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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  Could be improved - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Liang Zhang - May 1 - 12:36 pm

  Touch screen not easy to use when driving. Acceleration not good enough when ECO on. If turn off ECO MPG lower to 10 or less. Backup camera vision is poor. No option of blind spot radar in all trims. Right turning camera is useless.

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  Not happy with my purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Matahari - May 1 - 9:15 am

  I have owned two Hondas before this purchase. This is the first CR-V. I am not happy with it and will replace as soon as possible. The interior is cheap, there are issues with the differential that I learned have been an issue for quote some time. Now with only 22,000 miles I have to replace all 4 tires. Never had any trouble with my Honda Accords. Should have bought another one! Miles isnt as good as I thought either. Drove terrible in the snow and ice.

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  Honda is the Bomb - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By CQ - May 1 - 6:23 am

  Owned this CR-V from the beginning. Has 165,000 miles on it and no issues or problems. Changed the brakes at 100,000 miles and changing the timing belt next week other then that just the normal oil changes. Hondas and Toyotas are the only make I will buy.

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  "Fit" For Economy! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Vicki - May 1 - 4:33 am

  Excellent design, handling, performance and versatility...we need more like this one!

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  Much better looking than the 2001 Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Douglas Clark - April 30 - 11:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Civic. I had sold a 2003 Accord sedan with 26K miles and traded in a 01 Civic with only 47K miles. This is my first stick shift since 1995. The higher windows and hood are a feature I will have to get used to. I make deliveries a several days a week and many stops a day. I will hope it continues to perform as well as it has so far.

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  "My Beautiful Truck" now 1 year old - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nick - April 30 - 11:28 pm

  Very comfortable & appropriately sized truck. Very useful for my urban driving & use. Good Visibility. Appreciate the simple & well thought exterior details. Driving on all roads is stable & firm. Direct vehicle response from steering input. Good road feel. No mechanical problems. Very quiet motor almost whisper quiet. low wind & engine noise at high speed. Brisk engine response when you need to move quickly, & then you realize how fast you are moving! V6 is appropriate. Moved the truck nicely through hills & motoring through long high speed turns was comfortable & inspired confidence. 42 fill-ups later, avg 17.2 mpg overall. Purchased through broker & saved $K. Very happy!!

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  Thank Goodness for Warranties - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiaa - April 30 - 10:30 pm

  I love the look of the van and the way it handles like a car. We bought the van new and have had several problems. First within the first year the power steering pump had to be replaced. I was told by the dealer they had to replace a lot of them but no recalls were issued. Next the emergency brake was leaking inside the van all over the floorboard and had to be fixed. The latest problems have been the struts and the transmission. The back struts have blown and had to be replaced. I am now waiting for a call from the dealer to have the transmission case replaced because it is leaking. I have 31,000 miles on the van and am still under warranty, thank goodness.

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  Cute CUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - April 30 - 9:39 pm

  This is a great little car. It is super for going to the grocery store or cruising for garage sales. The car is super dependable! I love the short turning radius. One even feels comfortable on long trips. One note: I had a clicking sound in the back at 23K and they changed the differential fluid for free. My wife had the same problem with her 06 cr-v at 39K and they charged her $159 because they said it should have been changed at 30K. My next car? Another Honda CR-V!!

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By 2008 Honda - April 30 - 7:25 pm

  Ive had this truck for 3 months and I can honestly say this is the best truck Ive owned!! Ive mostly had Ford trucks and I can tell you the ride and quality is great. I owned a F-150 for 4 months prior to the Ridgeline and I wish I hadnt. Im about as "American Pie" as they come but if only the big American Truck companies put a better product, I would have one. Especially, w/gas prices and economy!

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  Beware CVT Transmission - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hybrider - April 30 - 2:10 pm

  This car gets good gas mileage (43-45 mpg actual) but suffers from several flaws I see as related to being the first model year of a unique (hybrid) car. Recalls on the exhaust system software (that led to me having 2 catalytic converters replaced before corrected) and the transmission (CVT failed at 102k before Honda extended the warranty to 100k - gee, thanks for the $3800 bill-NOT) have shaken my confidence in Honda quality. My hybrid now has 130k miles and runs well with its new transmission, but I would by the Prius if I had it to do all over again. Acceleration is lacking, to the point of dangerous with 4 riders at highway speed, and overall rattles etc. are disappointing.