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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  Upgraded from Outback - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded my wifes 2009 Outback LTD in. The Outback was a good wagon, but the CR-V quieter, roomier with better pick up and better MPG.

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  A Very Good Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By John - December 3 - 6:57 pm

  Traded in a 99 Accord, which served me well, so I was looking for the equivalent. My coupe has ample power, excellent handling, good fit and finish. The cloth seats are reasonably comfortable, but would have preferred the looks and feel of leather. The ride is smooth and quiet, transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes are very responsive.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Phil - December 3 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my coupe in April, after having 2 Accord sedans (91 and 01). Both earlier ones were 4 cyl 5 speed manual. I decided for the 6 cyl manual. The dealership made the purchase FUN and the car is awesome. My mileage (mostly highway, 70 to 80 mph) is in the high 20s and the performance is great. It is NOT a race car, but Ive yet to have a performance or handling problem. The AC works well (100+ degrees) the windshield wipers work well in heavy downpours it doesnt leak. The only complaint is the inside of the windshield and rear window attract a deposit which is difficult to clean off and returns in a few days. I really enjoy the car!

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  Used 06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTrider - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this Ridgeline in 1/09. Quality is outstanding. Have put 25K on it. Took a trip to LA and averaged 23.8 MPG on the Freeway. I would buy another used Ridgeline. Rides very smooth and is fun to drive. Easy to see what is around you and is not noisy. Maintenance seems to be pretty normal compared to other vehicles. Even had my 17 year old 115 lb daughter change the brakes in about 30 minutes. Has 67K and feels like it will last another 200K. It has no rattles or squeaks.

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  Better! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie Wannabee - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought a Touring Elite 2011 on 11/22/10 with only 2 miles on the odometer. Traded a 2010 Touring. Love to explain but there wouldnt be enough space. Read the reviews here and other sites. Some reviews were real negative and became cause for concern. This van is better than previous Odysseys we owned by far. The stereo on the Elite is a thing to savor and the technology loaded aspect a true delight. None of the criticisms about how bad they ride, the soft ride, etc. Better built (rattle very annoying on the drivers side door previous van here, in the same harsh road, totally silent). I think for the money this one beats all competitors. The Touring Elite is the best investment. Worth it!

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  Another Great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ben B - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an Acura on this car and feel like I stepped up to a more enjoyable experience. I drive a Ridgeline and the dealer experience is one reason we bought the Accord. They do a great job. Have previously owned Accords (1996, 2002) and also have two Civics in the family. Im a 30 year dealership Service Manager (never with Honda) and now have only these trouble free cars in our garage. Fun to drive and the V6 helps when merging with freeway traffic.

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  Ill drive it till the wheels fall off - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Rene - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My step dad purchased this car brand new for 16k. He maintained it well with oil changes every 3k miles and not driving it hard. I wasnt exactly thrilled that this was going to be my first car and didnt expect it to last long as it already had 280k miles when I started driving it. That was 3 years ago. It now has 335k miles on it and I absolutely love this car. I will cry when it no longer runs. It is a manual and Ive gotten a little over 500 miles out of one tank before. I think I average about 30-40mpg. Im now doing research and test driving other cars for that sad day when I actually have to buy one. These are very well made and those who have problems obviously didnt take care of it

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  A Love Affair - 2011 Honda Element
  By GVLiving AZ - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Element. This car does not appeal to a large base. But once you own one and enjoy the versatility and reliability you can become hooked. If you take the back seats out this baby becomes a van! I did have another car in between but knew I had to have another.

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  CRX - REBORN - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Stealthwalker - December 1 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of a CRX-DX (7-years) this CRZ is a welcome pleasure. I traded in my 2001 A4 1.8TQ for this little piece of heaven. It is nice getting back to a smooth clutch. The Audi was a little long on both travel and throw. The exterior styling is a mix of Porsche 928 rear end & heavily modified S2000 front. The interior high end with soft touch controls like the Audi. The well placed control close to the driver. The 6 weeks has been unbelievable in the gas mileage. I am just about to fill up for the third time with: 41.7, 43.5 and 43.4 for miles/gal. avg. Not bad for a 80 City / 20 Highway driving. There seems to be no difference in Normal / Econ mode on mileage, just on stop idle.

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  I Love my Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Brenda - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot in November of 09 so it is one year old now. I have not experienced any of the problems that others have mentioned i.e. chipping paint, pulling to the right and moonroof problems. I am really happy with the way the car drives. The mileage could be better but, the mileage is what the sticker said it would be. I dont understand why so many reviewers say they are so surprised with the mileage they get? The navigation system is wonderful and I really love having the back up camera and noise sensors. There is only one thing I dont like. It has two empty places on the drivers left hand side of the dash. What are they there for? It makes it look like something is missing