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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  Simple - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jonathan Franklin - October 24 - 1:20 am

  Its not the snazziest truck, but it delivers. Its a honda, not a BMW. Its runs, and runs

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  Good Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - October 23 - 11:33 pm

  Great small suv overall. Ride is smooth overall but can be jarring over medium to larger size bumps. Engine has enough power around the city, but could use more on the freeway or when merging. Interior is nicely finished, but leather is a little on the cheap side compared to a premium small suv (acura rdx, infiniti ex35, etc.).

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  Great Commuter Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By shoofly - October 23 - 9:13 pm

  The Dealer said they had customers getting 45-49mpg. I have had the car for 2 months and have 9k miles already. Solid avg, mpg of 47! Drive posted speed of 75mph+ do not hyper- mile. 95 mile commute 1 way, mountains, hwy, etc. First service is $85.00 which I thought was kind of high. But looks like every 9k service so not to bad. I have friends who have Prius and dont get same mpg as I do. Tire noise is excessive, can overcome with MP3s. Navi is 1st class! Car Drives good in rain and at highway speeds, hopefully all will continue in the winter! Very pleasantly surprised of mpg claims from dealer were not exaggerated. Great lease rates, could not touch Prius even 09.

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  One of Hondas best in the past 20+ years - 1996 Honda Accord
  By James in Tulsa - October 23 - 7:15 pm

  Streamlined style is still fresh. Good for 300K mi if maintained and not abused. Fun to drive. Holds the road.

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  good car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dan - October 23 - 6:56 pm

  I like this car generally, although a few things annoy me about it. First is the high catch point on the clutch makes it a little hard to drive at first until you get used to it. Also, the light steering on this car make it follow the grade of the road too much. I thought the alignment was out, but it just tracks the road curvature a lot. The seats collect lint very easily. The brakes are really grabby.

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  Love my 97 - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Jason - October 23 - 9:44 am

  I bought this car used 1 1/2 years old w/ 26k miles. The car now has 264,000 miles and mostly minor fixes due to mileage and age (new radiator in 06), fluid changes, and 1 timing belt so far, plugs/wires etc.. nothing out of the ordinary. I still drive this car 100 miles per day even though I have another 07 Accord and a 03 CR-V all of which have been awesome cars. Easily the best car(s) Ive ever owned. Even after all this time its very comfortable and quiet. I am going to run this car till it dies!

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  Wow!! A fun car! - 2005 Honda Element
  By MARILYN - October 22 - 11:16 pm

  I just love this car!! I thought a long time about what to buy. I test drove it twice,and stopped everyone that i saw driving one and asked their oppinions....Nothing but rave reviews. Ive had my car for a few days now and i couldnt be happier. Its so comfortable to drive, plenty of sensible room and a great stereo. I love the way it looks....I chose a blue ex model and had roof racks and running boards put on. I was already a honda fan....I bought a 1990 accord new and had trouble parting with it. But it was time and im so happy that i chose the element. Im a 64 yr. Old female and i have no surf boards or off-road bikes to put in it but my friends are going to love the ride!

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  A PLEASANT SURPRISE - 2005 Honda Accord
  By irvinette barnes - October 22 - 6:53 pm

  I am very pleased with my purchase of the 2005 Honda Accord. In my vehicle search, Honda was not my first my choice. I was in desperate need of a vehicle, and needed something I could rely on. I dont consider myself a basic person, but in my mind, that is what Honda represented. Boy! was I wrong. I was really impressed with the features and the style of the vehicle. The navigation system has helped me find my way on numerous occasions (a must if you can). I love the satellite radio, and I never listen to local stations anymore. My Accord has handled really well in the snow, when other more expensive cars have failed. All that I can say is that this is a purchase that I am glad I made.

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  Great car, made to last - 2011 Honda Civic
  By BrockFromAtlanta - October 22 - 11:09 am

  Great gas mileage, comfortable seats, big cargo space, great handling, easy to maintain( if you are handy), very satisfied customer.

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  Great car, made to last - 2011 Honda Civic
  By BrockFromAtlanta - October 22 - 11:09 am

  Great gas mileage, comfortable seats, big cargo space, great handling, easy to maintain( if you are handy), very satisfied customer.