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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  Sweet car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mike n. - June 1 - 9:53 pm

  The reliability of these cars cant be touched. Why buy American? The last Dodge I owned was a mud motor! I also owned an Oldsmobile, what a joke! Ive had my Honda over 2 years and no problems. Brakes and battery yes, but normal on any car. I also owned a Nissan maxima for over 10 years! Only normal wear and tear. Although I must say Chevy trucks are the best! Fords have horrible trannys! If not for Chevy I would only buy Honda or Nissan. I hope this info will help you when shop around.

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  Honda Prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By anthony - June 1 - 8:01 pm

  Bought this car brand new right of the boat, they actually just unloaded it on the lot, bought it with 3 miles on it, the 3 miles I put on the car test driving it. It is too bad Honda cannot built a decent electric car that looks like this. They need to pay more attention to Tesla motors and get away from the electric cars that look like boxes with wheels on them

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bladebeme - June 1 - 6:16 pm

  What a great small mid-size SUV. Only problem is lack of power, but other than that its a SUV that rides and drives like a car.

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  Hybrid - great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By G. Gagnon - June 1 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great car - 45-52 mpg - original owner and I am very pleased. The downfall is the noise level, especially in the back seat. Seats could be a bit more plush also.

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  Very reliable - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SB - June 1 - 4:11 pm

  This is a great vehicle! I bought this car as a used car certified with 30,000 miles and it has been very reliable! I have driven long distances on numerous occasions and havent had one problem in the 3 years that I have owned it.

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  Phoenix Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phoenix Civic - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  Excellent car. Honda got it right with their redesign! Great normal Honda quality, ride, performance, etc.

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  My first Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Big Daddy "54" - June 1 - 1:40 pm

  Shopped around looking at Accord, Camry, Mazda 6. Hands down, the best overall value with standard safety features. Ive only had it for 3 weeks now. Plenty of pep in the 4 cyl. First round trip of 520 miles, mostly freeway, I averaged 38+ mpg w/5 speed manual (but Im a conservative driver). Handling is responsive but the ride is a little stiff. Plenty of leg and head room and ample room in back seat for 2 passengers.

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  Buy the Odyssey over any other minivan! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Candace - June 1 - 10:50 am

  I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey. We search and rode in every single minivan offered and by far this van has the most to offer and is the most comfortable! Not to mention the Honda reliability! I only offer up to you to not purchase from Shaefer & Strominger in Bel Air (Bel Air Honda) the sales managers there think they are too good to sell a car. I only bought there because they had the only van out there that had everything I wanted - but the experience w/ them was enough to say that I would never go back.

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  of all the SUVs Ive had, this is the best - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By cece - June 1 - 9:32 am

  LOVE the mileage - getting 30 in town! Much better than my 2010 ford escape which I owned previously. Comfortable and fairly quite. Enjoy the heated seats but was driving over the holiday (outside temps in the teens) and it took a while for the interior of the car to warm up. Love the fit and finish, the interior, the outside color and grey interior, etc. The only real issue is that I have had a problem with the rear wiper - the bracket is broken and Ive lost two wipers in the past month. The dealership has been good to replace but Ive called them about getting another replaced and hope they will not only replace but fix the bracket in which it fits so I dont lose another.

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  A great truck for those who dont need one daily. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken R. - June 1 - 12:28 am

  The redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a significant improvement over the previous design. I previously owned a 2006 and 2011 Ridgeline, but left Honda three years ago to another brand (GMC) due in large part to the prior outdated design, old technology (really, no USB port?), etc. The new Ridgeline has fixed the problems of the past with much improved technology, better sound system, modern design, quiet ride and comfortable handling. The safety features (RTL-E) are impressive, perhaps redundant (Lane Keeping Assist vs. Road Departure Mitigation systems). Very pleased with combined city/highway milage (23-24), the ability to put the engine in ECO setting to shut down 2 cylinders when cruising is useful on long trips. Some new things are gimmicky (A/C outlet for tailgating tv and bed sound system) but overall it has received many looks and compliments, decent towing and AWD for our rural location.