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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  Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Bell - April 13 - 5:59 pm

  I bought this truck three weeks ago and I love it! It handles and looks great. I like the it drives and the smooth ride, more like a car than a pickup.

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  The best CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Tino Fernandes - April 13 - 3:20 pm

  The third CRV Ive owned and the best so far. More cargo space, better gas mileage, nicer interior, quieter, handles better, great package for the price.

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  Great mileage for comfort and price - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Davis - April 13 - 1:51 pm

  CRV gets about 30% better mileage than similar SUVs, but still packs in features. Love the car.

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  This car makes you want to drive! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ernie Halperin - April 13 - 8:26 am

  My 06 Accord V-6 Coupe is the most enjoyable car to drive that Ive owned or rented in the past 30 years. It offers excellent handling & strong acceleration, reasonable gas economy for a V-6 (I get 22 - 28 mpg), an attractive interior (w/leather seats) & exterior, and a large trunk for trips to the home improvement stores & vacations. So far its been totally perfect. All in all -- a terrific and fun car. What more could you ask for in a 2 door car -- unless you have to haul a family around?

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  A workhorse - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By nrzermd - April 12 - 10:51 pm

  We have five young children who are very hard on vehicles. We live in Texas and log a lot of miles just in our daily life. We have had no mechanical issues, some electrical issues secondary to Dr. Pepper. The car rides solid and drives true with 80k on it, a majority of it city and suburban driving. Would buy again. Our dealer has been very supportive and has given us excellent service from the sale to present day.

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  Excellent - 1997 Honda Civic
  By angelo - April 12 - 8:11 pm

  I like the car because its economy and a small car that I can park anywhere it will fit also very economic.

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  Wind Noise is terrible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ed - April 12 - 7:43 pm

  The noise level in the Odyssey is terrible. You can hear the road noise as if you are riding on the hood. If I was to do it again I would of bought a Sienna!!!!

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  Overall a good car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Chris - April 12 - 12:03 pm

  I wanted Honda reliability but was a little disappointed, overall a very good car though. Two guys I worked with have 98s (the year this version was redesigned), while they have a lot more miles, I used that as a gauge of problems I could expect. Alternator and battery failed at only 35K miles ($700) which I thought was pretty bad and it needed brakes prematurely soon after that, but thats been about it - almost 10 years old, needs new motor mount but no other repair issues. Its powerful, fairly quiet, agile, excellent handling and braking. Gas mileage drops al lot if you go 70+ MPH. The clear coat finish on the wheels is wearing a little prematurely being in FL most its life.

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  Lovely little hatch - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Miyo - April 12 - 7:26 am

  Whatever the Civic Si lacks in, the originality of the car and the distinctive styling makes up for it. People can make fun of it by calling it a mini-mini van, but in reality, they want it so bad. The interior is unique, with awesome seats manufactured by Recaro (for those of you who didnt know) and the steering wheel manufactured by Momo. Some people may think that $19K is too much for the car, but you have to realize that Honda didnt use any cheap parts or even cheap plastic to build this car. Love the car, love the styling, love the orginality.

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  Cant go wrong... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv - April 12 - 12:26 am

  Great vehicle. Always thought CR-V was a good vehicle, but felt the styling on the old ones were a little bit to unrefined for someone my age (mid 40s). Good power for a 4 cylinder. Fuel efficiency has not been as good as claimed (i average 25 mpg and I do about 50/50 highway/city driving). No other vehicle in this class is as practical and as good a value. Similarly equipped RAV4 would have cost me 26,000 as opposed to 23,000. Sure the Rav4 offers V6 and 3rd row seating, but why would anyone look for those things in a small SUV??? and a Rav4 equipped with those things exceeds 30,000(you can get a larger midsize SUV for that price, such as the Honda Pilot)