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 car, AVERAGE gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FL410 - January 2 - 12:56 am

  Nice car that has lots of room for a small car. Rear seats fold both up AND down - neat feature. Excellent ride for a small car. Reasonably quiet, too. Pick up from zero to 30 mph is good, 30 to 60 mph is fair. I bought a base model. The sport model is a much better buy - $1,300 for cruise control, alloy wheels, alarm, remote door locks, fog lights, premium stereo, bigger tires. I dont like the "skirt" trim on the Sport model though.

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  Drivers seat is uncomfortable - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Hank - January 2 - 12:50 am

  I like the way the van handles. The van has been very reliable so far. The van is very uncomfortable to drive on long trips (200+ miles).

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  Great little car. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Cvero - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent daily driver. Lacks low end torque, but makes up for it with VTEC scream on top end. Good gas mileage if I keep my foot out of it.

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  I Heart The Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Zogar - January 1 - 12:23 am

  This car is great. Handles well, easy to park, fun to drive! Getting 39 mph highway.

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  2005 Honda CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RALPH1827 - December 31 - 2:07 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for a little over five months and all i can say is that ive fallen in love with it..I prevously owned the 2000 crv and passed it on with 80,000 miles and never a problem to speak of...This 2005 model seems to being heading in the same direction...Just love everything about it except the rear middle seat safety strap with comes down from the rear ceiling near the back door. I feel its unsightly and awkwardly placed.

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  Beware of New Automatic Trans - 2006 Honda Accord
  By pc garber - December 31 - 2:33 am

  I had less than 200 miles before the torque converter went. At 400 miles Honda replaced the transmission. I thought Hondas were supposed to be "bullet-proof".

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  RTL - Good Mid-Size Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - December 29 - 5:44 pm

  Leg room if you are over 6 foot tall is a little cramped for the driver. My right leg is constantly resting against the center console when in my normal driving posture. I feel the gas and break pedals and the overall floor space of the drivers side could use another 6 inches or so forward. In my opinion the center console, while useful with ample storage and space to place things, leaves the comfort level a little to be desired. Ive owned the larger Ford F-150 and a RAM in the past along with smaller Tacoma, Frontier and Ranger. True, the larger trucks have better power and towing and the smaller vehicles have the better gas mileage, but this truck manages to land perfectly in between the two sizes. Even with my little issue with the center console I feel this is a perfect mid-sized truck. The size reminds me of the old T100 from Toyota in which I missed out on. I thought that was a perfect sized truck as well. Power of the V6 in my Ridgeline RTL AWD is good and is perfect for my driving needs. Mostly daily commuting 40 miles round trip to work. Then, lite payloads and towing for weekend projects. This truck drives like a car and has decent visibility and good road mannerisms. Overall the truck is solid. Honda name tag is solid and reliable with typical great resale values. Not that I plan on selling it. The finishes and layout for the user are solid. The technology is good and is easy to understand and use. Averaging 23.3 mpg after 2000 miles. The rear seats are comfortable and leg room is good, not great for adults. The folding rear seats are easy to engage/disengage even for smaller folks like children and with folded seats the truck offers additional flat floor space for payloads that require more security. The hidden well below the bed is a neat little feature. Im using it more than I thought I would. The other small issue I have is that the tail gate does not lock. Again, overall, this is a great mid-sized truck. You will not pull the house off its foundation with its 5000 tow rating, but you will be able to handle the majority of your weekend projects around the house and do so in style and comfort.

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  2004 Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TOM - December 27 - 7:01 pm

  Great auto for 100 mile r/t to work. Comfortable for 62, 230 lb guy. No repairs as of 35,000 miles, except for service. Handles good in wet conditons but poor in snow.

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  Greatest Little Secret (Not so Secret) - 1996 Honda Civic
  By HappyHonda - December 27 - 11:22 am

  Great car ! Long commute (175 miles round trip) Great 38 - 40 mpg. Super reliable. Original everything except required maintenance parts. Original clutch, no mechanical work. Interior still like new. Exterior finally showing a little fade. Steering tight and precise. Few rattles. Only three minor draws... had to replace windshield due to sand blast effect pocketing, due to low ride height, had to replace driver side rubber around window - gets stiff with age and snags to the point window fell off track, and needs just a little more pep, but if you need a great reliable sturdy car this is the one.

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  fun but touchy - 2005 Honda S2000
  By PBaller2005 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is realy small especially for a 6 foot guy like me. This car runs at extremely high revs and wants to stall just @ 3,500 rpm. everything in it is real tight and sensitive. the interior could have been thought out a little better cuz its pretty cramped. Makes funny buzzing noises because of the high rpms. handles great though, most likely due to its size. Amazing power for just a 2.2 liter, especialy the turbo charged version. Good exterior design. Have to be experianced in order to bring out the cars full power.