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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  Feels like driving European high end SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Erwin P. - June 25 - 12:53 am

  Buy whatever fits your need. This truck is very comfortable like driving my old $55K European SUV. you dont feel like driving a truck but a car. I drive 4 hrs roundtrip to my nearest airport 2-3 times a month and comfort is my big priority. I only need this truck during whitetail hunting, fishing, run to HD to pick up light gardening materials but not interested to tow a boat or go off roading. I also test drove Tacoma and Frontier but this one I really fell in love. So far all I want are in this truck. Not interested to T or any higher versions since I can use my smartphone for directions like the Waze app and to know where the cops are in the road.lol In regards to music i can always rely on my spotify so I hardly listen to Radio broadcasts. So far I am please with comfort and ride especially I drive far monthly for work to nearby airports. thumbs up for Honda

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  The best minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joseph Hachey - June 24 - 8:30 pm

  I had a problem with the airbag light coming on. It was only after four attempts that the problem was solved by changing the sensor in the rear side panel. Cabin noise is my main complain over 40 mph. I find the michelin tires to be excessibly noisy on certain road surfaces. Cruising around 60 mph Ive noted at times the vcm trasition as hesitant and presenting a noise similar to a leak in the muffler or manufold.

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  The Manual SE is one heck of a car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By christacey - June 23 - 11:26 pm

  Traded my 03 Chevy Silverado ext cab for the Accord SE, was originally looking at a new Civic, but too small in back for 3 kids. This car rocks! My wife has an 04 Accord LX and she wishes the SE would have been offered then. You are basically getting an EX for much cheaper (minus the moonroof and nav). It has 4 wheel disc brakes, fancy cloth and carbon fiber trim, etc. The stick shift makes it feel like a small race car. The changes to the exterior make the car more sporty. The changes to the interior add luxury, but not much bells and whistles like on other cars in this price range. It is an awesome car - its a Honda! Reliability, gas mileage, safety, and handling are reminders.

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  Switched to Honda - 2006 Honda Element
  By mdavis - June 23 - 3:43 pm

  I just bought a new 2006 Honda Element EX-P after driving Ford trucks for years and like this vehicle very much. I mountain bike and hike for hobbies so it has been excellent for that. I like the XM satellite radio and the surprisingly roomy interior. The only slight drawback on it is the gas mileage in my opinion.

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  SO MUCH FUN I WANT TWO - 2003 Honda Insight
  By FRED - June 22 - 2:31 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive and for a 64" guy, comfortable and zippy.I want to buy another in a different color it is so much fun. I have a Mercedes convertible, a Lexus Wagon and my daughter a new Cabriolet. You can have all of them. I like driving alone and have as much space in the back of my Insight as my Lexus. I am going to dump my others and get a blue one. I may not drive that much, but I get there faster than the huge SUVs who try and kill me out of jealousy. Never seem to put gas..what high prices? It is so quiet I never know if it is running. This is the least written or reviewed hybrid because it isnt a family car. I am glad I got rid of them.

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  The car that really sells itself - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Leslie Harris - June 22 - 2:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have every had. In fact all the Hondas that I have owned have been excellent vehicles, that is what keeps me coming back for more. With 98,000 miles it still rides solid, strong and true.

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  Drive it like you stole it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By axtran - June 22 - 4:03 am

  Phenomenal car, drives like Hondas S2000 while providing four doors and four seats to compliment low insurance costs and practicality. The shifter looks like its too far to the right but it is perfect, the handling is wonderful, very comfortable racing seats. Many compartments for storage and very race-car invigorating driving experience (sound and pull). Dream car for a "tuner" and a practical choice for cruising with friends around town.

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  Miles per gallon as advertised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rockyone - June 22 - 2:53 am

  While I have owned the car only a few weeks, it is delivering overall mileage of 50-52 miles per gallon. I did notice that the "MPG" display on the dash is consistently about 1-2 miles per gallon less than that I actually calculate based on mileage and gallons to fill. I am extremely pleasedl.

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  Catruck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Centermid - June 22 - 2:46 am

  It rides like a car, but has the capability to carry objects like a truck. It is easy getting into that most trucks in this class. No complaints so far. There is a very small pool of colors. The dealership only had 3 Ridgelines and if you wanted one you are stuck with the colors available.

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  ItÂ’s all about design - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RAB - June 21 - 2:10 pm

  To me, the car just feels right – the seat (power leather), handling, road feel, I4 power. On the typical bad roads in my area, the ride is a bit harsh. Better tires than OEM Bridgestones may help. Fuel mileage is amazing for a car this size. I have not gotten less than 31 mpg and have gotten as high as 38 mpg! Who needs a hybrid?