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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  Surprisingly pleased - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - January 24 - 11:06 pm

  Overall quality has been excellent. I spend a lot of time on the road (31,000 miles since late August) and it has actually been enjoyable. This truck is very quick, making passing a breeze. And the seats (heated) are very comfortable. Fuel economy has ranged from 19 to 22 on the highway. The AWD (4WD all the time) has handled amazingly well in a Michigan winter. The sound system with subwoofer was a nice surprise. From the beginning, I have been impressed with interior size and comfort, and the smooth, quiet ride.

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  Changed my driving style - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Civic Hyrid - January 24 - 4:56 pm

  We bought the Honda Civic Hybid for the gas mileage. I was disappointed at first with 40 mpg, I changed my driving habits to see what I could get and now I average 47.5 mpg. I do both highway and city driving. I am satisfied with the mileage. It could have a better ride. Overall not bad just a little bumpier than a more expensive car, but you get what you pay for.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris G - January 24 - 11:44 am

  If you are looking for a truck to haul a big trailer this is not the truck for you. Otherwise, i highly recommend it. Build quality is excellent. Power is good enough to tow smaller boats and trailers. In bed trunk is awesome and im getting 21 hwy mpg. All around good buy. Liked it better then the Tacoma after driving both.

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  Good minivan - needs some improvement - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bostonian - January 24 - 5:43 am

  Purchased minivan as the family was growing. Anyone who rides in the van, especially the kids, find the van to be comfortable for long rides. Found good value in van due to the number of options available in the EX-L.

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  Great buy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Honda Happy - January 23 - 11:06 pm

  After several crappy cars, bought my daughter this 2000 EX model with 4 cyl. Great car, good MPG, Zero problems, Nice interior with leather and wood, little 4cyl has surprising power.

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  Love my Honda! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Steve - January 23 - 10:03 pm

  Ive owned my Civic Ex since it was new & have been very pleased overall with it. It has been extremely reliable. The drive train, body & hardware have held up nicely. Only a couple of flaws: the SRS failed under extended warranty, but has failed again out of warranty--cost approx $500 to repair: Ouch! Fob doesnt work any longer--it is 10 yrs old, maybe Im expecting too much. Had to replace drivers window regulator, also replaced master & slave cylinders for the clutch. I consider these to be normal wear & tear items on a car of this age & mileage. Will sell this car soon as I have been given a company car. Ill miss my Honda!

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  Great, but wish for just a wee bit more - 2006 Honda Accord
  By pvk - January 22 - 4:13 pm

  In two words GREAT CAR. Good drive, handling and has most of the interior features one needs. When compared to the 07 Camry....much better ride/handling. I do not need to feel like I am driving a boat like a camry and I am satisfied with the space available as I do not have a tall family... Wish for some features namely MP3/WMA playback, automatic height adjustment, outside temperature gauge and this is cause the competion(Toyota 07) offers them for the same price..and I did have to compromise on these features for better ride/handling.

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  Honda Quality - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mobes - January 22 - 3:27 pm

  I have waited to buy a truck for years in the hopes that Honda would build one. They finally did and it was worth the wait. The ride, handling and quality are second to none. It is a SUV and a truck all in one. This truck has storage everywhere and has a lot of power under the hood as well. I love this truck...

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  A treat! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ursula - January 22 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased this car after a drunk driver demolished my sensible four door sedan and it was a treat. The car handles beautifully and heads always turn when I drive it through DC with the top down. It is fun to drive, and leaving work with the top down always puts me in a great mood by the time I get home. The only improvement would be the interior - it isnt set up very well and sometimes you can feel cramped.

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  steady, reliable, underpowered - 1993 Honda Civic
  By sbgardne - January 22 - 12:46 pm

  Purchased new for EPA rating of 48/53 mpg. Still getting 40+mpg in combined driving. Currently 201,000 miles. I stuck to major maintenance schedules, and still have original radiator, clutch. Paint and interior still in great shape. GREAT little car, get a Honda only if you value a reliability, resale value, smart design, comfort, and want a worry-free ownership experience.