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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  what I think - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tom c - March 3 - 4:03 pm

  Ive been reading a lot of reviews things I notice is the car does rattle, that is because if you have anything in the glovebox or in the trunk it will rattle inside with the cheap plastic. Car looks nice, but overpriced for compact car. Price in the entry midsize range. This car is begging to be a sports car, but its economy roots with is tiny 1.8 is evident, thus good gas mileage. So if you want so so power with good mileage civic is for you, if you prefer a faster car get something else and give up a few mpgs.

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  Love My Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Natalie Cipriani - March 3 - 3:47 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car! The ride is super smooth, the interior is beautifully laid out with quality materials. The exterior is eye catching. The only faults that I have found so far is that occasionally the CVT does not feel as though it engages properly. It just feels a little sluggish. Then other times, the car feels like it accelerates with ease. Also, the entertainment operating system has been glitchy...not unbearable, but glitchy. But overall, this is an INCREDIBLE vehicle! I LOVE IT!

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  My Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By My Accord - March 3 - 2:12 pm

  Ive had my Honda two years today. I love driving the car and its well equipped. I love the moonroof, keyless entry and 6 disc CD changer. I take it in for maintance and Im yet to have any problems. Im currently at 92,000.

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  Its What I Need and More - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DL Paul - March 3 - 6:57 am

  I traded a 2012 RTL that I liked a lot and the 2017 is a step up. Most of the negatives of the previous generation Ridgeline have been addressed, Here goes the pluses: 1)The MPG is great, first tank of HWY driving I averaged 27. 2)The quiet of the cab is impressive, better than most cars. 3)The seats are all day comfortable and 4)the ride is serene. 5)It goes straight down the road. 6)It is much quicker than my 2012, much. So, it is a home run, but a few things keep it from being a grand slam. Here goes my reasoning: 1)Why no Michelin tires? Firestone Destinations are just OK. 2)The armrests are small and cheap looking. For the price there should be an 3)electric rear window, 4)sunroof and 5)presets for two drivers. 6)Plus the dull black trim between the front and back windows beg for chrome trim to match the rest of the window trim. The styling is a "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder issue" so Ill not add my opinion, but the San Marino red color would make it pop.

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  additional features no available - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By geri hillegass - March 3 - 5:55 am

  its a very nice car, weve wanted a Pilot for a few years. There are some things that should have been standard on the car but obviously not. no tinted front window, no extendable visors, no double visors. USB port very inconveniently placed.

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  Loving it... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By colleen - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. First Honda that Ive ever had. Great first impression. Bought it Apr 03. Fun to drive, great to look at even sitting in garage! It must have impressed a lady on the interstate sooo much that she rear- ended me when it was only 9 days old! Her little ole SUV couldnt handle the impact. My CRV has little damage to rear. Still my baby, though.

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  2002 Honda Accord SE Sedan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By randerso8336 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car. Great on highway rides or around town. The build quality is excellent. Engine could be a little quieter.

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  Didnt like it at first, now I LOVE it! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By HAD - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car last month for my wife. I have never liked the new redesigned exterior, but after seeing the car in black (the only color in which I think it looks nice) I had to have it. The car is a DREAM! It feels SO much MORE expensive than it is and Ill be damned if that 4 banger doesnt feel like a V6 - its THAT smooth and powerful! The ride, engine, transmission are SO smooth - like BUTTER! And I absolutely LOVE the interior of this car - you CANNOT get any better than thism especially in this price range! This car just EXUDES quality and the interior oozes luxury.

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  The best car, EVER. - 1997 Honda Accord
  By juanHonda - February 28 - 7:27 pm

  We bought this car in Oct/2001 with 105,000 miles. The car has been prefect so far. The most reliable car we ever had. MINIMUM MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, if you like to stay away from the shops, this is the car for you. These are the only few repairs done to the car so far: CV axles and transmission fluid at 140,000 miles $400.00, front rotors and pads @ 150,000, $250.00,timing belt and serpentine belts replaced at 163,000, $300.00, 2 tune ups and regular synthetic oil changes, aprox, $300.00. Awesome thats $0.02 a mile!

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  Too Many Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gwmmem - February 28 - 6:48 pm

  While this is an overall well built vehicle, it has had way too many problems for a 2 year old Honda with 20K miles. No major problems and everything has been covered under warranty, but too many days in the shop. The day we picked it up, the driver side pwr window switch malfunctioned. In the first month the front AC adapter ceased working. Recently, the battery and the front right strut/spring assembly had to be replaced. The front strut problem was initialy diagnosed as a brake problem causing an extra day in the shop. All this on top of 3 saftey recalls. This is my 5th Honda and Ive come to expect a more reliable vehicle from them.