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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  I love it!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By goldberg - February 23 - 12:03 pm

  I really love this car! Im having a blast about its fuel economy! Those who are saying bad things about its battery? THOSE ARE NOT TRUE!!!

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  Great reliability - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - February 22 - 10:14 pm

  Other than some road noise, all positives on this vehicle.

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  I am in love - 2013 Honda Accord
  By famsert - February 22 - 9:18 pm

  After doing months of research, I finally settled on the 2013 Accord Sport and I dont regret it one bit. I got the metallic grey colour and I must say it is extremely sexy. To me the design is the perfect mix of being not too conservative but not too trendy. The interior quality is great. Soft touch all around. Couldnt be happier with it. The ride is firm and steering as natural (hydraulic) as possible for EPS. Also, this car is SOLID in turns yet it feels very lightweight. Its weird. I can see the firmness being mistaken for being too harsh though since this feels more german than most mainstream midsize cars. I personally love it and it feels like a drivers car.

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  Ex_Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By tx_Honda - February 22 - 9:09 pm

  I am a living testament about the reliability of this car. Bought in 2000 and lost this car in 2006 in a wreck, not at fault. I put 134k in 6 years in extreme winter conditions. This car did not give a single issue in any weather, summer, winter below 0, conditions. With out an issue, I drove 180 miles daily on this for 6 months – icy, snowy conditions of WI. Only thing I did was regular oil change and scheduled maintenance. Most of all, impact at around 35 mph, Accord’s front and Malibu 06 rear right, my young son in the back seat (WEARING SEAT BELTs) – we walked away from the scene without a single scratch. If this car has factory suggested maintenance history, I will suggest buying it.

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  Huge inside! 4ft wide bed! Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Trevor - February 22 - 11:41 am

  I couldnt decide which truck to buy before the Ridgeline came out because none of them met all of my needs and wants. The Ridgeline is a great truck and drives great. By transverse mounting the engine Honda gives this "mid-size" a full size interior. The bed, although only 5 ft long, is 4 ft wide and can handle 4 x 8 sheets. The Ridgeline also handles great in the snow it snowed 15" last year and I was out driving right through it before they even plowed without problems. Wouldnt recommend it for offroad use however, but I never offroad so it doesnt affect me. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pam - February 22 - 9:00 am

  good

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  A reliable and low cost maintenance automobile! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Alice Harnell - February 22 - 4:13 am

  This Honda Civic hybrid, purchased in 2004, is running perfectly. The hybrid battery was replaced once by the dealer at no cost to me. The car is completely dependable. When it hasnt been driven for several weeks, it will still start up immediately. My next car will be another Honda~

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  first new car purchase - 2006 Honda Civic
  By charrod76 - February 22 - 2:43 am

  Before I went to the Honda dealership I had no idea what the new civic looked like. I seen it, test drove it and bought it the next day. Ive owned a grand am, mystique, eclipse covertable and now this honda. This is by far the best built and fuel efficent car Ive had. My only regret is not getting the better wheels that the ex has. I bought this car on Hondas reputation for durability. I plan to have this car for 10 years. Excellent gas mileage!! Gas is going up, but I dont care with the gas mileage this honda gets. I love it.

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  Amazing Value - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By DonnieD - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Admittedly, I just got my car today, so its too soon to tell on many of the ratings categories. However, being the end of the model year, we got a screaming deal on a lease. I am literally paying less per month for this feature-packed, high style, brand new XTour than I am for my 09 Civic. The body is somewhat similar to the BMW X6, which I LOVE, but for $30,000 less, Ill stick with my Honda! I traded in an 08 Highlander (which never grew on me). I hope the gas mileage will be better on this car. The XTour gives me the feeling of luxury, the utility of driving my kids around, & space for football gear in the back. I hope I am still loving it a year from now!

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  Best of the best - 2007 Honda S2000
  By ddgreen33 - February 22 - 1:03 am

  My wife has owned every boxster style car known to man. Its amazing to me how cheap the S2000 is compared to the others. This car is simply the best.