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 Overall - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jeff from S.R - December 22 - 1:43 am

  A really great car overall. It could use about 25 more horsepower. Its very quick at 240hp, but it would be a beast at 265hp. Good thing we can add on after market intakes and exhusts. I definatly recommend geting the Honda Factory Performance Suspesion. The ride is so much tighter and the slight drop really makes the car look awesome. If you have the extra cash id get the Aero Packeage as well. As a whole the car is an Excellent choice.

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  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By GMH - December 21 - 8:56 pm

  I decided to downsize for better gas mileage and to afford all the amenities and safety features. Im so glad I did - I love my CR-V! I get about 22-25 mpg in the city, and 30+ highway (even w/4 people and luggage). This car is comfortable, cute, fun to drive, and handles like a car. The interior feels spacious. The cargo shelf doubles the space for groceries, and the folding/rumble back seats are great for carrying mid-size loads. My kids like that they can recline the back seats, as well as adjust the leg room. Theres no a/c vent in the back, but it cools down quickly. Good visibility, and backup camera provide added safety. I highly recommend the CR-V!

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  Another Good Honda Product - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bwjordan - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  I picked up the car on a Thursday, drove it halfway across the country 2 days later. This is my second Civic to own; my last one lasted 12 years and was doing great (just got to 160,000 miles and I wanted to update my car). Anyway, the 10 hour trip was actually fun. I would definitely invest in the NAV system again. My mileage is not quite what they promised, but whose is? I got 42 mpg on the highway, about the same in the city. I was getting in the upper 20s with my last Civic. Anyway, great car. The most comparable car would be the Prius, of course. I just didnt like the idea of depending on a camera to back up.

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  Loved Ridgeline until fire - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kim - December 20 - 11:32 pm

  We loved our Honda Ridgeline. Great truck, my husband used it for his work as a construction supply company owner. He frequently hauled building materials with this truck. He also drove it long distances without a single problem. Everything was great about this truck, until it caught on fire today, and is now sitting in the towing companys lot, waiting to see what can be salvaged. Ive been a loyal Honda/Acura owner for years, we also own a Civic and an Acura MDX, but we will not be replacing this Ridgeline with another Honda.

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  Love the Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By B Bryant - December 20 - 9:23 pm

  I have had many new cars over the years, most were GM & Ford but this Honda has to be at the top in most all aspects. Its fun to drive and is fast for a 4 cyl. & delivers good mileage. I drive fast 70 to 80 most of the road miles & the little Honda gives me high 30s and once in a while will squeak 40 MPG. This is our first Honda and it will not be my last. In short its my best auto purchase in 50 years (trade at least one vehicle a year)... so you can see I think a lot of this car & the company stands behind them.

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  Really like it!! - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave Lobacz - December 20 - 8:14 am

  Really like the idea of having a vehicle with a bed but on independent suppension and a unibody. Good ride and solid.

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  Wow, almost the perfect minicar. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Talulah - December 20 - 3:40 am

  My first real trip in wifeys new Storm Silver Fit sport automatic was a combination of surface streets during afternoon rush with high speed expressway on the return trip. Total ride was 140 miles in one sitting. My car is an Audi A6 3.2 Quatro. This Fit Sport is as quiet and rattle free, CD player is nearly as nice. Interior is completely acceptable, build quality as nice, paint is quite good. The car handles bad roads and X-way ramps better than the Audi. Whats wrong? The accelerator pedal is uncomfortable to work at low speeds and the engine needs better mounts or engine balance shafts. It is buzzy when its working hard. Thats pretty often. Sunroof please?

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Robert - December 19 - 7:56 pm

  Fun to drive. Sharp. Runs well. Interior well designed. Rides well on the highway. First time Honda owner.

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  Fun spelled w/ 5 letters: Honda - 1994 Honda Accord
  By d.k - December 19 - 7:36 pm

  I own a 94 Accord EX 4 door automatic. This was my first car Ive ever owned, and it will be the last car I ever own because Im not getting rid of this thing for any reason. The engine is the most reliable thing on the earth. It fires up with no problem. Ive tried to kill the engine before, but I found it impossible (I cant say the same thing about the trans because Im on my 3rd one). It is a very slick looking car. Mine is red with aftermarket headlights and an oem rear wing spoiler. The stock rims look nice and sporty (thou they could be bigger) the car get great gas mileage. And the best part: VTEC!! Its not a super fast car, but its not a super slow one either.

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  Very impressed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By phillyg_16 - December 19 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased my civic w/ 105k miles and have put 50k miles on it since. I love it. It handles very well in the snow (we get lots in MI), and gets great mileage (an average of 32 city & hwy). Its been very reliable. It blows my mind that it has 155k miles on it and it still drives like its new. Plus, I put 12 gallons of gas in it and it takes me 400 miles.