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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  Cant go wrong with a Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By su_dc3 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car and nows a great time to buy it. I love the power it has, but I havent pushed it too hard yet because it has only 150 miles on it, but it feels strong none the less. the exterior styling is nice, much better than the 4 door in my opinion. I love the feel of leather, the seats feel great, the steering wheel is nice, and lots of compartments for your junk. The trunk is smaller than I thought, but dont really need that big of a trunk anyway. The only gripe I have is with the tail lights, kinda funky, but the rest of the car makes up for it.

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  Worth the extra money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By fossilboy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Given the great deals right now on 2002 models, I spent a little extra to get the EX rather than the LX. The EXs added safety features (ABS and side air bags) plus the ammenities (6 CD changer, moon roof, etc.) made it worth the extra money.

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  Time for another Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Rick W - October 14 - 6:39 am

  Have had a lot of fun with this car. Driving is fun and playful. I have figured that traveling East to West I gain 10% on mileage because of the winds generally from the West. I have gotten up to 52 mpg on the NYS Thruway eastbound and 48 westbound. Drops to 46 mpg going through the Berkshires. Lots of pep and pickup. Surprised my wife on its passing capability.

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  I might be a Honda man now, for life - 1996 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - October 14 - 5:43 am

  I recently bought a 96 Civic EX for commuting back and forth to and from work. For a 13-year-old car, I was surprised to find that all of the little extras (power windows, A/C, remote trunk/gas door releases, cruise, etc.) still worked great. I took the car to a friends place (hes a mechanic by trade) and put it up on his hoist, and for a car thats been subjected to Canadian winters all its life, theres surprisingly little rust. I had a few things to change, such as the gas tank, fuel lines, a shifter assembly bushing and a CV boot, but these are all fairly common things for a car this age in Canada to need. It has no guts whatsoever, but its comfortable, cheap on gas and looks great

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  Best Everday Vehicle Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - October 13 - 11:50 pm

  Have now had my truck for 3-1/2 years and 113,000 miles. Has done everything I needed from towing my ski boat (3000 #) in the summer to driving Stevens Pass 14,500 feet of elevation in the snow every weekend in the winter. It has been my daily driver as a salesperson and had never given me a problem. I have averaged 18 MPG on a daily basis.

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  This is a Keeper - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By amyo - October 13 - 10:33 pm

  Researched and researched minivans. I flip flopped between this, the Sienna and the Kia. I only considered Kia b/c of editors reviews, but it wound up being the same price as the Honda. No way on that choice. I opted for Honda b/c I got a great deal from the dealer. I couldnt love this car more. I plan on keeping it for quite a while. Its just such a pleasure to have. So far servicing is very reasonable (compared to out Volvo!) and the car continues to drive smoothly.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jimmy Ray - October 13 - 5:34 pm

  Its been a great car so far. I check my mpg at every fuel-up and always get 25-point-something (my driving habits are about 50/50 city/hwy). The remote all-windows-down feature is neat but I dont use it. Its a very smooth ride with plenty of style. No major complaints. Though for the money, the minor complaints shouldnt exist. If Honda built the body and interior with the same quality as the engine, theyd have a perfect car. Do I have to spend $10k more and opt for the Acura?

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  The Pristine Pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By P. Davis - October 13 - 10:59 am

  Great buy! Nice amenities at a great value. We are extremely happy with the purchase!

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  Great Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By AlwaysBored - October 13 - 1:26 am

  I got this car as a first car and love it. Its a great car and very fun to drive even on long road trips. It has never let me down and runs as though its brand new. The gas mileage is great and I love how I can drive an almost 15 year old car and not have to worry about gas. I do wish it had a better alarm though, Im afraid to make any big changes and get it stolen, Id be crushed if it was. Would definitely recommend this car, especially the EX.

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  Riding the Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - October 12 - 11:30 pm

  Truck has an excellent ride, like a large Accord, plenty of power. A few quality concerns in the beginning but Im sure mine was one of the first off the line, all have been corrected. Stock Stereo is great, very comfortable and quiet interior. Exterior design is growing on me, NAVI is very user friendly and can be voice activated. Gas mileage has been so so during the break-in period probably about 16mpg. mixed driving. Take one for a drive its packed with Honda innovation. Honda cant miss with this one. 3 months free XM is nice its easy to get hooked.