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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  Best Civic Yet! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - January 10 - 3:00 pm

  Best civic ever made, we traded in a CR-V, we averaged 22 mpg for this fuel sipping civic. Our other car is a 99 civic, and you cannot begin to compare the two. My family was awestruck when they found out the civic has a NAV! The NAV is excellent no complaints. Drive is luxury car smooth, handling and braking are A+. My wife says it is more difficult for her to park then the CR-V, but I think the windows are more sports car like. It is something you come quickly accustomed to. I am 65" and I fit great, much better than the older civic, however the passenger seat feels more cramped than the drivers. Good thing my wife lets me drive her car when we go together!

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Diane - January 10 - 1:16 pm

  I just bought this truck... my first. I was impressed with the luxurious, car like ride and side airbags being standard. The in bed trunk is huge and holds tons of stuff. Totally love this truck, didnt want to go the SUV route again. I added the optional "tonneau" cover across the bed to give it additional covered storage.

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  Hondas forever - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Suzanne M - January 10 - 1:06 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, my second accord. Well it is a little smaller than my 2005 accord, I love this car. It’s magical. I feel like I have come into the 21st-century. It drives amazing, it’s so pretty, the only thing I wish I had gotten was tinting.

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  MomMobile - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ljbamburg - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the Honda Odyssey. Its a great van for my family with two young and active children.

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  1st Honda Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By smccann - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car in April with 82000 miles on it. Handles / runs like a new car, great gas mileage. It looks nice and shows little wear. One previous owner had the tranny replaced at 71K free of charge due to the recall on 00 & 01s. I hope to get many trouble free miles out of it.. I was surprised at the tranny defect, we have all heard about "bullet proof" Hondas, lets hope the remand trannys last longer than the original..

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  2001 Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Iwannaarsx - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic, i would like anyone else want more horsepower. There are a bunch of things i could say good about the car so im gonna say some bad stuff. The sheet metal is too thin in some places, changing gears from first to second above 4500rpm will grind, the car gets dings really easy. These are just small things i would tell anyone who wants a good car and great fuel econmy to get this car. 70000 miles and still going strong no problems.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2001 Honda Accord
  By boswelsc - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! Hands down, one of the best values out there for the money. The only way you can get a nicer Honda is to buy an Acura. The V6 offers quite enough power for any driving conditions and the interior finish is well insulated and provides a nice comforable ride. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking for a luxury car at an economy car price.

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  The CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Irishmark - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I just wish it got a little better gas mileage. For a four cylinder car, it should get better then 22 miles per gallon

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  Worth the money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tim- - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Good SUV! If you want extras such as a roof rack or running boards, getting them online and installing them yourself will likely be a better deal than your local dealership. Ive checked my mileage twice and have gotten 26 and 26.5 mpg. If you leave your keys in the ignition you cant accidentally lock the doors (take THAT, on-star!).

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  Nice - 2004 Honda Civic
  By abest - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car, inside and out has a lot of feautures that really make it a great buy.