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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  Excellent choice - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Henry - September 29 - 1:00 pm

  In my opinion this is best value for the money car on the market. The fit and finish of the leather and the whole interior is top-notch, and clearly beats out the 2009 Corolla that I test drove. Both the Corolla and Civic are very close, but Honda has the edge in appearance inside and out, as well as build quality. The doors have a nice thud to it, almost like a luxury car, while the Corolla had a slight rattle every timed you closed the driver side door. Its those little things that made me give Honda my cash. Both Honda and Toyota are rated #1 and #2 in reliability so its hard to go wrong...

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  Great Car!!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By lawly - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car if you want reliabilty and style. After numerous months of research I settled on the Accord EX V6 coupe. I bought it used with 38K on it and never had a problem. It gives a smooth ride with large trunk space. The only drawback is the seats. After sitting in the seat for about 3hrs, it gets a bit unconfortable particularly the driver seat. I also wish it had a bit more torque for the faster acceleration.

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  2000 Honda Accord SE - 2002 Honda Accord
  By pb1084 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its my first Honda... I will never buy anything but a Honda now!

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  tune it - 1991 Honda Accord
  By brandune - September 29 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car. it loves to be pushed. its only a 4 cyl. but it is also very light. the trany is well built. i had to replace the original clutch at 110000mi. which is absolutly awsome. this is a great first car and is easily tunable. i got the car to 150 bhp with just barely over 300$ in engine upgrades.

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  Nine month review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 9hondas - September 28 - 7:53 pm

  Im sick of reading the reviews that say "had the car 2 days, best car EVER". Ive had this one 9 months and it is a great car. I dont buy BMWs or Mercedes or Audis -- just Hondas, so Im not going to complain how this car doesnt compare to them. You want a Honda, then this is the car to buy. The mileage is decent but not Civic-like, but then its a V6 not a 4 cylinder. Leather is comfortable and seats heat well. AC is great and it handles perfectly well (at least at the sane speeds I drive) so I cant help you if you want to drive at 90 mph+. But if youre just an "Average Joe" and just want reliable, decent, fairly priced vehicles, safe for the family, then this is the one to get

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  Great travel car - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Lee Lippert - September 28 - 4:41 pm

  Excellent ride for SUV. Medium mileage. Will seat 6 easily. 7 is a stretch

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  2017 Ridgeline 2 Week Owner - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Colorado Wing - September 27 - 3:14 pm

  The new design and reviews were the main selling points between the Ridgeline and other mid-sized trucks. We were not interested in the infotainment technology of the RTL-T/Es, and the RTL had just the right options for us. I love the smooth non-truck like ride and the quietness overall from exterior noise and road noise. I have not been a fan of the Honda fairly firm seats, but find it quite comfortable mainly because of the terrific suspension offering a very smooth ride. I keep the Econ engaged 99% of the time, only turning it off when real power needed. Results are great with nearly 23-24 mixed city/highway driving. The extra storage trunk in the bed is a huge plus, not to mention the dual opening tailgate. So many great attributes about this 2017 Honda Ridgeline...far too many to mention. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone not really needing a beefy 4wd truck. After researching various buying programs (Edmunds, TruCar, USAA, etc), we found the very best, untouchable price through Costco. Another dealer, who had the exterior/interior color combo we desired available within a couple weeks, matched the one dealer Costco dealt with in the Denver area. I couldnt be happier with the first truck I have ever owned over the past 40 years.

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  Look at OEM Tires - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Cyclone - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I searched high and low for the right vehicle. After test driving at least 30 different models we decided on the Honda CRV. Shortly after purchasing the CRV we took it on a 2000 mile trip. It fullfilled all of our expectations and got 26 MPG in the process. My only complaint with the vehivcle is the OEM tires which came with the CRV. It came with Bridgestone Dueler HT 684s. These have a treadwear of 180 Traction B and Temperature of B. All reviews I have read about these tires inducate that they are crap! I do not understand how Honda can allow these type of tires on a any of their vehicles.

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  The Best in its class. - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Silvercivic - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Over the past 6 months I had this car it drives nearly flawless in every way. Of course since it was used I had to do some minor repairs(New battery, realign rear bumper, swap lightbulbs) To this day I am still very pleased with this car.

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  Nice Car, Iffy Build Quality - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ColdSteel - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling, lots of aftermarket parts available. Aftermarket sunroof stinks. Tranny lurches at low speeds, engine is unexcepticly noisy and enemic. Needs VTEC. Windows are really slow. Handeling is bad. But it does looks nice. :)