right!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By WVUALUM - December 22 - 1:20 pm

  Just traded my 2003 Civic Lx for the Accord. The Accord EX V6 (4door) is a great car. The car has great pick up and a very smooth ride. I love all of the features on the EX. Love this car so far.