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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  So far it Good - 2010 Honda Accord
  By scp91b - June 28 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Lexus IS300 for EX- L V6 Navi. I am still getting used of the not a tight handling and much bigger size. The v-6 has a lot of pull and I would never hesitate merging onto the hi-way. The shifting of the transmission is not smooth and going in and out ECO mode feels like the transmission is trying to find the gear to be in. All in all I feel I made the right decision

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  Not again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bksa - June 28 - 11:54 am

  This is the first Honda we have owned, and our last. We bought the car because of the "name" that Honda has and the reliability. Well, the rattle in the dash, road noise, and brake pad issues, now I am looking to trade. If Honda knows about the brake problems why are they not recalling them and fixing them? Our dealership told us about the class action law suit, which we knew about already, and told us they could fix it and we could pay and then send the receipt to them for a refund of $150! Why dont they just fix it? Very aggravating!

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  In market for economy hatchback - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Gene - June 28 - 10:13 am

  After renting one for a long trip I was very interested in purchasing this vehicle. HOWEVER, I am still amazed that a 2010 vehicle does not come with KEYLESS ENTRY. For this reason alone I have eliminated the Honda Fit from my list and it is very unfortunate. The interior cabin with full folding rear seats is very unique.

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  Nice car EXPENSIVE Oil Changes! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By 2010 CR-V EX AWD - June 28 - 10:07 am

  This is my second CR-V. I love the look of the car and I truly enjoy driving it. I had the 2007 and was offered a great deal for a 2010, so I bought my second CR-V. My first oil change with Honda was free but the second oil change was $69.95 with Honda. I was shocked. he dealership told me they use 0-20 grade oil now for the 2010 and it is more expensive! I was angry and wish I was told this BEFORE I purchased the vehicle. I asked if this expensive oil means getting less oil changes, the dealership said NO, every 3500 miles! Why the change? Why have an Oil life indicator? What is the advantage? The car really does not perform any better than the 2007 with regular oil.

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  odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By vtecrazy - June 27 - 11:46 am

  i love odysseys especially because of the vtec v6 that you can actually hear the vtec kick in 0-60 in 7.7 seconds the muffler sounds like a g35 a little. its a very useful van you can fit alot of stuff in it. i dont know why people complain about the sliding doors because they are slow its says no where on the sliding doors type R

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  Prettty good trunk - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By harley1211 - June 26 - 11:59 am

  I have owned this 2010 Ridgeline for about 1 month and I love it. Before this I had a Mazda 2300 and it did its job. But with my kids getting bigger I needed a crew cab. I did a lot of research and the Ridgeline was the better of the trucks. I looked at the F-150 and the Silverado but the Ridgeline was the better choice. It had the room I needed which was to hold back seat passengers comfortably and it has a car like ride. Very decent on gas (19-21 mpg). I dont pull or trail anything but I can if I need to and its a 4 by 4.

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  Road Noise and pulling to the right - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Fred Raven - June 26 - 7:02 am

  We have found the solution to the road noise and the problem with the SUV pulling to the right on our.The original tires were Goodyear and after changing them out to the Michelin Latitude tire the problem is now solved. Honda needs to think about replacing the Goodyear tire for the Michelin. It now drives like a charm!

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  Great Truck, Super Value! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By TRacer - June 25 - 4:13 pm

  All around, a great vehicle. I had never owned a truck prior to buying my used Ridgeline, as my prior vehicles have been of the high or ultra high performance coupe or sedan variety, and I have racing experience. Performance for the average driver should be more than adequate (top speed is limited to 120), it rides very smooth for a truck, and the fuel economy is fine given it has a drag coefficient of The Vatican combined with substantial mass. I wish these had been available back when my 10 year old was born!

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  My honda is pulling into overdrive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HECTOR - June 24 - 4:31 pm

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought this Accord. I owned it new but, in the two years of service, I have had constant brake problems (car shakes under braking and the brakes wore out early). and the other important issue is that the car pulling into overdrive. The dealership says that maybe could be a spark plug, but they changed it and the problem continuous. Other answer was maybe the computers is not working well. But I still have the problem.

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  So close to perfect, yet so damned far - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sbowden99 - June 22 - 11:26 pm

  Love the styling. However, this is a BIG car, and it handles like one. Poor rear sight lines make you fearful to change lanes. Cheap touches in the interior abound (the steering wheel and gearshift would probably work in a Dodge, but are sub-par for a Honda). The one thing I HATE about this otherwise vanilla and inoffensive car is the brake squeal. My brakes sound like theyre made of steel wool. They literally grate on my nerves. What was Honda thinking?