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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  my car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By YLR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  10 years of good driving.Also easy to tow behjind my motor home

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  Loud noise, when water splases exhaust - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Scottwm - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Does anyone else have this problem with the 2002, Honda Civic EX, 4dr, 5 speed Man. When driving through puddles the water splashes on the exhaust and has a loud noise, the noise you would here if a car had no exhaust. As it dries, 30 seconds, it goes away. Honda knows of this issue and calls it a "charateristic of the car". I was told by the dealership, after they replaced a strut and the problem still was there. Today, Aug 5, I contacted Majestic Honda,W. Wariwick, RI. (I purchased the car from their Lincoln , RI dealership) and asked to speak with the the owner. I will receive a callback from the owner. Scott,

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  You gotta get a lude, dude! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By EK - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Si lude with a little under 100K. Ive only had to replace the timing belt (preventative maintenance) and get some oil leaks repaired. I now have over 120K on my car. I absolutely love it!! This is the funnest car Ive ever driven. I recently test drove the new Accord EX V6 and the new V6 Altima (I thought I needed a bigger car). My 92 lude would run circles around both of these vehicles so Im sticking with my lude. Recently, I saw a car ad for a 95 lude priced at $12,000 (the ad said Rare car)!! Amazing! Youd have to fight me for my mine.

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  wow what a truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Socal truck lover - November 3 - 7:32 am

  If you go for the top edition which is the black edition, you will be happy at how it looks like a truck and acts like a truck be has a very suv feel to it. Its all wheel drive and at least 4 traction options. they there is the d4 option adds more capability to the truck. I also like the lighting, parking assist, blind spot asist, lane keeping assist, full voice control of audio and climate control and navigation and phone calls. I do not have to do anything. Hands free finally. I have had Jags, and tundra and jeep commander, bmw and I was shocked to get all this for less than a 3 series BMW. the truck bed is fully protected with a liner. You will never go back. To anything else.

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  Good Engine, Bad Electronics - 2003 Honda Accord
  By aIce - November 1 - 6:53 pm

  The car drives like a charm. Even with automatic transmission is has quite a kick, even at 70 mph. The only disappointing part is the ever failing electrical parts (alarm, radio, window engine, car seat power engine, door lock).

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  Love my Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By missq1111 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Love it! The only thing I would change is the moonroof controls. The passager needs to have access also. The door locks. Passager again cant do much. The seat heater are to easy to hit by mistake, need thing you know you have a hot bottom and it 90 degrees out side. Love the back seat being able to lie down and use for larger cargo. Love the quite ride. Seems like a big car inside even tho it not. A dream to ride around and view the world around us. Nice big windows. Easy to see when backing up. Never thought we would buy a Honda but sure glad we did. Its jus right for us. Its a keeper!!

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  Honda is overrated - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TNSpike - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Power seat slid and the Dealer advised this couldnt be fixed! Also, XM radio display was poor. No automatic Power Locks!!! Fun to drive, but had a slight hesitation when acceralating.

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  Low mpg. Comfy car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Amit - October 28 - 5:22 am

  Excellent car. But gives low mph

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  Not Bad after all - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Rhea - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle as an inbetween from an old clunker suv until I can afford a brand new one. This has felt like a new car, No mechanical problems, door locks like to stay down on the unlock though, and I personally cant stand the automatic locking doors as soon as the ignition key is turned! (took me three times of getting locked out while motor running to get many duplicate keys made!) Goes thru 1 qt oil every 2-3k. Lifters make a bit more noise than I think they should. But other than that, Its been a nice car, Getting ready to look for that Brand new one soon!

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  2005 CRV-SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Sporty CRV - October 27 - 3:00 pm

  I love the vehicle - For it being an SE it is missing some features such as homelink, powerful stereo, lit vanity mirrors, power drivers seat and fog light. The CRV is very fun to drive and is compact but has alot of room...etc backseat and the rear. We love how the back seats recline. I am suprised that Honda hasnt moved the gear selector. This is definately the best vehicle for the room and the money. You cant go wrong with a Honda.