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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  First Month - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By TGC - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Were about to make our first payment and feel we made a great choice. Gas Mileage is lower than we hoped, but not horrible. The Van drives great and is smooth at highway speeds. Entertainment system is a little confusing at first, but the kids love it.

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  The best "Midsize SUV" - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Tito - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I did alot of reviewing before I bought my Pilot. I knew that it was the right choice. I put Midsize in " only because its far from that. Lots of space. My family and I had a picnic this past week. We fit 8 adults with no problem. Try doing that in any other Midsize SUV. With gas prices already high. The Pilot will give you the best gas economy you can find. Durablity and reliability, its a Honda.

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  Honda Sucks - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Benrard - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I took the truck to different dealers to diagnoses a hesitation in the transmission. All they did was to upgrade the computer system. After insisting that the symptom was not but a product of my imagination, the recall came trough. The second gear was burn and the transaxle was not engaging anymore. The car has a lot of push with 245hp. However the pulling is barely getting by without hurting the 4 wheel system and a $5000 out of my pocket. I am fighting Honda for the warranty that just pass the 1000 over. Buyer beware, Honda is great for cars and light vehicles. Please do not try their trucks and expected them to pull like an American.

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  Solid Value at a Very Reasonable Price - 2000 Honda Accord
  By RubyRedSienna - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned two cars since 1986: a Honda Civic and this Honda Accord LX, which I purchased new in 2000. In all those years, Honda has never left me stranded by the side of the road. They build a reliable car at a very fair price (about $15K new). Have experienced only one minor problem with the brakes,which began to vibrate at 12K miles. It was easily corrected by the dealer, who replaced the front brake rotors under warranty. The ride is a bit noisy, but it is absolutely the best value for a sedan under $20K.

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  love it!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bjvora - May 11 - 10:00 am

  If u are looking for a blend of sports & luxury...this coupe is it! Not to mention the reliability, great gas mileage, amazing engine...all for a pretty reasonable price tag! I almost bought an Acura RSX but after doing all my comparison...I went with the Accord Coupe EX...for the following reasons: 1. Significant insurance difference 2. Better interior design 3. Better sounds system 4. Audio controls on steering wheel 4. More room Ive had the car for almost a month now and I am LOVING it!! The cabin is extrememly quiet and the driving experience is just too good!! Would highly recommend it!!

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  Road trip - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By KWRT - May 11 - 4:30 am

  I just got back from a week long vacation, driving from Iowa to Dauphin island, AL. The total miles over 1600 miles and 20+ hours in the truck. I will say that after being in the seat that long I have no issues. The sit itself is firm, not too soft and not too hard; after driving for 12 hours straight in one stretch, no aches or pains. On the dash board it said the Ridgeline was averaging 26-27.6, but I found that it overestimates, on the trip down the mpg was 23-25 going about 5 mph over the speed limit and driving back was the same. The storage was great!! The in-bed trunk was awesome and extremely useful, between my wife and my 2 year olds stuff, we still had plenty of room. The only issue I found was that the cruise control and the 8 inch screen is lack luster. The problem with the cruise control was the pause between pushing the acceleration and the truck actually going was 3-4 seconds, this is with or without the eco button on. The screen and Honda link is not easy to use. It is like Honda tried to cram to much into and trying to navigate it is not intuitive. The drive of the Ridgeline is very smooth and it seems to just glide on the road. My wife is hearing impaired and with the very quiet cabin, we were able to have conversation, without me yelling over the road noise. I am quiet happy with the truck so far.

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  Mighty Glad We Bought It - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By William Carlson - May 10 - 10:24 pm

  We had been waiting for the new re-design and when the 2018s came available we were thrilled with the look. Then we actually had the opportunity to drive some, look them over carefully and make our decision. We purchased a 2018 Odyssey Elite and so far weve been absolutely delighted with it. Excellent acceleration, extremely comfortable ride, and enough bells and whistles to make any tech geek happy. But, all of them functional and serving a purpose.

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  CR-V 2- year review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MAN22 - May 10 - 8:31 pm

  We bought this for the wife, but she soon wanted back into a mini-van. I became the driver. Since new, wind noise on the right side of the windshield has been problematic and the dealer cant fix it. Road noise is another problem that is a historical issue with this model. Economy is good, great miles between oil changes, and really kinda fun to drive. Front wheel torque can cause you problems if you get on it while turning and it is zippy for a 4 cyclinder. Seats are a little firm for the wife, but I like them that way.

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  The E is great - 2007 Honda Element
  By Scott D - May 10 - 4:45 pm

  I had my doubts going in to the dealership and could not have been more suprised. The car drives very nicely, handles great, and has way more room than you think. Im 64" 210 pounds and fit with ease.

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  2 soon 2 tell - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dal Andrew - May 10 - 1:33 am

  good vehicle