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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  Perfect car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kim - June 24 - 6:28 pm

  My car has had zero problems from day one. I do the oil changes at the dealership, and every other time I rotate tires. I do all the maintenance check ups, and thatÂ’s it! A wonderful car!

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  Best All Around SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By JBrown - June 24 - 5:30 pm

  Nice sized interior for a small SUV. Theres plenty of headroom to spare for an averaged sized 6 guy even with the moonroof. Lots of cargo carrying capacity. Car like handling. Good power from the small quiet and smooth running engine. Smooth shifting transmission thats idealy suited to the engine and vehicle. Good fuel economy thats equal to or better than most small cars. I replaced my 99 CRV with this one and I plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Bad apple - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hafi - June 24 - 3:11 pm

  Hi everyone. Just got rid of my 04 accord ex with 79k miles. Wow! Low miles? You may ask why I sold it. These cars are bullet proof right? Im sure they are but not mine. I bought the car 7 months ago with 71k miles on it. I came from a toyota yaris so this was a huge step! I decided to go for the other most reliable Japanese cars. Little did I know I was making a mistake. First off car had an issue serving to the right. Showed 4 mechanics (professionals) and no one knew what was wrong. Secondly the most devasting thing was that the engine oil burned in ridiculous amounts. Which meant for a new engine. 3000 bucks?? No way! I cant afford that. Got rid of it and now Im car less. Great.. anyways the steering is extremely stiff. Great for highways but not so good on parking lots and city. I could not get use to the steering. Kind of sad because I thought I would drive this car into the sunset. Oh well. Next car will be toyota since I had experience with my last one.hope this helps . Forgot to mention. For some reason my accord was gas guzzling. 25 highway and like 14 city. Insane number for a 2.4l. Sad.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By jmorts - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  It is the most fun car we have ever owned. It seems that the suggested corner speeds in the twisty curves are underated by a factor of 3. Restaint must be used with the S2000 or you will be arrested! I keep reminding myself this is only a 4 banger with no turbo.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By unicorn - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  This is a great car with lots of power and decent fuel economy. Interior is very roomy and comfortable.

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  Always Fun, Especially Passing Gas Pumps - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Scott - June 23 - 7:23 pm

  I am getting better mileage than what it is rated at. I am at 49MPG combined 90% Highway 10% City. I drive 45 miles each way to work on all on highway in Denver. Today though the best 550 miles with 1/4 tank still left and 90 degrees all week long. I only spent $1500 in gas for 2006 and that is 35000 miles and 3 trips to Oklahoma, 1 Nebraska. In 2005 I had a 1997 Saturn and spent $2900 and no trips, just work and around town and only went 26000 miles and gas was much cheaper then. Everyone who tried to talk me out of the Hybrid now wants one. But if you buy a Hybrid a Civic or Prius is the only way to go.

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  Honda Odessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wuscmom - June 23 - 5:26 pm

  The minivan is only a month old but is way better than our 1997 dodge grand caravan.

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  Hondas Worst Disappointment - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Esoterica - June 23 - 3:25 pm

  I can not express how much trouble this car was for me. Having been a dedicated Honda owner of all types I never imagined them creating a lemon. Granted I had bought it used but that was never a problem before. From overheating to a faulty ignition and distributor problems it was the least dependable car Ive ever owned.(I thought Chrysler products were bad about leaving you stranded on the side of the road. There is an obvious reason Honda only manufactured this style for 3 years. I almost paid extra money for the Acura version. Probably should have. I ended up selling it at a major loss just to get it out of my driveway.

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  Old GPS DVD - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ernie - June 23 - 12:26 pm

  We love this car. Its fun to drive, feels very solid on the highway. The only problem we encountered is we noticed that the GPS system didnt have a toll road that had been open for almost 2 years on its map. When we checked the DVD driving the system it was the 2008 DVD....in a 2010 car! Not good.

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  Read this before you buy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie1974 - June 23 - 8:22 am

  I drove the Ridgeline RTL-T and found the interior cramped especially around the driving pedals -- the parking brake pedal interferes with foot and leg movement. Try stretching your leg all the way out...tall guys cant do it. The tailgate does not have a lock--good for thieves to steal -- yes this does happen. Ground Clearance is awful -- 7 and a half inches. After the drive we pulled into a parking slot at the dealer and the front end scraped on the cement parking barrier. So much for any off road fun. Spare tire is a donut and not really good for any off road areas. Option packages do not include an XM radio until you are in the RTL-T price range of $35,860. This is ludicrous, as the "lower" priced models of $30,000 to $34,000 dont have a decent entertainment system. Any vehicle that is priced over $30K should at least have an XM radio. Also who really needs speakers in the truck bed?? Towing capacity is very weak...how am I supposed to tow my three Honda motorcycles to the motocross XC events? Bottom Line: This "truck" is not a working truck. It is for people who like the image of driving a truck, but dont need the utility of hauling or going to off road areas. I would call this a Sport Utility Truck, as it is just another Pilot but without the covered luggage area. Honda had the opportunity to build a Tacoma crushing vehicle, but has instead built a truck that people cant decide whether it is a Sport Utility Vehicle or just a weak truck. On the positive side...my wife likes it.