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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  my new truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cheryl - September 16 - 10:56 pm

  i have always wanted a ridgeline ever since they came out in 2005. i was very impressed the size and handling of this truck. it handles like a car, but you can do more with it.

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  Blue Streak - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Blue Streak - September 16 - 10:43 pm

  This is a Great Car!! Had it for 2 weeks. Great comfort in the Accord. Plenty of zip!! Awesome mileage 22 in town!! Great fit and finish. Havent really pushed it yet, but fun to drive! I have had no issues. Unless you count getting rear ended 2 days ago (ugh!! didnt even have my new plates yet). New bumper on the way!! Color is great and have had several compliments already. Quiet with a great ride. Awesome stereo!! Plenty of room in the back for our 14 year old daughter and her two friends. Based on first two weeks everyone should buy one. Wanted a 6 speed, but impossible to find. Traded in a premium gas guzzling/problem plagued 2004 RX8. It was fun to drive but too many problems.

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  Great and reliable car ! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By SoCalFeeva - September 16 - 3:45 pm

  Ive kept up with the scheduled maintenance and have had NO major problems with this car. Its the most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  Accord 98DX - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mitch - September 16 - 1:53 pm

  My 98 Honda Accord DX has been a real treat to own and drive. It is economical to drive and maintenance is almost non-existant. I have had no problems with this car in 8 years of ownership. Tires, lube, oil and a change of belts attached to the engine are the only things I have had to attend to. The interior is well thought out and the instruments well placed. The exterior is stylish and nice to look at.

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  Civic EX-T 2016 Amazing Car!!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By GRRR - September 16 - 1:22 pm

  I lease a 2016 Civic EX-T (1.5L turbo) with the CVT transmission. 12,000 miles/year, 65% residual, full cover bumper to bumper and 3 year/36,000 miles warranty. The car is amazing. Before leasing it I went to other dealers to see other cars that were more sprensive than the civic. Let me tell you: you can get lot more features for less money with the civic. Interior is clean, it looks great and modern, I love it. Im still not used to not having a volume knob on the radio, but o well my smart phone doesnt have it either! For the driver its really easy to adjust the radio with the options on the steering wheel. The EX-T comes with dual climate control, and heated seats. DONT SPEND MONEY ON NAVIGATION! if you have an smart phone you can connect it to the USB and use Car Apple Play or Android, and from your phone you can see the navigation on the car screen. The car comes with LED headlamps (daytime LED as well), LED taillights and fog lights. Interior is really spacious. Your children will have a ton of leg room in the backseat. Everything is keyless access. Just put your hand on the door handles and the car will unlock the door(s) for you (like the Mercedes!!). If you forget to lock your car, it will lock them by itself when the key is out and far from the car or you can just push the lock button on the door handle to lock it. The car comes with remote start (you can turn on your car without being inside of it), sunroof, satellite radio, back-up camera (with 3 different positions), side camera (to see blind spots when changing lanes), cruise control, auto-lights and auto-wipers. The e-brake is just a button, easy to use and it save a lot of space which Honda used to make the center console with more space. The acceleration is impressive!. You will feel the kick of the turbo after 2,000 rpm. I believe it can take you from 0-60 in around 6.5 seconds (I think its faster than the previous 2015 civic SI). Gas mileage? My civic average 32 mpg. I drive it on both city and highway. Cons --> The car is super lightweight (about 2,800 lbs.), that helps the acceleration, braking and gas mileage, but when Im driving on the freeway over 75mph I sometimes feel the car shaking because of the wind.

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  I love this car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By lilodian - September 16 - 10:06 am

  This car has a little bit of everything - looks, style, sportiness, power, comfort, electronic goodies, reliability and fuel economy all for about $20k. Looks very sporty. Initial pickup is a bit sluggish, but beyond about 3000-3500 rpm, it will surprise you with its power punch (torque). More than adequate power for most driving situations. Very nice and user-friendly nav system, more than decent audio system. I was quite a bit disappointed with the mileage (actual: ~26-27 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy) as opposed to the stated 29/35, but it could be because i like to step on the gas pedal a lot. Overall, still very good value. This car was made for teenagers/young adults. Go test drive it !

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  Im actually excited to drive a minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mikeandemily - September 16 - 9:03 am

  I never thought I would be excited to drive a minivan, but after comparing the Odyssey to other family vehicles (SUVs), the decision was easy. It drives like a car, is very comfortable and has loads of storage features.

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  I Love My Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Unice R. Yancey - September 16 - 7:19 am

  I own the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid and appreciate the ingenuity that was put in this car. It is spacious, very comfortable for my 2 hour trips back and forth to work and I did not have to spend a lot of money on gas even when the gas prices were high. I was very cognizance of my speed and the road conditions which limited my gas expenses. I will definitely buy another Honda Hybrid in the next year or so. Thanks Honda!

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  Accord-ing to me - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rebeccaarndt1 - September 16 - 6:46 am

  I like the look and feel of this car. It has alot of pep for a 4 cyl. and is very comfortable to drive on long trips. It has standard ABS and side airbags which is a plus. The back seat has enough legroom for adult passengers which is great when you are a designated driver. Great car!!

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  Happy Driving - 2003 Honda Element
  By Larry - September 15 - 5:40 pm

  This is an excellent multi-functional vehicle. It has rapidaly become our primary vehicle over our truck and sports car. The dogs love it (Mr. 40# & Ms. 80#) Excellent quality and flat out fun. Holds 4 adults with respective golf clubs and room for two more sets of clubs. The 80 plus mothers fit too! Great for easy clean up after camping, beach or other trips. We could go on but dont want to bore you.