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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  Love the Ridgeline--Dumber than a box of rocks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tweed Ross - January 5 - 2:04 am

  I just got my new Ridgeline and I love it. I had to wait a long while to get an RTLE-E because having a opening back window was a "deal breaker" for me. Two things Honda engineers really missed. 1) All models should come with an opening back window (it doesnt need to be power). 2) The tonneau cover is really superior---but Honda does not have a locking tailgate. Why is totally beyond me!

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  Great mpg - lacking on weight - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ruth Mixon - January 4 - 8:04 pm

  For the most part, the Honda Civic LX has been a fun car to drive, great mpg, 30-33 in town and 40-44 on highway. Almost as good as my motorcycle. Driving in windy and snow conditions can be tricky so slower speeds are the answer to keeping it in total control. If going on long distances in the winter, be prepared to drive 10 mph lower than other cars. Windy conditions can make you hold on pretty tightly. Light on the rear end makes snow driving a big hairy. The bucket seats can be a bit uncomfortable on long distance driving. Otherwise, its a great car and a money saver.

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  Replacement of 10 year old Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Simply Dave - January 4 - 5:02 pm

  Seating and comfort are great. Still dont have a 12v power outlet that stays on. Oh well

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  2016 Honda HR-V - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By HRV fan - January 4 - 4:02 pm

  I was hesitant to purchase the 2016 so close to the release of the 2017 model for fear that I would miss out on options or technology that might be made available. Im glad I didnt wait! I got an amazing price and the 2017 model has no changes!

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  Fine Honda but needs improvement! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By John Mercer - January 3 - 10:54 am

  I have owned this V6 w/navi for over 4 yrs. and it is extremely reliable, great gas mileage w/V6 and powerful. I do have suggestions for improvement for the very near future. When this model was introduced, it lacked fog lights which I installed with a Honda OEM kit. I cant live without these lights! Another very important improvement for this car and the newest models (09), would be an 8-way power seat for the front passenger. The front seats are angled or sloped downward at the back too much and make it very uncomfortable for people with back problems. An 8-way adjustment would solve this! I ended up lifting the back of the seat upwards with longer bolts and shims. Otherwise a fine car.

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  Very Improved Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By East Coast Driver - January 3 - 4:10 am

  The new civic is a substantial improvement over the last design. I traded in my 99 SI civic for this one and I like the new car. I once owned a 1980 Civic that was fun to drive and rode 50 miles to the gallon. This car is way bigger than that was, but also feels much more luxurious than the 99. Yeah, its not a $50,000 BMW, but I wanted a car that gets at least 35 MPG highway, so compare it to that field. The civic is much more interesting than a Corolla. The Mazda 3 is a worthy alternative, and you wont see quite so many either, but the new honda is very smooth. Honda has always been known for making quality engines, and this one very refined. Great fit and finish, dont buy any extra

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  2017 black edition is awesome - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Peter Narreau - January 2 - 6:19 am

  Had this truck for three weeks and already taken it on a long haul trip. 26mpg was surprisingly good. We love the vehicle and at the moment I cant come up with a criticism. Our first truck and first Honda! Jan 2017 Update: As a suburban DIY and weekend warrior, I am still loving this truck. Cons Ive found are: 1. No power retractable mirrors. It would be easier to pull into the garage with this simple feature available on the Pilot. 2. The fog lights are not LED (not optional), and dont look very impressive when paired with the awesome LED headlights.

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  Best Honda Yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jim - January 2 - 12:03 am

  My civic is the best. I purchased the 4 dr ex auto w/out navi. Its white and drives great. I recently went on a road trip 3 days after purchase and got 38 mpg. She is soo good i had to name her... AVA which means perfectly structured.. and thats what it is. I have a 2 year old and there is plenty of room for his car seat and 2 other mid sized adults in the back. Great trunk room. Although it is pricey, you get your moneys worth. Worth every penny. I will have this car for a long time.. This is my 6th civic! Keep them rolling honda!

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  Excellently built automobile. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By MiamiGal - January 1 - 12:05 pm

  I have had my 1994 Honda Accord for 4 years, and yesterday, I traded it in at 181k miles (still running perfectly) for a 2007 Honda Civic. This accord was the best car I ever owned. I purchased it used as a car to get me through college, and it did that and so much more. Its great on gas and even after almost 16 years (car was built in 1993), still had no rattles, little road noise, and handles like a dream. The only reason I traded is because I wanted a newer car and fell in love with the new Civics. The 1994 is still running perfectly on the factory engine, transmission, and A/C!!! The best most reliable cars out there are Hondas! My 94 is more comfortable than a lot of brand new cars!

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  Excellent Ride and Value - 1999 Honda Civic
  By al;sjkal;skdj - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent 4 cylinder. With only 1.6L of displacement this car is incredible. Redlining all the way to 8000rpms is a blast, but killer on the gas economy. Enough room in the back to fit 4 average adults comfortably and a very large trunk for this size car. A bit more than regular civics, but its VERY worth it. This is a completely different car than a regular civic, but its HARD to find.