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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  Buy the Odyssey over any other minivan! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Candace - June 1 - 10:50 am

  I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey. We search and rode in every single minivan offered and by far this van has the most to offer and is the most comfortable! Not to mention the Honda reliability! I only offer up to you to not purchase from Shaefer & Strominger in Bel Air (Bel Air Honda) the sales managers there think they are too good to sell a car. I only bought there because they had the only van out there that had everything I wanted - but the experience w/ them was enough to say that I would never go back.

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  of all the SUVs Ive had, this is the best - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By cece - June 1 - 9:32 am

  LOVE the mileage - getting 30 in town! Much better than my 2010 ford escape which I owned previously. Comfortable and fairly quite. Enjoy the heated seats but was driving over the holiday (outside temps in the teens) and it took a while for the interior of the car to warm up. Love the fit and finish, the interior, the outside color and grey interior, etc. The only real issue is that I have had a problem with the rear wiper - the bracket is broken and Ive lost two wipers in the past month. The dealership has been good to replace but Ive called them about getting another replaced and hope they will not only replace but fix the bracket in which it fits so I dont lose another.

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  A/c not working b/c of rock - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - June 1 - 7:58 am

  My husband and I purchased a brand new Odyssey Van in June 2006. Absolutely love the van. We have had no problems until we realized our air conditioner wasn’t working recently in May 2008. Our van only has 24,000 miles on it. I called Fairfield Performance Honda service and was told if it is a rock that damaged the condenser it is not covered. They already knew what was wrong with it b/c they have thousands of complaints on the same matter. Corp will not cover b/c they said it is road debris. Its not consumers fault that they poorly design the front. There is no protection on the front to protect the condenser.Honda needs take take responsibility and recall all Honda cars and vans with problem

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By jpowens03 - June 1 - 6:50 am

  The only problem I have is the gas mileage. Other then that I LOVE this car!!!

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  Each day I enjoy driving it more - 2010 Honda Accord
  By skip - June 1 - 5:50 am

  My small wife did not like the seats at first but I felt that they are very good, not great, should provide more cushion/support. The steering and suspension provide great feedback and is much better than found in the competition. It is still new for me but each day I enjoy driving it more.

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  A great truck for those who dont need one daily. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken R. - June 1 - 12:28 am

  The redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a significant improvement over the previous design. I previously owned a 2006 and 2011 Ridgeline, but left Honda three years ago to another brand (GMC) due in large part to the prior outdated design, old technology (really, no USB port?), etc. The new Ridgeline has fixed the problems of the past with much improved technology, better sound system, modern design, quiet ride and comfortable handling. The safety features (RTL-E) are impressive, perhaps redundant (Lane Keeping Assist vs. Road Departure Mitigation systems). Very pleased with combined city/highway milage (23-24), the ability to put the engine in ECO setting to shut down 2 cylinders when cruising is useful on long trips. Some new things are gimmicky (A/C outlet for tailgating tv and bed sound system) but overall it has received many looks and compliments, decent towing and AWD for our rural location.

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  Love Love It! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kat - May 31 - 11:13 pm

  I used to have a Honda Prelude and it was an awesome car till someone t-boned me forced to get a new car I went with Honda again. I love my Honda accord it has yet to give me problems and is so fun to drive. I would advise getting the v6 cause it has power I never knew the difference between a 4cyl and 6cyl now I know, and I will never get a 4 again. Great car!

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  Honda S2K crazy - 2007 Honda S2000
  By HondaRich - May 31 - 3:10 pm

  Ive owned two sports cars, a 1980 Corvette and the 2007 Honda S2K. The Honda gets my vote. I purchased the Berlina Black. The only color for a fast, stealthy sportster. I was a bit disappointed about 20 somethings not gasping at this beauty, but I guess they gasp at Prius instead. Had to wait for mileage to reach 1000, before really turning on the V- Tec above 6000. Wow, this engine is incredible. Nothing like winding 8000 in third gear. Even the fellows in F- 150s take notice. Best features: external beauty, beautiful wheels, "clean" interior, exceptional assembly. Best attributes: loud, throaty roar of the engine stiff, hard, solid ride this is a car for drivers.

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  I love this Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By melmar07 - May 31 - 2:38 pm

  I really love this car! I t is not good on Gas, it is Excellent! Better than non Hybrid Models. Those who saying about Hybrid Models, take it from me who owns one, THOSE ARE NOT TRUE!!! They just cant afford it or they just owned a hybrid lemon

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  Still loving it - 1990 Honda Accord
  By kimmo - May 31 - 2:27 pm

  I bought new as a demo. Even after 18 years with it being stolen twice, almost totaled once and with two other accidents, this car is super dependable. The exterior, interior, and engine have all held up well with regular maintenance. New radiator, three batteries, two brake jobs, a couple of power steering repairs from leaks, CVs, a new gas tank (service stripped plug!) plus maintenance is about all this car has cost me. I cant justify anything newer as this one keeps going & going and she still looks awesome! I use my AAA for my friends newer car troubles. I cant believe I get offers from others now to buy my car. I think it has turned into a classic.