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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  All I can say is "Its A Honda" - 2005 Honda Accord
  By James - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I really thought hard about which car would be good for my wife and I. We both agreed that the Accord was the one for us. Not only is this a great car but its so comfortable for long trips. Its fast and so stylish. Its everything a car should be. Its a very dependable car. After having 1 Hondas we did think we should look at may another car and maybe give it a chance; but after all the great years with no problems we just had to tun around and get one more!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Honda CRV EX - October 21 - 8:26 am

  Incredible all round CR-V in mud, snow, open road. Comfort and dependability 9 plus. Economy 8 plus. Great SUV

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  Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Chuck S. - October 21 - 8:21 am

  My Pilot and the selling dealer have been a wonderful experience. I now have 8,000 miles and everything still works! I am building confidence that this trend will continue. I like a car that stands out from the rest and with the extra Honda dress-up options available, I have been able to do just that. I also added 3-Ms chrome wheel-well moldings and a chrome body side accent which was not only easy to install but really gets some double takes. I love fold down second row seating which doesnt require the front seats to be moved forward for clearance. Wake-up GM!

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  RidgeLine tops Blazer and Tacoma - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TheGreatOz - October 21 - 7:40 am

  Having driven a Chevy Blazer since 1996 and after shopping three dealerships for a new TrailBlazer, I settled on the RidgeLine for its versatility, price, and Honda quality. Ten years of improved safety features, better gas mileage, and features unavailable on the new Blazers made the choice a hands-down cinch. The fit-and-feel and ride-and-handling cant compare to anything by GM except the Suburban, which I also drive. The Amazon Green looks like something out of the movie PATTON, but aside from red, its the most appropriate color for the RidgeLine. I was close to buying a Toyota Tacoma, but the rear seating in the extended cab is for children only, plus the RidgeLine has more style.

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  The Right Car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mark herte - October 20 - 8:25 pm

  Ive owned many cars and this is not the best, most expensive, biggest, fastest, or sexiest, but it is the most "right". While Id say nothing about it is perfect, virtually everything is good to great. Truly exemplifies the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The best features are the outstanding economy with surprising performance when you need/want it.

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  Truely versatile relieable MPV - 2006 Honda Element
  By GeorgeTS - October 20 - 7:35 pm

  Kudos to Honda,for designing and refining a true multi purpose vehicle.No silly electronic gadits, but all the essentials (pwr win, pwr mirs, 4 wheel disc ABS, great stereo w/XM sat, IPOD ready).The lack of a B pillar between the doors makes this a great vehicle for wheelchair users.The painted fenders makes the Element easier on the eye. This 4 cyl is peppy and economical to drive. Handles great and has very good visibility.

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  new owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By holz - October 20 - 4:36 pm

  One week into ownership, and I love it! Can still load two kids bikes and the kids. Used to have a Ford Windstar, so I miss the interior space a bit, but it drives like a dream.

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  Our Odyssey with our Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John Martens - October 20 - 8:36 am

  This vehicle can do it all. Luxo ride like a limo, taut handling like a sport sedan, cavernous like a cave, our Odyssey can do it all. In a recent day long jaunt, our passenger didnt complain once about the mid row seating, and was more than impressed with the features of our EX-L model. It surprises people when they get passed on the highway by it, the power is so easy to call up. Maybe thats why Im only getting 21 to 22 MPG right now, but Im sure it will improve. All of the raves are correct, this is the minivan you want to own.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brandon - October 20 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car specifically for the interior. It is spectacular! Overall this is the best purchase I have ever made. A few quirky things to pay attention to before buying: 1. The navigation system is semi-complicated and cumbersome - It integrates the Audio controls and the A/C. 2. With the automatic transmission, there is a slight lag when you put the pedal to the floor and try to accelerate. 3. No 60/40 fold down rear seats. The back seats fold completely down, OR you can just fold the armrest down and put long things in from the trunk (works well for skis). 4. The sunroof controls are to the left of the steering wheel. Overall, I would highly recommend this car.

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  Best sedan value out there! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bob P - October 19 - 9:26 pm

  Mileage around town about 24mpg, but on the road over 40. Drives like a dream. Enjoy the two screens. Bluetooth and car play work well. Very, very happy!