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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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By PBEAR - October 6 - 7:00 am

  No matter what the pundits say, I love my Ridgeline and have nothing but great things to say about, plus I have had absolutely NOTHING go wrong. Would purchase another one in a heartbeart...

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  My First Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By angie - October 5 - 7:36 pm

  This truly is an amazing car. I love it! Its fun, smooth, and I love my purple lights in my dash! Just beautiful.

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  The best SUV of 2016 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Anderson - October 5 - 9:18 am

  I have tried Highlander 2012 for four years and owning this car for 3 months and see that Honda Pilot is above everything than Toyota Highlander. Its definetely best SUV.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andy - October 5 - 7:10 am

  We bought our Odyssey about 4 months ago, at first the fuel mileage was a disappointment, but now we are getting almost 300 miles on a tank, in the city. I have a lead foot too... Last month someone backed a Tacoma Pickup into the Odyssey, it was shaking, went over to see the horrorible damage, not even one scratch! I even got the comments from friends about going over to a Minivan, but watched their jaws drop when I hit the gas and told them it has 244 horses. I didnt expect I would sneak the keys from my Wife on the weekends, but I just love the way it drives. When running around town in it, its not a chore to drive it around like the SUV I drive for work.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJM - October 4 - 1:47 pm

  My third Honda and just as great as the others. Total quality and very functional. Flaws? It does have a blind spot where the rear pillers are but the mirror helps illiminate it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle. Lots of power and creature comforts.

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  Catfish Mobile - 2004 Honda Element
  By Joyce - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, great for camping, very dog friendly.

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  Excptional - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By manukool - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely satisfied. We have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM. My wfe love the Honda so much that we take turns to drive. This is a usual topic of debate between us. Unfortunately I dont win enough!!

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  the best SUV for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04accent4drGL - October 4 - 10:00 am

  since my mom purchased the CR-V it has been a phenomenal vehicle. it has the reliability that you anticipate from a honda and it is fun to drive. compared to the rav4, the CR-V has a better, more, refined looked to it, and the interior materials, seats and it is very spacious for a compact-midsize SUV. for the first year of ownership my mom has had no problems and her vehicle is rattle free. good fuel economy and enough power to shoot you across town.

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  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sung - October 4 - 1:16 am

  I got the dark blue Accord with simonize paint and interior. The gas mileage is about 45 to the gallon going on the highway with cruise at about 800 or 900 RPM and about 38 going 70. Gas is over $4 a gallon in CT now! Wheels are nice, design seems like a copy from the Camry th Lexus IS the BMW 5 series the Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Azera in the front with those sporty lights. Camry is a joke compared to this car. A dealer offered us a Camry base model for $14,999 new and the accord was about $20,500. Accord shakes less. brother in law has one, and hates it

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  284k and still strong - 1991 Honda Civic
  By amp_man - October 3 - 10:42 pm

  I bought this car 2 1/2 years ago at a little over 212k miles, and since then have put in a battery and alternator - thats reliability. If it hadnt been in an accident, it would still be on the road today...definately the best first car I ever could have asked for. My 94 Civic Si couldnt hold a candle to the 91s reliability, the 94s already had a timing belt, head gasket, water pump, thermostat, and brake calipers and pads (all 4), and Ive only had it a year.