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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  Best Value Truck on the Market - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ramzey - October 24 - 4:43 pm

  This truck is great. Best overall value on the market. Get all the safety features, side air bags-VSA- electronic Brake assist-4wd, etc. Best interior room in its class, best ride, best options. The truck is awesome. I test drove the Tacoma Double Cab, Frontier Double Cab and the Ridge wins! The other models in the class I think are way off for quality.

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  Love it. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Edward Roeder - October 24 - 4:00 pm

  Ive only had it for 2 months but I love it. Plenty of power, excellent comfort. Averaging 27.0 mpg overall. XM radio built-in a plus. Comfortable seats an well laid out interior.

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  HondaFonda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HondaFun - October 24 - 5:16 am

  I purchased my Honda civic last month and I love it!

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  Fun car for little cash. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JESSE GUISEPPE - October 23 - 11:26 pm

  The engine sounds great at high RPM

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  Perfect choice in this class... - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Mel - October 23 - 7:08 pm

  After a long and exhaustive research, I opted for the Pilot EXL with Navi. I was going to wait for the 07 but with no change... why bother. Besides getting a price way below invoice was well worth it. I love the fact that this SUV have most if not all of the amenities I wanted. The only thing that I was hoping for was a DVD system ... but they dont offer it with the Navi. I figured if they did, less people will be looking at the Acura version. Overall, Ive put in about 5K miles already and still like driving it. Ive been tracking my mpg (combined) and only getting 18-19. The best was 23 and the worst was 16 mpg.

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  2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jamil - October 23 - 12:06 am

  Traded in my 8 year Lexus RX 300 for a CR-V, hard to let go of the Lexus quality and luxury but I felt that the CR-V was a more economical SUV and was in the price range I need to be in with a daughter starting college in the fall. Was impressed with the 2nd row legroom as myself and daughter are 510". The rear hatch is the easiest SUV to open and close on the market. The drive is fine, unfortunately, just too used to my Lexus to be impressed. The price was impressive for the features. Overall, I think that this will be a good car buy for the next several years and that my teen drivers will be safe.

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  cute car, great drive, awesome price! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By P. from Toronto - October 22 - 9:56 pm

  Absolutely love the exterior and interior design. The two-tier dash design is actually great in that you can see the speed gauge almost without taking your eyes off the road. A really smooth and comfortable drive, perfect handling on both dry & wet road. A great choice altogether. Totally recommend it!

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  Great to have - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Sampath Namburi - October 22 - 8:10 pm

  We thought of going for sienna but after looking at honda we completely changed our mind and highly satisfied... here is what the main items for us to go for honda odyssey. 1. Leather seats in honda are far far far better than sienna 2. Seats are BIG ... try sitting in second row in sienna and you will see the difference in Honda 3. 8th seat in Honda is a REAL seat not like a folded card board in sienna 4. All security items come with all the trims in honda --- you need not to ask for it 5. Tires life is more -- comes for 40,000 miles and higher .. this is not true with sienna (based on feedback from two friends) and most of all .. it is NOISE free .... I know in the before honda is meant of noise inside the car but now it is not ... i can say a definite go for honda Odyssey ...

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  2000 Honda Civic - CLS - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Christy - October 22 - 9:15 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Civic. In every aspect it has been a great car - the best car! I have never had mechanic, or any other problems. Six years after purchase, I still consider my car new. It looks great, gets great gas mileage, and runs as good as it did the day I bought it. I will be a Honda owner for life!!!

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  Bonding with new 08 - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chupek - October 22 - 8:20 am

  I just purchased a new 08 CR-V EX and traded in my 06 EX CRV---love the new chassis design and the upgraded cabin. Hate the fact that I am driving an automatic for the first time 18 years...but its kind of nice to be a "lazy" driver! Not many more bells/whistles from my 06 but the redesign makes up for that--06 has VSA, side airbags, etc. The engine in automatic is just a big change and doesnt seem as responsive as I would like but I am still adjusting...ride is smooth and fun. This is my third CR-V and my SEVENTH Honda vehicle...Im a lifer.