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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  Update after 3 years of owndership - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Tate - May 1 - 1:23 am

  I have now owned the vehicle for three years and continue to be impressed. It now has 78K miles and has yet to have any major problems. I drive a combination of city and highway and still get about 22 MPG. The only two issues Ive had pertain to the stereo and ABS brake light. At around 40K miles, the stereo and A/C backlight went out. The local dealer said Id need an entirely new stereo unit ($900+) and acted as though it was a common failure. After a polite email to Honda Corp, I got a new stereo for free. The other problem I continue to have is the ABS brake light. Occasionally, it will come on, unless Im at the dealership.

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  2007 Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - April 30 - 10:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, and wont be my last. The Ridgeline is typical Honda for creature comfort and practicality. Those that need the hauling/towing capability of a full size truck need not apply, but for those of us that only occassionally need the usefullness of a truck are quite happy with the Ridgeline. I didnt buy this vehicle to do heavy towing or off-roading, but to do the everyday things like going to/from work, running to Home Depot, picking up some groceries, carting the kids to practice, etc. It is very comfortable for me at 64". The exterior appearance is a bit unusual, but nothings perfect. Dependability? Theres a reason Honda doesnt offer roadside assistance!

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  Why do they do that - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Pinhi - April 30 - 11:57 am

  I had been planning on a 2007 CR-V but decided that I should drive a couple others before making a decision. I drove the Pilot and loved the ride and power. I knew then that I was kidding myself into thinking I would be OK with the CR-V acceleration. I picked out an LX. I didnt have much need for the extras that came with the EX. I prefer the cloth interior and it doesnt bother me to insert another cd when I am done listening to one. I am actually more of a talk radio type. I do miss the automatic light shutoff. I have to wonder why Honda would have that feature on the LX Accord and not on the LX Pilot. Exiting the back seat seems clumsy.

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  Love my First Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By NorseViking - April 30 - 9:56 am

  I bought 2007 CR-V LX after driving a Ford Explorer 2-door sport for 10 years. What an improvement! The Explorer handled and rode like a pick- up truck. Parking wasnt very fun with wide-turning radius. The CR-V is smooth, zippy, and easy to park. Its also easier to view out the back window than my Explorer. Gas mileage is better by 10 mpg.

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  2006 Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bwhartley - April 30 - 7:40 am

  This is my wifes commuter vehicle. She is a speech language pathologist and must shift a large amount of equipment from site to site. The seats configure easily to allow her to fit anything she needs. At the end of the day she picks up 3 teenage boys and voila, the vehicle configures in less than one minute. Great vehicle!!!!

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  Pilot EX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - April 30 - 3:13 am

  Wonderful truck, no problems.

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  You can trust Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dallas Driver - April 29 - 11:10 pm

  Great acceleration for an SUV. I traded in a G35 and this has been a great vehicle so far. 90 miles driven and the fuel gauge still hasnt dropped from the full tank mark! Buy the 2WD EX-L - excellent features.

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  Not bad - except the engine noise - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondahybrid15 - April 29 - 10:38 pm

  I have this car for 2 months now, and there are something I really like this car and something I really dont like. Pros - Great fuel mileages in a 50+ degree day, 40+ MPG is not a question. - Good looking interior and exterior. - Drive like a normal car with plenty of power. Cons - The engine noise is loud in a low speed. - Hybrid is NOT good for cold day. I only get like 15 MPG for a very cold day ( 0 degree). - I hate the noise when I stop at stop sign/red light, the car sometimes will switch from engine to EV, then will switch back to Engine. it scares me when the engine starts up again. - NO Spare tire (I ended up buying a OEM spare tire - for $100)

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  Great Mini-Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Randy Tibbs - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  We previously had another minivan, 2001. We gave it to our daughter and son-in-law for their growing family, but found we really liked having a van. After much research we decided to buy the Honda Odyssey, EXL. We took it on a trip with two other adults, about 500 miles. We got 28 MPG and the room and ride were excellent. This vehicle has plenty of power and I especially like the fuel efficiency, even with a 255 HP motor. Like other Hondas we have owned, the workmanship is excellent. Honda is very thoughtful in how they build and design a vehicle. Thanks Honda, another "Home-Run"

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  Good Car so Far - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - April 29 - 3:50 pm

  Bought my Honda in November 2007. This is my second Honda Accord and so far I have not been disappointed. My previous Honda Accord was a 1996 and it is still going strong. I hope to have the same success out of the 2008 model. I was looking for a new sedan that would have plenty of leg room for my two sons and so far I have been pleased. I compared it to the Nissan Altima which came in a close second but the Accord had better safety features and the insurance is cheaper. I have been disappointed with fuel economy. 75% of my driving is state highways and I only get about 26-27 miles/gal. which is less than my previous 12 yr. old Accord.