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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  5-Month, 6,000 Mile Review... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Canadia - January 3 - 11:13 pm

  Preface: I did my homework, and shopped around pretty extensively. I knew what I was buying (an economy car), and held the civic to those standards. First, a few minor quibbles: 1. Thickness and durability of the paint is disappointing. Im finding too many chips on this young a car. 2. I cant locate the source of some random clunk coming from the right rear wheel... Other than that, all I have for the civic is praise. The car handles famously considering its class and competition, and the ride quality is uncompromised. Its solid, doesnt get flustered over bumps, and inspires much more confidence than my previous car (a 1998 Audi A6).

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  I look at it in every window I drive by - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Leesa - January 3 - 11:07 pm

  I had a 2003 Pilot and enjoy the CRV much more. I feel sporty yet safe with the Realtime AWD. Its white with the window & moonroof visors. I dont have anything bad to say about the vehicle, I love it. Drove it from WV to Mt. Rushmore, SD in July, it was comfortable, dependable, the epitome of sweet.

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  First Month, so far so good - 2009 Honda Accord
  By First Time Honda - January 3 - 6:16 pm

  Ill try to be as critical as I can to give a good opinion. The problems other posters have mentioned, are definitely there though. First, the uncomfortable seats. Yes, I see what everyone means. I did end up buying a $12 seat cushion from Walmart that has made a difference. Seats arent the best for long drives. Second, the "ECO" function, with switching from 6 to 4 cylinders is a little annoying as well. You have to learn how to optimize the accelerator pedal to minimize this. Navigation not as good as Lexus RX350, but Im still learning it. Voice recognition not all that. Otherwise, I like the car, the look. Its not a sports car, but Im pretty happy with it.

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  The Best - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ccendo - January 3 - 12:46 pm

  I just bought my third Pilot. I had an 03 EXL-ENT. I got my wife a new 06 with the DVD for the Kids. They love the 9" DVD screen. I was going to get the Ridgeline, but I got another Pilot EXL (different color):) they are great SUV. Everything in it is well built and functional.

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  Love my Ridgeline! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jaxon - January 3 - 10:12 am

  This is one of the most comfortable and responsive trucks Ive ever driven. Its so nice to drive that I often find myself taking the "long way" home in order to enjoy it just a little bit longer. Zimbricks customer service is above comparison, too, and that certainly is a bonus.

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  Good little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gannet - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Wife loves it. Great MPG. Surprising room for a tiny car.

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  AWESOME!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By SASSY - January 3 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE CIVIC EX!!! TRUELY A AWESOME CAR!!

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  Good MPG, Excellent Features - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By vshands - January 3 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my hybrid Ex-L for about a month now. I regularly get around 53 mpg city, but my highway mpg runs around 37 even with the econ button on (I have a bit of a lead foot). The mpg is effected more in cold weather than traditional cars. I love how I can put it in electric mode for short trips if the battery is charged enough, its perfect for running to the grocery store. Like another reviewer mentioned, the battery rarely gets fully charged, but does well enough. It doesnt drive like the traditional hybrid (no hesitation) unless you put it in econ mode.

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  Great mileage - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jon Kloosterhouse - January 2 - 8:50 pm

  The hwy mileage has been as high as 31 mpg. Mostly at 27 to 29 mpg hwy. Combined mileage 23 to 27. Way better than my 2006 and 2012 Ridgeline. I just wish all the RTL models had the sliding rear window. This model was a great value at $37000. March 2017. Update. Just took a 5600 mile road trip south and west to Arizona. Average mileage was 26 mpg. Many speed limits were 80 mph. Great truck. Mileage on vehicle now 14000.

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  Odyssey -A minivan out of this world - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By harry burstein - January 2 - 6:33 pm

  This is my second Odyssey-terrific comfort, handling and reliability. Room for our family of four with plenty of accessible cargo space. I wish I could think of a negative about this vehicle but after trying to think of something bad all I come up with is more good things to say...