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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  AWESOME CAR! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Whitney Robinson - January 16 - 5:03 am

  It is the smoothest ride! We have owned Hondas for years and this year I think they have just put the icing on the cake as far as a luxury car is concerned. The radio even sounds great! i cant wait to get in my car and go somewhere. Sometimes I just get in the car and drive with no destination in mind.

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  even better - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dug - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Though there were no major changes to the 2005 the subtle alterations are great. The SE has a great pewter color, leather interior, 5 speed automatic transmission, smaller rear headrests and redesiged head and tail lights. Argualbly the nicest addition was the side curtain airbags. Thank you Honda, especially our dealership Scott Honda.

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  Is it wrong to love a car? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chiquita5000 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Favoritism aside, Ive gotten compliments on the roomy backseat even though its a 2-door. Its sturdy on the road, at high speeds (hee hee), in the rain. Its a very safe, sporty car.

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  Loooove IT! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Patunia - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2005 Honda Accord. I had the 2003 2 door Accord V-6 and then the 2004 door Accord V-6 and loved driving them all...The price is affordable for the standard features found on the EX- V6 and the quality of my Accords has been great!! With a few added extras (tinted windows etc) it is really a sharp car and is always fun to drive...

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  Honda - Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Brian - January 15 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my Accord used with 83,000 miles on it. Still with that mileage, it drives and is rattle free like it was brand new. the car now has 94000 miles on it and other than oil changes, Ive done nothing to it, unlike my 1994 Thunderbird that I had before it. Ive owned many cars over the years and have always found the Japanese cars to be better built and extremely reliable compared to any "American" car Ive owned. I dont think Ill go back to an American name plate again.

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  As Good As They Say! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Guy - January 15 - 9:48 am

  This is my 3rd Honda (2nd Accord). I havent had any major problems with this car at all. The drivetrain has been perfect. Only routine maintenance and at 72,000 miles, she still runs like a champ. Oddly enough, the fuel mileage has gotten better with age. The I-4 motor has plenty of power. The ride is still smooth. I can see keeping this car for another 100,000 miles before I even consider selling it for another Honda.

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  Good Car but Bad Dealer - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Joker - January 15 - 8:16 am

  I bought a Certified Used Car 2000 Honda Accord EX V6. Some problems that I have is The windshield glass were cracked, part of the seats were falling apart and I did fixed it by myself, the clocks LED were burnt out (they changed it), promised to give me Carfax but nothing they gave me, no master keys (only valet key), the rear bulb brake light wasnt installed correctly, the side airbags light comes up suddenly, and now the Maintennance Required light comes up. Other than that is fine. Very comfy, powerful but quiet and smooth, stylish, roomy interior, huge legroom, and many more. The bad thing is just the pedals needs to be adjusted and loosen up a little bit, now its too sti

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  So far so good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Hiren Bhatt - January 14 - 3:47 pm

  Great car and very smooth ride.

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  What an amazing truck!! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim - January 14 - 12:06 pm

  How does Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc. still sell any trucks? I find it hard to believe. I have had them all and this Ridgeline is by far the best of the group. It can only tow about 6000 pounds, but that is not my primary use. It has been getting 21-22 hwy, 18ish mixed and 15-17 around town in pure stop-go traffic. Every time I drive it, I like it even more. The things they think of and incorporated in this vehicle are amazing. I wondered in the beginning why they made some things the way they did, and over time, everything makes perfect sense. The 4x4 system and stability control are second to none, it rides like a car and it is Honda quality. Enough said. Highly recommended

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  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL w/ Navigation - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ssoelter - January 14 - 10:02 am

  I read lots of reviews before deciding what I would buy to retire my 03 Tahoe Z71. I wanted a SUV or truck that has 4WD/AWD, that is more fuel efficient than the Tahoe and priced closer to $30K than $40K. In the end, the vehicle that fit me (6-4")and my criteria best was the Ridgeline. Now that Ive had it for a couple of weeks I am confused with the two most common complaints that I read during my pre- purchase research - gas mileage and power. To the issue of gas mileage, it compares very well with every other 6 cylinder powered vehicle out there. As to power, it is very capable in town and on the highway, but again, its a 6. In the end, the Ridgeline is great at being what it is.