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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  A Fantastic "Little" Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Unkabunca68 - November 6 - 3:40 pm

  Im a bit biased (a loyal Honda customer, this is my 3rd Civic), but this is an overall great car! Was a little apprehensive about paying +$3000 more than a standard Civic, but it was well worth it! Mileage isnt quite what I had expected -- Im averaging about 40mpg -- but at 425-475 miles per tank, I wont complain! Acceleration is better than expected .. I was told it couldnt get out of its own way ... its a little slow to start, but but holds its own at highway speeds. Handles very well for a light-weight car. Maintenance is a little more expensive. Engine requires 0W20 motor oil, which is pricey. Love the real- time mpg calculator and auto-shut off feature. Id buy again!

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  Love at first drive - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Josephine Nagle - November 6 - 12:27 pm

  The car has numerous safety features, knee air bags as well as side curtain air bags. It not only looks great it is a pleasure to drive.

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  get you one - 1999 Honda Accord
  By dustyrodes - November 6 - 12:09 pm

  I love this car bought with 142000 miles cars is awesome . the 5 speed ex 2.3l f23 motor this is a dressed down race car for the family man. A wolf in sheeps clothing, and 27 mpg in the city . it came with proformence mod on it cold air tune cat back ext. pretty sweet. I sound like your driving an old 60s sports car . And all the new car power. Everything work sunroof cruise control, and yes I did say it a five speed . leather int. Need a new sound system rt up my alley . this is a great car for your money and great on gas and insurance most important. Ac blows ice cold in the Phx Az heat . happy happy

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  Feeling like a kid again!!! - 2008 Honda Element
  By dqdave - November 6 - 8:36 am

  I bought it for the fun, but this is a practical car that I can use for my bikes, or camping, or the long winters in Wisconsin. And, I think its the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. MPG is fair, 24-26, mostly highway. MT is silky smooth, better than my S2000.

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  Black Edition worth the wait - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian Montgomery - November 6 - 4:30 am

  It will be hard to find. If you want one be prepared to put a deposit down and wait for it to come off the assembly line. I have been wanting a Ridgeline for years. I am a Honda loyalist and at first I didnt like the new look. Until I drove it, the thing drives like a car. I am 63 so I am used to looking over people when I walk and when I drive and this fits the bill. The lane keep assist will basically drive for you for approx 15 seconds and there is storage everywhere. The power back window was a unexpected bonus along with the Honda assist for 3 garage doors.

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  Right Choice - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert Clark - November 5 - 2:46 pm

  After looking at vehicles for two years, I made the decision to buy a Ridgeline over a Toyota Tacoma. I have been delighted with all aspects of the truck with the exception of the mileage. Although it is not horrible, I would really like to see 25 mpg on the highway. The design features are well thought out and everything is easy to use. Ride comfort is outstanding, although cabin noise could be less. I went to a different tire and noise dropped, but body insulation improvement needs to be worked on by Honda engineers. I take long trips and also used the truck on a rugged ranch and have no complaints. Online forums often mention the easily scratched bedliner, and this is a problem.

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  Unbelieveable car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Daniel - November 5 - 2:37 pm

  First and foremost, Ive driven civics all my life, including the latest, an 02 si. Finally, I get my hands on the S2000 and all i can say is WOW! Pure power delivered by a 9200 redline! Theres not much more of a race car Honda couldve designed. Its all that and THEN SOME! It handles beautifully, accelerates like a car on a mission! This car will give over 90% of the cars on the road a run for their money or even, a good taste of honda exhaust fumes!

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  Muscle car grandma loves her 2016 Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jean Curran - November 5 - 6:27 am

  I did a considerable amount of research between the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot before selecting a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing. Without I doubt I made a great choice. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited. After nearly 200K miles it was time for a change. I am a 61 year old grandma but I have managed the touch screen without difficulty. The 280hp engine with AWD gets me where I need to go. I also travel in a very comfortable cabin loaded with features and creature comforts. I added Honda Sensing to my vehicle. The crash avoidance, lane departure, blind spot monitoring and back up camera are wonderful. The Pilot offers a great deal of cargo space for groceries, sports gear, luggage or the family critters. Second row seating is very comfortable, 3rd row a bit tight for two larger adults but access is relatively easy. Lots of options for roof racks and other accessories that are not already standard. I do not test drive cars for a living. However, acceleration, handling and breaking are important to me. My Pilot gets the job done and I am averaging about 24.5 miles per gallon. My other vehicle is a 1970 Chevelle SS454 with a 375hp engine. 45 years of technology have certainly brought about massive changes. I hope to have my Pilot for a very long time.

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  Best SUV if you have small kids - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sam - November 5 - 12:23 am

  My wife hates to drive a minivan, so we end up buying the Honda Pilot. This vehicle is so spacious inside that you can bring along almost anything from big tents to huge coolers. This is the ideal car to take to the beach or go camping. For everyday use, this vehicle performs like any other car. But when you need to go pick up big stuff at home depot or lowes , then this car will give you a smile that lasts all day.

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  Beware of the automatic transmission - 2008 Honda Civic
  By cartmaniskool - November 4 - 9:06 pm

  I wanted to let others know that I love everything about this car except for the automatic transmission. It shifts too harshly while in D. When driving above 25-30 mph and then slowing down or braking under 20 mph, then quickly stepping on the gas, the transmission will jerk or buck forward and youll hear a very loud clunk sound. It is not a normal jerk at all, it is a very violent jerk and the transmission will clunk. Its pretty bad and Ive learned that its common in all 2008 civics with automatic transmissions. There was a problem with the civic si 3rd gear and there is a problem with the 2008 civic automatic transmission as well. Honda needs to issue a recall ASAP!