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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  1991 Honda Accord SE - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Les R Howell - October 13 - 12:51 pm

  I bought this car new 1991. My wife and I have put 271050 miles on it. When I bought a new Toyota, Avalon, 2001- I didnt sell this car and let it sit for over two years in my drive. Put the key in two years later and... Voom! Wonderful car. Excellent gas mileage. Very quick and it just sings when you start it. Honda mechanics love to work on it (three new timing belts, new tires, new brakes), no engine problems- none, nota, zilch. Still just as quick as ever. Does not have air bags and my wife refuses to let my daughter drive it without them. Must sell. Every car should want to be like this one. It is possible to love a machine... though I never thought so.

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  The Best Hybrid You Should Buy - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Ahmad Malik - October 13 - 11:40 am

  This car is great. You get value for you money. Its a no brainer with the fuel economy. You fill that tank up and see 720 miles range and you are good to go. The ride is comfortable with noise reduction. Honda paid attention and giving a gap of two years was a great idea to work on the car. Eco friendly what could you ask for more ?

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  This is my 6th HONDA! Love Them!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By debby - October 13 - 1:06 am

  Love Honda and love this SUV. I was sad when I traded my Accord, but so happy that I did. I do a lot of long distance travel and the ride is as smooth as the Accord and the extra space for transporting items is great.

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  Honda forever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kg - October 12 - 9:53 pm

  I was recently traveling at 65 miles an hour when I ran over a piece of metal on the interstate. I lost control of the car for a moment but managed to keep the van straight. Unfortunately, my back axle broke but the Honda handled it extremely well. I thought for sure we were about to have a horrific accident but the Honda managed to keep all four tires on the ground and we ended up on the shoulder of the road. God played the biggest part in keeping my family safe but thank you, Honda for Vehicle Stability Assist. I could feel the wheels fighting the urge to leave the road. The reason my husband and I chose this vehicle was safety and Im so pleased that the investment paid off.

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  2006 Honda CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By J. Maschler - October 12 - 4:30 pm

  We have owned Hondas since 1976. This (2006 CRV) is by far the worst one. It drives like a truck without a suspension. Poor gas mileage (22 mpg) and very noisy. Very restricted leg room.

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  Quite Happy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Reeb - October 12 - 2:56 pm

  I just bought this car slightly used. I went from a 99 Civic Hatchback and proceeded through a difficult decision process and chose this coupe. Factors and thoughts: I am 33 and live in LA. I think the FIT is the perfect car, but test drove one and considered it strangely a step DOWN from my 99 Civic. Horrible crisis. Also considered: Mazda 3 hatch (family car), Mini Cooper (too hip, limited, expensive and faulty), Scions (too young for me), VW Rabbit (just boring), Prius (boring and expensive). I think that I made the best choice of the available cars. Comments: fun to drive, handling tight, build quality is great, the seats are VERY comfortable, acceleration is astoundingly smooth.

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  "I love my City Boy Truck" - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex - October 12 - 2:51 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline about 2 months ago when they first came out and I am In Love!!! This is my first truck and 2nd Honda (06 Honda Accord) and I have found the perfect truck for me. I live in the city and just need a truck on weekends and moving stuff once in a while. This is perfect, the Ridgeline is so quiet and drives like a SUV. I sometimes forget that I am driving a truck. Gas is not an issue, I have to fill it up once a week if that. the technology is great. Apple Carplay, Bluetooth, Navigation, rear view and side view cameras, its all there! the Inside is comfortable, quiet and has tons of storage space. When I am stopped at a stop light people stare, so being one of the first to drive around in one of these is pretty cool too. Highly recommend this truck for people like me that dont need a big Truck for their everyday lives but for the people that drive to the office back and forth Monday through Friday but need that extra truck space every once in a while.

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  Never had a better car! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Tammy - October 12 - 12:03 pm

  The Honda Odyssey SV 2000 has been the most reliable mini van Ive owned. It handles very well, especially on rainy days and has been a great family car around town and on long trips.

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  Ridgeline is an Awesome Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By R. Stearns - October 12 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about my Ridgeline. The backseat is very comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. The in-bed trunk makes a big difference over other trucks. The back-up camera is a must- have, makes it so much safer, especially with kids around. A very fun car to drive!

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  Honda convert - 1997 Honda Civic
  By HappyHondaOwner - October 11 - 10:54 pm

  I purchased this civic at 10 y/o (in 2007) with 145,000 miles. I replaced a Ford coupe, at first I was skeptical about the transition to Honda nameplate. Very easy and fun to adjust to the civic, easy to love. The car was very clean, good engine (evrything original). The only repairs needed so far: a radiator replacement (just over $100), brake service overhaul (ouch: $400), alternator replacement (about $100). Routine servicing has included a new set of tires ($245), new battery ($55) and the usual periodic oil changes (at around 5k miles $23ea), and a autotrans flush ($85). I am currently clocked at 192k (happy) miles! Cant wait to break 200k I know it will...