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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  2005 Honda Accord with Nav. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Punch - September 18 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned Mb, BMW, Acura, Cad ,etc. This Accord Hybrid is one outstanding car. I traded my 2004 Acura TL for the 2005 Accord Hybrid. Great decision. Burns regular fuel as opposed to premium for the TL. Had to replace all 4 tires on the TL after 18,000 miles. Although I am a BMW lover for all around driving the Accord Hybrid cant be beat.

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  Loving our CRV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By 3evans - September 18 - 3:07 pm

  We have about 3100 miles on our new 2015 crv in pearl white. Getting about 27.5 MPG in city. Its so comfy and I love that heated seats are in the ex model and the back air vents are a real plus! we researched for a very long time and I wouldnt have any other suv in this class. WE have noticed the vibration, but its only noticeable if there is nothing or little turned on (lights, a/c, heater etcÂ…)

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  My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline - September 18 - 9:46 am

  This truck drives like a midsize car. Handling is superb. I received even better performance when towing loads of 1k lbs or heavier, amazing.

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  Love my Accord hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By George - September 17 - 11:56 pm

  Excellent car, it is comfortable and fast with good handling. My overall mileage for the last 8000 miles is 30.7. Probably representing about 70% city driving. In local suburban driving I get from a low of 25 mpg if it is a shopping trip with lots of stops and starts, to 30 mpg in more typical point to point trips. On the highway the mileage at 70 mpg ranges from 34 to 43 depending on wind and other factors. My average highway is probably about 37.

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  Best truck ever owned hands down - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  Been a Chevy truck guy for years , but this is THE truck for me now. Great ride, interior, design great. The trunk in the bed and dual swing gate are definite wows. Minor complaints-sluggish acceleration with Eco setting on-switch it off and vroom. Also as absolutely everbody says-why, oh why Honda, why would you not put a lock on the tailgate?? Great vehicle-cost on the high side but worth it!

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  You will fall in love - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Anna - September 17 - 2:26 pm

  Avg mpg is high 30s at mid grade octane. Love the auto-stop for rush hour traffic runs quiet and knowing it is almost zero emmisions makes you feel fantastic. Its not my first car, but the first one I have truly loved.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Faye Ainsworth - September 17 - 12:43 pm

  The Civic performs well for a vehicle that delivers at or above 40 miles per gallon on the road. The styling is smart with sporty lines. When new it was often mistaken for a BMW. Only question is the transmission which was replaced due to slipping and shifting improperly. Otherwise, the Civic in my opinion is "Best in Class."

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  A work of art - 2006 Honda Element
  By MELUVADOG - September 17 - 11:43 am

  I liked my 2003 Element so much, that my husband wanted it. He got it. Then I got a 2006 lx in Red. I love everything about it except for the stereo system that came with it. It is not nearly as nice as the system I had installed in the 2003. Other than that, I am hooked on the Element. A great surprise for both vehicles is that I get between 28-30 mpg which is a bit higher than what is suggested.

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  Glad i bought - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By joyce - September 17 - 11:30 am

  Gets out of its own way nicely. Little rough on some bumps but overall a nice drive, on highway, excellent. Road noise minimum especially with optional floor mats I am very pleased with this vehicle looks wonderful with extras I put on getting 17-20 on local trips with stop and go in city got 31 on highway smooth little SUV

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  Depreciation rated too high - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Susan - September 17 - 8:31 am

  Chosen for the 3rd row seat and fun to drive, the Honda Pilot is a great family car. The feelings of safety and power are comforting. The ventilation is strange-if one window is open, the air pressure is overwhelming and more windows need to be opened to compensate. Only one other problem in 3 years- the front row passenger side door lock stopped working with the remote. Sold with only 34,000 miles after 3 years, I got only half what I paid for it, and it was in good shape.