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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  Nice drive for the price but need improvements - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Anil Pabbisetty - March 26 - 5:55 pm

  Biggest drawback is the controls on the navigation system and audio system needs improvement. Who ever did the usability missed the basics on it.

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  best yet - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottsdale - March 26 - 1:00 pm

  I drove GM vans for years until they stopped making that model. I needed something to replace the van and a GM surburban that I used to haul and also pull a boat. The Ridgeline fits that dual purpose requirement for passengers and stuff to a T. The fuel mileage could be better, but then again it is a truck.

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  Great Sedan - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Unearthed - March 26 - 7:03 am

  I ended up with a 4cyl EX after looking at pretty much every trim Honda offers in the Accord. I really think the v6 feels slightly underpowered in this car...I couldnt justify the price difference to step up to the 6. The EX-L has all the cool tech gadgets and I wish you could have a regular EX with them included. I hate leather seats, especially when I felt how nice the cloth was in the EX version. The car handles extremely well, and I dont notice the body roll Edmunds mentions in their review. The 190hp is adequate and the ride is firm enough yet not harsh. Build quality is fantastic and Honda has done a great job with the quality of the interior.

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  Wifes Car - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Cheezzeppi - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Handles well and is fairly comfortable for a long drive. Only mechanical problem was having to replace the intake manifold gasket twice.

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  2003 Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crv me ex - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the spacious feel and drivability on the road. Was looking for something larger but still decent gas mileage and it fits the bill. Good milage on the open road.

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  Radio Trouble - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wdr - March 25 - 2:00 am

  My daughter bought this car thinking honda was a great product. She bought it from Rick Case Honda.I advised the service manager the radio has static while driving (not all the time ) They said the radio is working according to factory specs and I should just accept it. Honda america hung up on me when I tried to create a case #. And a manager W/ Rick Case was to call me 4 days ago. Beware of the lip service the Rick Case adds have because its not true. They have yet to fix or help me with my problem

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  Low Trying to Increase the MPG - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Roberto Gonzales - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Honda Hybrid because we like new technolgy. With gas prices cripping up to $2.00 a gallon, fuel economy is greatly helping finance the car. Fun to drive. Great to show off. I love my Honda Hybrid. Not even a whisper of a problem. The first time the idle stop kicked in at a light I pulled the joke on my friend -- oh no, my car died. Can you push? Buy it!

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  disappointed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TominNH - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Thw car is great.......... styling takes a LOT of getting used to for me....... and apparently one cannot install an aftermarket radio without losing teh climate control display..... serious blunder

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  Went from S2000 to Accord Cpe V6 w Nav - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joseph - March 24 - 9:20 pm

  I turned in my S2000 for the Accord Coupe V6 w/ Nav and auto trans. I must say the nav is fun to play with, still getting to know all the functions and voice command. The stereo and XM radio is great. The speedo/tach is a little boring compared with the new Civics and S2000, but its bright and legible at night. There is a faint pull when the cylinders switch from 6 down to "eco" mode, but its very faint. Ride and handling are great as is the power, though pretty unimpressed with overall fuel economy but at least it doesnt take premium (averaging 23 mpg). But it looks hot, so for me, switching from an S2000 to this was important. People will gawk.

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  everything you expect and more - 1997 Honda Civic
  By dattman86 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  my 97 civic has been one of the most rewarding product purchases i have ever made and easily the best vehicle purchase. i love my civic and will stick with honda on my next vehicle though i will probably step up to an accord or something larger. my only complaint is the road noise. it is not exactly a quiet ride. the handling makes up for it though.