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 SOLID car!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jay - October 29 - 9:46 pm

  This car is for real. It has it all and then some. I purchased a 2006 EX last week and I love it. This is an extremely safe vehicle with good power, great gas mileage, fantastic handling and a very attractive body style inside and out - all for a little over 19K before taxes. If you added a larger engine with a leather interior you would have a BMW 3 series. I doubt you will find a better car for the money, period! This is a "different" Civic - trust me.

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  To Pull My Harley - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By HARLEYGURL - October 29 - 8:54 pm

  I looked for a truck for 2 months. From Chevy Avalanche, Silverado, to a Tundra. I didnt think about the Ridgeline, I always said it was a womans truck as well as it didnt look good. Well after test driving and comparing prices for what I was looking for in a truck the truck I thought was unattractive was what I bought. I love it and it looks good. I traded a Mercedes Benz ML SUV for my Ridgeline, to pull my Harley. Ive gotten so many compliments on my brand new 2008 White Honda Ridgeline. Go Honda. Oh yeah ladies men love the truck too!

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  CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Mike Doherty - October 29 - 8:17 pm

  Smaller engine with turbo, acceleration is ok but far from great when needed

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  Just OK - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jrmart - October 29 - 1:10 pm

  The car serves its purpose. A good mileage commuter, and just that only! Lackluster power with A/C on and four on board. You really have to worry about passing on two lane roads. Seats seem hard, even after short trips. 5 speed auto just shifts and shifts and shifts even on /mild/moderate inclines! Blind spots because of weird A pillar and C pillars. Rear shelf rattles. Dash rattles

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  Solid vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By MIke - October 29 - 10:37 am

  Car has been trouble free. Only normal maintenance required. I always find that if you treat a vehicle (Honda, anyway) well it will last a long time. Just took a 5000 mile trip and averaged 32 mpg on the highway. Generally get about 22 in the city. We have never had a repair and the car has never failed. While I would like a new car, I have found very few that get the mileage I have experienced. I think Ill just stick with my EX.

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  vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jerzy Ryczek - October 29 - 1:29 am

  that thing vibrates when idling ,and also on low speeds ,very disappointed ,also have 2013 honda accord with same motor and transmission and no problems like that,hopefully honda will fix this soon,but for now people stay away from this car

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By KA - October 28 - 11:09 pm

  Very comfortable family car, even for long trips. Great front seats, OK rear, handles and performs like a sports sedan. Zero maintenance issues, except for a little window rattle. Average about 25 Mpg in mixed city/hwy driving, and 32-35 Mpg for trips @ 63-65 mph. Economy drops with a heavy foot or above 65 Mph. Stereo speakers were awful, had to upgrade on aftermarket. Would have preferred the 4 cyl/5 M but not available with stability control.

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  Not a great daily driver - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sean - October 28 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this car in October last year after test driving a couple and falling in love. Bottom line this is a very stiff car that is noisy and not a lot of fun to take on trips much over an hour. It performs well for a stock car, but isnt overly fast in a straight line. It does have a good suspension, but the stock tires are expensive and downright scary in the rain. This has been relegated to a garage queen that I only take out when the top can go down. If you can afford a fun weekend car, its great. For daily life, I found it unbearable.

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  Ugly Duckling - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bill Walsh - October 28 - 6:20 pm

  The only thing I can say is this vehicle is functional. It is ugly but practical. I am a woodworker and it does all I need it to do. It carries 4X8 sheets of plywood or dimensional lumber. I like the fact that it is not carpeted. It has no "gonads". You are not going to burn rubber with it. The good gas mileage is a tradeoff. When I first bought it, I was embarrased to be seen in it. (After being MR. PICKUP). Now I can live with it.

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  Great Car Period - 2005 Honda Accord
  By steve - October 28 - 3:00 pm

  I bought used with 38,000 miles. Put on 08 Accord wheels and tires and K&N filter. 4 cyl/auto has power to spare and gets great MPG. I have read some of the reviews about power/mpg on the 4 cyl and wonder what car they are driving!!! I am 60 years old and have owned Vetts and GTOs etc etc. While not comparing the Accord with either of these types of vehicles, I will say that for a 4 cyl auto this car is remarkable! So, in my opinion, you can not go wrong with this car.