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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  Great Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris g - January 11 - 3:25 pm

  Love this truck. It is more like an suv with a bed. So refined and powerful. In bed trunk is a godsend and fits alot. my brother has a new toyota tundra and was sorry he didnt test drive this honda first. Rides like a car. Not a vehicle for serious off-roading. But more then capable in snow and other rough terrain.Do yourself a favor and drive the Ridgeline before buying in other model. You wont be sorry.Also gets over 20MPG HWY.

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  Once you go Honda, you never go back! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ktreilly - January 11 - 9:26 am

  I bought my Honda Civic because I needed a reliable car to commute over 100 miles a day. I drove it straight for 2 and a half years with just oil changes and regular maitenance, I never even had to change a light bulb! Although a 2 door coupe, the back seat still has a lot of room. Also, the car is still heavy enough to be great in the snow. This car is practicle, fast and basically a commuters dream.. I will never buy anything but a Honda again.

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  Ridgeline is a winner - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AbdulHakkim Samad - January 11 - 3:01 am

  Its great for guys like me who spend most of the day in the truck, need car comforts and a truck space for jobs.. Love the huge storage under the bed and the tailgate which opens both ways. Gets me 22 mpg in city! Very smooth like Im driving a car. Only minus could be the low ground clearance which some guys might need, I dont do any off road stuff so Im good..

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By lukederosa - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th Honda I have owned and my lease was up on the Accord EX/L. My wife like the look of the Crosstour and after we drove it we purchased it. We wanted an all-wheel drive and extra cargo space since I recently retired. The Crosstour is quiet, fun to drive, handles very well and has a great price point. The only draw back is the passenger seat is too low for my wife who is 5 2" so we purchased a seat cushion. Im 61" and feel like Im sitting in a cave. That is the only negative on this great vehicle.

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  good all around - 2002 Honda Civic
  By pacey - January 10 - 6:29 pm

  ive had my car for 2 months now and have had no issues. lots of fun to drive, very good on gas. its not the fastest car on the road but is easy to pass cars on the highway. looks are excellent, audio is great.

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  The MPG Rating is the real deal! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Vox - January 10 - 4:13 pm

  Other reviewers have covered the vehicle design and overall performance thoroughly, so I will only say that the build quality and design have lived up to my expectations. What impressed me most is the MPG!I have driven approximately 3k miles to date, with the majority being city miles. My mileage has been consistently around 45 mpg, which is better than Honda advertises. Only in the last two weeks have I had a chance to do any serious amount of freeway mileage, and let me tell you, this is where the car shines! On a 250 mile trip in the flat central valley of California I ended up with 54 MPG! Tonight I returned from a 460 mile trip over the Sierra Nevada on one tank with gas to spare.

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  almost all I expected! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Alvaro Fernandez - January 10 - 12:45 am

  I am leasing this vehicle since may 2004 and pretty much planning to buy it! Yes, there is room to improve but so far we are 99% satisfied with everything related to it!

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  Great car for the money! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By kauaiboy - January 9 - 11:26 pm

  Had my mind set to buy a 4 door, but when I saw the 2-dr coupe, my reaction was "Wow!". Ive been driving it for less than a month, and just loving it! For the price, you cant beat it. Averaging about 32mpg, probably due to mix of city & hwy driving.

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  Best SUV yet! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Arthur - January 9 - 3:02 am

  We purchased a 03 White EX-L with Gray leather 10/02 - to this day, the paint still shimmers like new, leather takes wear & tear but is flawless. This is my everyday car, 66k, no problems. Impeccable fit & finish. Extremely comfortable on a 16 hr trip. Amazing mpg, I average about 23 mpg on a tank of gas. Likes being light footed, heavy footers will suffer. Great ergonomics. Rides better than my wifes Sequoia that cost me 44k. Feels big & safe like a truck. Lots of room to spread out & huge cargo room when seats folded. Only thing done was scheduled maintenance, tires/brakes at 42k, & trans. recall. No competition, Def buying again. If its well pampered, nothing goes wrong!

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  Honda makes excellents cars - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ALBERTO ARAYA - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  I leased this car thinking I betray Mitsubishi because I own it in the past and very happy with it, until HONDA, forget it, the steering is so responsive just to begin with it, the comfort and so quiet, the brakes and transmission are very smoothly. I am so happy with this car, I have to say bye - bye Mitsubishi. No regrets´, but I find something better in the market. The dealer experience was so nice, I have to say this car is sold by it self, no chance you will be disappoint it. I almost forget with the gas. To me is economic vs. Mitsubishi obviously more miles for gallon