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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  Replacing my Acura - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lilly - June 24 - 2:22 pm

  Knowing that I couldnt afford a new Acura, I decided that a Honda was the next best thing and I wasnt disappointed. The car is cute, comfortable, safe, and reliable. The gas mileage is fantastic - I have never gotten under 32 mpg and I have gotten up to 39. Turning radius is good and the brakes are very tight, just the way I like it. The clutch is solid, allows for a broad range of shifting times, and is fast and easy to use. Cant wait for my first road trip with it!

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  Great vehicle for the family - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sparkland - June 24 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my 2008 Ridgeline for about 3 months now and appreciate it more than ever. It is a great vehicle for the family--lots of room for people and cargo. The storage is substantial. The swing out tail gate makes it much easier to reach the load in the bed. Rear seating is more comfortable than the competition. The MSRP is expensive, but the discounts make it affordable. Fuel economy is normal for a 4X4 truck. I am consistently getting 17 mpg in daily city driving. Very nice vehicle for a combination of uses.

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  Welcome to your new "sports" car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Nyame Lavan - June 24 - 10:13 am

  I absolutely love my 2016 Honda Civic. Its a real powerful, fast, fuel-efficient ride with a beautiful design. When I pull up to a stoplight or am just cruising around town I feel cool..Im in a new slick ride and whats not to love? Id highly recommend this car to anyone who loves that sporty feel with the luxury comfort.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Picky Female - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  Great car with a lot of pep! Have owned a Camry before, just switched from large SUV. Very roomy inside and the throttle response is quick! Got all features available minus nav only 10 min from work. Black with black leather with chrome trim, wing and tint just pops and looks super sharp! (HID option would be nice)

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  The car I never bought - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AZ Bob - June 23 - 4:36 pm

  This vehicle is great love everything about it except the price--would but it in a minute if the price was better--unfortunately my dealer has a love affair with cars and we were NOT able to reach a sale

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  So Happy I went with My Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Erin - June 23 - 8:13 am

  I just purchased my Honda Accord EX-L 4CL with leather/moonroof and am so happy that I did. I was looking at spending extra for a certified pre-owned Volvo S60 or the Nissan Maxima. I just couldnt find any good deals, as the latter models were over priced and over hyped. When I test drove the Accord, I fell in love. The interior is that of a Lexus- quality. I couldnt believe it. So smooth and its got a lot of pep for a 4CL engine. I just got rid of my gas guzzling Jeep Cherokee V6. So over these ridiculous gas prices! Used to have to fill my truck twice a week to get back forth to my job. Ive cut that by just more than half (and itll get better once its broken in).

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  Great Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GD - June 23 - 2:46 am

  All in all the 2005 Honda provides a fun, efficient and safe ride. Plenty of room for 4 adults, without sacrificing performance. Car handles well on highway and city. Clutch system makes city driving easier than previous experiences. I have discovered a few rattles. First in the dash area. Dealership fixed it the first time in. Second developed in the passenger side headrest area. Nice trunk room. Could use fold away hinges like the Passat to allow greater clreance in the sides of the trunk. Stereo sounds full and XM option is great and easy to use. Biggest diappointment is the odomoeter/trip and temp options. Odometer should remain on with trip A, B and Temp options.

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  my baby - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Michelle G. - June 22 - 8:07 pm

  Almost at the 200K mark with routine maintenance. I love my car. With studded tires I can zip around with no problems whatsoever in the winter. Reliability is of paramount importance to me and Ill be keeping her until she blows up on the side of the road. Hell, we all gotta go sometime...

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  Fully Satisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Good Choice - June 22 - 4:36 pm

  My wife and I shopped only Honda and Toyota to ensure highest quality and reliability. We drove them back-to- back within 15 minutes of each other. Toyota has slightly better fit/finish and materials, is quieter, slower, and rolls more in turns. Honda is more powerful, rides slightly firmer, and handles much better. Ergonomics in both are great excepts that the Honda does not have a telescoping wheel like the Toyota; sounds picky, but it makes a difference for driving comfort. Over 1200 miles, gas mileage averages only 21 mpg, but I expect that to pick up once the engine is broken (5k miles or so). For the same features in Honda, we needed to get Toyota Limited at 5k more; not worth it

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  Hondas do anything SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By witchdoctor - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2000 ML 320 for the Element and couldnt be happier. This truck is a blast to drive, and draws attention where ever I go. Its very spartan, but extremely well thought out. 26 mpg and $15 fill ups are a big plus. Honda has put it all together in this vehicle. Anyone considering the CRV should definitely take a look at the Element first.