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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  Honda is getting cheaper, too. - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By woiferl - January 16 - 12:05 pm

  I was looking for a reliable minivan with ample space, high reliability and high resale value. The Odyssey clearly delivers in that space and surprised me with great performance and decent mpg - I get about 27 MPG on average. From that view and the resale value, it’s an economical choice, even though Odysseys got rather expensive. $38K for a mid-level model is rather pricey for what you get in the end and when you look at the cheap plastics that are used throughout the car. The tech in the car is surprisingly mature. The most annoying feature is without doubt the auto-lock of doors. I can’t remember how often I run out to the garage and only find all doors, except the driver’s door, locked.

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  2014 CR-V EX AWD Excellent car but poor mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By photoman148 - January 16 - 4:24 am

  Purchased this late November 2013 and have put a little less than 1,000 miles on it so far. Very happy with it so far, except for the gas mileage is below 20 mpg even with the eco button turned on, although almost all my driving so far have been on distances of less than 5 miles... mostly 2-3 miles. Features I enjoy the most is the USB and Bluetooth connectivity. When you hook your I phone to the USB port, Pandora can be fully controlled with the cars audio system controls, including channel. The backup camera is convenient too!

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  My 08 Coupe best car ever bought8/ - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jezebellejizz - January 11 - 3:13 pm

  Fonda (as in Fonda the Honda) is one of the bet cars Ive ever purchased. I was a little surpsied that the road noise was a bit more predominant than it should have been considering this was a gosh darn $29,000 purchase brand new, loaded up to the teets and all. My only complaint is the junky paint quality. I swear even looking at the car makes scratches appear. That is ridiculous and Ive spent almost $2,000 in 5 years fixing Fondas scratches, dings, blemishes and it really sucks.....but on other hand, she is black and I knew what I was in for....p.s. I keep saying no more black cars but this is the 3rd in a row....still, the paint should be better [non-permissible content removed]!

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  Unique features stand out - 2014 Honda Accord
  By indicar3 - January 10 - 11:16 pm

  My Background: I took more than one year to buy new car and in between I was going through numerous reviews, Test Rides and friends experiences (Whoever bought any car brand in 1st week they were blown away but after some time you can see them back to reality). SUV or Car: In my purchase process I was first confused to go with Sedan or SUV. My daily Driving is 70 miles RT and compact crossover SUV failed to impress me in front of Midsize sedans so finally decided to go with Car. I have 2002 Camry. In 2012 I was almost sure to buy Camry but as time goes I took test ride of Nissan Altima 2013, Kia Optima 13, Sonata 13, Toyota Camry 13 and Accord 13. After major changes in accord

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  Misrepresented truck better than most - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By rlcondran - January 10 - 9:30 pm

  I rarely write reviews but while checking on an 06 model at my local dealer I saw a varying degree of good and bad. I believe this truck should be carefully chosen by the perspective buyer in regards to their needs. Mine were simple so this truck was in my opinion a perfect match. I wanted ease of passenger transport with comfort features due to my health issues. This Honda has delivered! I really think Honda missed an opportunity to start a new car segment something like the SUVs only term this one an LUV or TUV(light or transport utility vehicle) cause this is not a true truck I feel. It has missing truck features & then some better ingredients so to me they balance out. Shop carefully.

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  Plain jane - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rwalters1 - January 9 - 6:58 pm

  Nice automobile, but for an EX-L it is a bare bones equipment. Put 5500 miles on so far. Acceleration has gotten better, mileage good but the seats are awful. I have never had such a sore behind in my life. My wife and I are of small build and the seat is firm right in the middle where your tailbone rides. My tailbone feels like its on fire in just ten minutes of driving, hers too, either seat. Its going to the upholstery shop soon. If he cant fix it then it will be sold. Who designed those seats. They must be like the accord seats everybody complains about. Called Honda, they dont seem interested in helping me out, see the dealer.

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  Best vehicle - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By mrc10 - January 9 - 3:42 pm

  Finally a truck designed by professionals. Not like those domestic things, designed by amateurs.Very reliable. Going domestic is like buying those disposable cameras, great for the short term and....thats it.

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  is it too late for 2015 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By miles_in_tx - January 9 - 12:28 pm

  I hope the 2015 CR-V model will put the AC vents like they were in the 2010 model. I also hope they can change the rear view out of the vehicle, if possible at all. Otherwise, perfect vehicle.

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  Great, Great Van for the family. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By acesrwild - January 8 - 10:17 pm

  Only owns Hondas. I just bought my Honda odyssey ex-l. I love driving it all the time, but I notice that powering steering is always make noise when you made a 90 degree turn. does that really happen on all Hondas or just on the minivan? For most of you owns Honda odyssey, does your van has that kind of problem too? Give some advise would be great. thanks!

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  2014 Ridgeline Sport - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By skinnerkid3 - January 8 - 8:07 pm

  I have had my Ridgeline for about 2 months now and I couldnt be happier with it. It really fits the bill for me and what I was looking for. The Ridgeline may not be the best truck for everyone but for what 95% of truck buyers actually need a pickup for the Ridgeline goes above and beyond. It comfortable, quiet, roomy, well built, and above all versatile. Theres nothing else on the market that is so well rounded. I needed a pickup for the occasional run to the home improvement store, hauling furniture, and big bulky items. The Honda is made just for such tasks. I also fish, camp, and canoe so the ample storage options and available roof rack really make those activities a breeze.