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 Sport Utility Midsize Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Skip M - April 5 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my RTL-T for 6 weeks and love it! My main disappointments are the technology and interior storage compartments. Cup holders need to be like the Odyssey with flapped inserts so you can put a standard plastic water bottle in them and not have it jump out on turns and speed bumps. they are to large and have no flaps to support the smaller cups and water bottles, the door cavities are very small and shallow, water bottles will not fit in any of the door cavities/pockets and there is no holder for them in the door. there is a shallow square french fry container holder which is not good for much. the Ridgeline could have done better in using the wasted space in the 12 inch thick door its sister the Odyssey does. The 8 inch touch screen is nice but it is kluge to use the volume controls are hard to fumble with and the tuning is hard on the radio. The Garmin Nav system had 2015 maps on it and the Android OS that runs the head unit behind the 8 inch screen was from 2010 android 4.2.2 and is incompatible with google play try to use it and you get no longer supported version. So the bottom line is i really like the ride, comfort, power, MPG, utility and looks the technology leaves a lot to be desired.

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  Unrefined tech added to a good car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kevin McMurtrie - April 3 - 1:30 pm

  The 2005 Accord Hybrid suffers from unrefined technology. I nearly lemon-lawed the car because the engine malfunction lamp flashed at full throttle. Only a recent software update fixed it. Glacial transmission downshifting makes it a real drag to drive on winding roads. Various electronic systems seem to be prone to glitches and odd behavior. This car is barely a hybrid because the electric motor is rarely used for acceleration. Its primary function seems to be as a virtual flywheel during 3- cylinder operation and a power source for the hybrid A/C. The non-hybrid portions are what youd expect from Honda. The car is quiet, refined, comfortable, and handles decently.

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  OK Fine - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stay - April 3 - 3:46 am

  I like my Civic Hybrid fine. I miss some of the features on my old vehicle (Sienna Minivan) such as a mute button on the steering wheel and the really comfy seats. I would say it is fun to drive and a great conversation piece. I still go to the gas station ever week I just dont spend near as much.

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  Comfortable / Reliable cruiser - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 2 - 7:01 pm

  Bought this car from my father in law with 80k miles on it. For the most part it has not failed to meet my high expectations for a Honda . I have had brake work and wheel bearings replaced, but that is expected in NY after 7 winters. Only other problem was a burned out alternator at 120k. Other than that, has never has a problem during the past 3 years, and I am hard on my cars. The odometer currently reads 132,000 and my goal is to hit 200k. I also own a 2004 accord, same model, and that is the only reason my ratings for this car are not higher. The newest model is a huge step forward in overall refinement. Either way, I dont think you can go wrong purchasing a honda.

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  My Cute Honda Civic Hatchback - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Arline Wulfekotter - April 2 - 10:44 am

  I always loved the look of the Honda Civic Hatchback and had to buy one. Never any problems with it and always dependable. Only problem was that this style did not come with a sunroof so I had one installed which gives it even a sportier feel. Comfortable to drive and great on gas. Seven years old and still looking great. Hope to pass it on to my daughter soon who also loves to drive it. Only problem I have now is the speedometer quit working. Need to get it repaired soon.

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  My 1st Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 1st Civic - April 2 - 5:56 am

  I purchased my first Civic in 2007 after a handful of people suggested to do so. Overall, I am very happy with the vehicle; I have had no performance problems. For fuel economy, I can get approx. 330 miles per tank driving both on the highway and in the city. It held up well during our horrible winter here in the Northeast; however the car can sway easily in the wind.

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  1998 Honda Accord LX 4cyl - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ken Johnston - April 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car right after the early 1998 Automatic transmission recall. We have had no non-maintenance issues with the car outside of some correction needed for the window door seals. Gas milage has been good but the new Accord model is even better. The 4 cylinder is perfectly adequate for most situations and the car has a better weight ratio.

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  NJ Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NJ Element - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Sealine Mist colored E 3 weeks ago. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. What more can I say. Practical and Affordable, and oh yeah, has the same engine as the Accord and CR-V... for 19,300.00 !!!

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  untitled - 2000 Honda Civic
  By prophet - April 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive.. nice pep for a 4- banger.. fun to hit vtec.. handles well.. reliable and gets good mileage

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  Fifth Honda, and still getting better! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tom J. - March 31 - 10:40 pm

  Since getting my Civic EX in June 06, I have had a few issues with it. Starting at around 50 mph, there is a low whistle heard at the front part of the car. I thought it was the mirrors or the wheels and tires. Took it to dealer (less than 1000 miles at the time), who could not fix the problem. Said they are all like that. Not a good answer. Also, the one-touch up and down switch for the drivers window is WAAAAAAY too sensitive and hard to regulate. Im going to talk to the dealership to see if they can bypass or switch it out to a "normal" window switch. The car as a whole is screwed together very well. Great fit and finish. Mine is royal blue pearl metallic, with the beige interior.