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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  Pretty good car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Chris - November 12 - 4:57 pm

  It drives pretty well, I have the 5 speed manual, and it can go, iv done alot of mods to it, and tons more to come, and very easy to customize. New H22a engine on the way too. WOOHOO!

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  Economy yes, not fun to drive, loud! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pmcg - November 11 - 1:16 am

  I bought this CRV for reliability and economy. This car has performed these functions well. The gas mileage is slightly lower than the EPA estimates. The CRV is great in the parking lot, small and maneuverable. The problems are these: This is the loudest car Ive ever been in. The road noise drowns out all conversation. The seats are very hard and make long drives even more uncomfortable. The car even looks kind of wimpy, too. The fuel indicator also shows empty when there is more than 25% of a tank left.(the tank isn big to begin with) After 3 years I have had enough. I will trade off a little mileage for comfort and styling.

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  my ridgeline is a lemon - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline Lemon - November 10 - 10:58 am

  My Ridgeline has been in the shop 5 times and counting. The dealer has been somewhat reluctant to believe my problems, until I took the shop foreman for a test ride. Problems include: 1) trans light 2) trans light again 3)instrument cluster replaced - resulting in 4) squeaky dashboard 5) dashboard now squeaks in two places... Honda regional representative will not give you a straight answer or tell you who her superior is. I HOPE TO LEMON LAW MY RIDGELINE, GET MY $ BACK, AND WILL NEVER BUY FROM HONDA AGAIN !!!!!

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  Terrible gas mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By working mom - November 8 - 9:26 am

  Dont buy this car if you want good gas mileage. I have a V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management which is supposed to let the car run on 3,4 or 6 cylinders, as needed, to improve mileage. I make a point of running in the "ECO" mode (which is cars indicator of using <6 cylinders) more often than not and drive 1/2 freeway without stop-n-go traffic, and 1/2 city on each tank - I only get 20 mpg. My BMW 530i got better mileage.

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  Unhappy Honda Owner - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with dealer added options paying 5,000 over sticker. Bad decision! Not only does this Civic NOT have the comfort as my old 2000 Civic, it has depreciated faster. The same dealer will only give me 10,5000 for a car that list for 17k new, not to mention the add ons they dont give credit for, where the sticker on the old Civic was also 17k and two years later was worth 11,500.00 trade in and 13.5k-14.5k retail. 2002 Civic is uncomfortable for long rides, feel every bump in the road, doesnt feel as tight driving as the old Civic model, just has not been a good experience other than good gas mileage and Hondas usual mechanical reliability.

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  Dont buy it for the MPG - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fuse - October 23 - 11:13 am

  Great use of interior space - weve had 5 tall people in it at once and everyone has room. The folding seats are great. Disappointing mileage in real world use. Our 100% city driven car is averaging 16 mpg and its certainly not being thrashed.

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  Constant noise - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HaditwithHonda - October 18 - 10:46 am

  Overall a good vehicle. I just have a continuous noise from the "dash" area on the right side. The dealership had the truck for three weeks trying to solve the noise. They removed the windshield, tore apart the dash, passenger A pillar. Nothing worked. Regional rep came heard the noise and said "Normal for a truck. It is result of body flex." I have owned over 20 vehicles and never had this noise--even in a car you could see flex. Result is Honda will do nothing for me. Dealership I feel really tried to help.

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  Reliable, but uncomfortable,noisy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sue - October 14 - 5:59 pm

  I have owned my Honda Civic EX Coupe now for over 2 years, and found it is not the car for me. Found this out after renting a 2007 Mazda3 for a week, and discovered it is much more comfortable, more responsive turning and brakes, fabulous interior instrumentation! Over time, have found the Civic difficult to get in and out of, seats very uncomfortable, and long distance trips are painful. Biggest complaint is road noise! Ive driven on the highway and been unable to hear conversations with other passengers, or music unless it is very loud! Would not purchase this car again.

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  Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By abe - October 12 - 2:06 am

  Ive owned Honda for the last 20 years, but this is the cheapest quality Honda out there. Inside you see six different style cheap plastic which feels like they found from junk yard. This car has excessive road noise appears to have no insulation to cut cost. The chief engineer should be fired!

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  WISH I KEPT MY 2000 TOWN CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By FRAK - October 9 - 10:00 am

  HAS ONLY 3500 MILES AND CABLE TO OPEN FUEL DOOR FAILED. HAD TO TAKE THE PANELS OUT OF THE TRUNCK TO GET TO REMOVE CABLE. ENGINEERS NOT SMART ENOUGH TO PUT AN EMERGENCY PULL CABLE IN TRUNK LIKE MOST OTHER CARS. BOUGHT THIS CAR TO HOPEFULLY GET BETTER MILEAGE. BEST I HAVE GOTTEN IS 19.8/MI/GAL. GOT 23 T0 25 ON MY LINCOLN TOWN CAR. HONDA IS TOO NOISY ON THE HIGHWAY - WIND & ROAD NOISE MAKES IT HARD TO HEAR RADIO. I AM TRYING TO TRADE IT FOR A 2003 LINCOLN RIGHT NOW.