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:

• 

  2007 Honda over 2002 STS - 2007 Honda Accord
  By driver1 - April 2 - 7:13 pm

  I traded in a lemon of a 2002 Cadddy STS for this commuter and I love it considering the down trade of the luxury issue. This 2.4 moves when it has to, and I know after driving many V8s. Passes up hill & changes lanes like a champ. Gave a few full size pick ups a little surprise when they tail gated. Took off up hill before they could think ..was that a HONDA? LOVE IT for what it is.

• 

  Flawed upgrade from 2013 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By bruce kuechmann - April 2 - 6:04 pm

  Overall, Im reasonably happy with my new CRV, which replaced a 2013 version of the same vehicle. Reasonably happy, since we bought 2 2016s a month apart. However, the electronics package (no navigation) is a muddled, poorly designed and implemented step backwards from our 2013 Civic and 2013 CRV. In the 13s, push a button and say a name to make a phone call to someone in your speed dial list. Easy to use, and nearly always got it right. In the 2016s, its not only cumbersome, but it usually comes up with the wrong name. At best, it provides a list for you to pick from on the screen, which involves taking eyes off the road. If these functions are important to you, examine them closely and consider whether you are willing to put up with the shoddy behavior of the Honda system. Compared to the system in a Subaru rental car I drove for a few weeks, Honda has a long way to catch up.

• 

  Honda Pilot First Impressions - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Carabel - April 2 - 3:13 pm

  Safety and reliability is what made me look at the Pilot to replace a Toyota minivan. For the value of the current incentives, it is too good to pass up. It is a great choice for a family vehicle. The interior is logical and the exterior, well, its a traditional SUV look. I like the Pilot but I wouldnt label it as a stand out. I do recommend it for its practical purpose and Hondas good safety name. I also feel that Honda treats their customers better.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By donl - April 2 - 3:05 pm

  Have driven vehicle off road and in snow without incident. Very comfortable for me whereas most cars bother my back driving for extended periods. Mileage as advertised. First vehicle owned that required absolutely no warranty work.

• 

  The Ridgeline Rocks - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deb - April 2 - 6:03 am

  This truck is so impressive. It rides like a car. It is so comfortable and the storage inside is amazing. The inbed trunk is bigger than any pictures show. This truck, having the Honda name, is a winner.

• 

  The best minivan one could buy! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By ton - April 2 - 4:16 am

  Since I drove it off the dealer, there was no problems. The power sliding doors works fine, the engine is silky smooth just like a lexus or better. The interior is very roomy, it is even roomier than its rival, the town and country. On my Starlight Silver Honda Odyssey EX, I have installed customized PIAA fog lights and wind deflectors to make the van distinct from others.

• 

  Covers all the Bases-- Great Value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MIMI - April 2 - 2:40 am

  Dont know why more arent being sold, as the price is right for a car that is reliable, safe (check out NTSB 5 star ratings) comfortable, nimble and fun to drive, and 40 mpg to boot! Must be the anonymous styling and boring color choices Honda offers. Still, the New generation Civic vastly improves over previous model years. Notice that the negative reviews are all on old civics, for inaccurate rating reflection. My sister drives a monstro SUV for "safety" and I love rubbing it in whenever we fill up her 12 mpg SUV vs. my 38-40 mpg five star safety squirrel Civic.

• 

  A Truck for a SUV Guy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron Rouillier - April 2 - 12:59 am

  I was looking for a truck when I found the Ridgeline. I thought I would replace my Pilot with another SUV. My son had a Tacoma and complained about the rough truck ride so I did not think I would like a truck. I test drove the Ridgeline and found it drove as smoothly as an SUB. The rear seat was roomy and comfortable. I loved the trunk feature and the side opening tailgate. People I work with are impressed and are considering purchasing other Ridgelines. This was a great purchase and I would recommend a Ridgeline to a friend.

• 

  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By First Honda Buyer - April 2 - 12:11 am

  This is my first new car. Im 39 and my old GEO has 198,000 miles on it and thought it was time for a newer one even though my Prizm still runs great, I use it for a work car. When I saw the Billboards CRAVE I was instantly impressed. I had been looking at the 2006 RAV-4 (another awesome car) but decided on CR-V because the styling to me is a little more upscale. Honda and Toyota (what my Geo basically is) have always had great resale value and reliability. I loved the GREEN TEA Metallic and thats what I got. With power everything and 6 airbags, the $20,500 including destination charge (using COSTCO discount) I got a great car for a great price. 30-32 hwy but only 15 city (San Francisco).

• 

  Great - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Mooch - April 1 - 10:08 pm

  I have 160,000 miles on my Passport and have done about 30,000 of those myself. I have have had no repairs and have only had to do common maintenance (tires, oil, spark plugs and wires, and oxygen sensor). Running strong and with no signs of problems.