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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  Mission Purpose - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Boogaloo - May 10 - 2:00 am

  It was a tough choice. The CR-V met mission requirements in a best value score over the RAV-4 and Hundai Sante Fe. 25mpg ave. 28mpg hwy, excellent ride and cargo and storage room. Dont ignore the other two. Each had something to offer and your mission might be different. Im so very disappointed in the domestics. They are irrelevant, fawning off the worse consumer values on four wheels.

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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Value that you need, fun when you want - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Harney - May 9 - 11:14 pm

  Great combination of economy, some fun, and reasonable roominess for a phenomenal price! Highway mileage is good for the long commute, yet you can let the turbo wind out the gears for some quickness on curvy roads. The cargo space is surprizingly large with and without the back seats down. All this for under $20k.

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  Great car for a great price - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Patrick@5280 - May 9 - 5:36 pm

  My 3rd Honda. The diff from the 98Accrd I had, to my new 05 is night and day. Blck ext/ivory int is beautiful combo! Although 4dr sed, has sure footed ride up canyons to the mountains & cruises like a dream on the open hwy at 80mph. In 6 mnths & 10k miles, has been in Denver temps from 105 to minus 15. Averaging combined 31-37 mpg in all types of traffic & weather. The smooth 4 cyl has all the get up and go I need. Heated seats supportive, stereo was good surprise, and bright gauges easy to see. Auto 5spd tranny never hunts for gear. Minor wind noise above 70.. not an issue. Lip spoiler looks great & completes rear end. This car makes my 60 mile r/t daily commute a piece of cake.

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  Great little truck - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sockpuppet1969 - May 9 - 4:43 pm

  My wife loves driving an SUV. We got the CRV because it is relatively small (on the outside) and gets acceptable gas mileage while still feeling like an SUV. Has lots of features in the SE trim. Rides great with plenty of pep. Great cargo room inside.

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  My 3rd Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom - May 8 - 4:40 pm

  I have been driving Accords trouble free since my 1st 1985 Accord 2Dr hatchback (210k miles) and this is my 3rd Accord. I wanted to get away from the "family sedan" look of my 2001 Accord (172k miles) so I bought the coupe and gave the 2001 to my daughter who needed a car after her 1998 Camry engine seized (oil pump). I really like the styling of the coupe. The car is not noisy as some previous reviews mention but I don’t have the sun roof or the V6 which may add noise. From the start I have been getting about 31 MPG (2/3 Hwy driving) which is better than I got with the 2001 4cyl 5M sedan (maybe better aerodynamics with the coupe). Since I commute 80 miles/day this was a pleasant surprise

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  New Pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By jay - May 8 - 3:26 pm

  Good value for the money

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  Ridgeline hits the mark on the re-design. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott - May 8 - 11:53 am

  Know exactly what you want as far as infotainment options; as they are different on every level. Im a Silverado old-school guy, so the RTL is perfect for me. However, some options that are desirable (i.e.) XM radio and/or CD player, you will be forced to go up 1 level just for that. Leather seats are much more comfortable than the cloth. Drive train and layout are the same on all. I was impressed enough to give up my newer Silverado for this more manageable and comfortable truck. Access to the bed on 3 sides is unmatched. I have driven a UPS truck for 23 yeas, so I know what a rough ride is. 5k towing is adequate for my Harley. If you desire a full size bed or want to pull a house off its foundation, This isnt your truck. The Ridgeline is a combo of luxury car with a bed that fits 4x8 plywood. Was never a big fan of the previous models. This one caught my eye. Fun to drive and no ladder needed to enter the cab or bed. 4 wheel independent suspension and the AWD system are very refined. Visibility is very good. The icing on the cake is being designed, manufactured, and built in Alabama. Gm trucks contain at least 40% parts made south of the border as stated on the door sticker. I am happier keeping those folks in Alabama working an earning a living.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - May 7 - 10:05 pm

  If you are expecting perceived Honda quality, you will be very disappointed in the Element. It will start at about 3000 miles when your rear brakes will start grinding, Then at about 20,000 they will literally explode. Make sure you are always near a repair shop. At 45,000 miles you will need a new manual transmission because yours will pop out of gear at low speeds and require two hands to shift it into 1st or 2nd gear. Have no idea what to expect at 50K because Im dumping it at 48K. Goodbye to the worst built car I have ever owned. (I have owned more than 30 cars BTW)