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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  Good car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By M.I. Evil - March 10 - 4:26 am

  This is my first Honda. So far everyone in my family has one. I test drove the 2006 Honda Accord EX and the the 07 Toyota Camry LE. I preferred the way the Honda felt, plus it has more HP than the Camry. My 8 yr. old daughter also prefered the Accord over the Camry because the backseat was more comfortable for her with out a headrest pushing her head forward.

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  30+ yrs of Driving Hondas - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By ML Sylvester - March 9 - 5:38 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas since 1977 (accord, civics, hybrid and acura) and this is my 6th. I really enjoy my 06 CRV/SE. It handles well and is the perfect size for me. I traded in my Civic Hybrid because I wanted more room for camping, etc. The Hybrid got about 42+ mpg so its a bit tough getting used to the new 22 mpg at 30%/70% city/hwy driving in the CR-V. I havent decided which model Im getting for my 7th.

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  Ridgeline Affair - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Craig Banner - March 9 - 12:13 pm

  I love this truck! This review covers a 2017 and 2018 Honda Ridgeline. I had the 2017 for 8 weeks before it was totaled when I hit a full size horse at 0530 in the morning. After escaping its fenced pasture, it was running directly at me and in the dark I didnt see it until it was 20 from me. The horse died and the truck was totaled but I was not hurt. Had seat belt on and airbags did not go off since horse was above bumper area and crushed hood, windshield and roof. A month later I purchased my new, identical 2018 Ridgeline. It drives real smooth, even my wife likes the ride, with good acceleration and so far, 23 mpg. Only have 1500 miles on this one. Love the in-bed trunk and 2-way tailgate. No complaints so far. Was able to negotiate $3600 below MSRP.

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  A few things not quite right - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lisa M - March 9 - 11:46 am

  Ive had this car for three months, 2100 miles so far. My concerns are the following: the engine revs when I step on the brakes (but not always). The brakes seem flimsy and just dont feel right. The paint job seems to be cheap. Im noticing orange peel surface and there are spots, especially near the windshield, where the clear coat is worn off or never existed. I dont seem to get the gas mileage that I should be. I drive about 85% city and usually get about 31 mpg. I dont think Ill keep this car long and I worry about how it will look and run after 2 years. Dont get the chrome shifter knob. After three months it comes loose all the time and no longer lines up properly.

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  Loving my Pilot! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Carla Guido - March 9 - 12:11 am

  I went from an 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L to a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L and I am very happy with my purchase. Honda makes a great durable family vehicle with lots of bells and whistles for an outstanding price. Sure, there are things I miss from my odyssey like the ability to remove the middle seat in the second row (touring offers captain chairs) , large deep cargo space and passenger ceiling vents for quicker temperature comfort. You can still find those options with a mini van but I was ready to make the switch. Ive owned 3 Honda vehicles in my 26yrs of driving and by far they are the best made.

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  Best Used Car for the Price - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Richard - March 8 - 6:44 pm

  Was lucky to find an 01 with only 17 K miles, ride and build quality outstanding. Handles great, lots of room easy to park. Get 34 mpg in city.

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  Nice Surprise! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dans - March 8 - 2:46 pm

  I decided to clean house and reorganize my "rolling stock." Got rid of my 03 Dodge Ram and my power boat . . . and get a Honda Civic LX. What a switch, huh? I never could park that Ram! Actually, I drive to and from work almost exclusively, and the economy and comfort of the Civic is just right for me (Im 6 2" tall, mid-50s, male). The build quality seems very nice, and the paint is thick and smooth. It came well equipped for an economy car, and I am very pleased. Also, Ive gone from 10 mpg to 29 mpg in town. Now that is nice! My gas savings alone will make the payment.

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  A Little "Timex" on Wheels! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jennifer - March 8 - 1:59 pm

  Thats right! I call it my little "Timex" because it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin! I bought this car in March 1998 with 15 miles on it, and had factory AC installed--but aside from that the car was stripped down and completely utilitarian in nature. Love this car because it is a study in simplicity! In the 9 years I have owned this car, NOTHING has ever gone wrong with it and it has never left me stranded. Aside from oil changes, the occasional purchase of new tires, and a new battery, everything else has been regularly scheduled tune-ups, maintenance, or replacement of things such as a new timing belt and a manifold. Great car! Very pleased with the reliability and affordability!

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  Are you Unsure between the 4 or 6 Cylinder? Read on for why the 4 is Awesome - 2013 Honda Accord
  By baltimorebill - March 8 - 3:53 am

  I seldom write reviews but given how much I was unsure about whether to lease the 4 or 6, and how much I LOVE the 4, I thought a review might be helpful to those in the same boat. I drove both the 4 and the 6 and am coming from a 1999 Accord with 178,000 miles that had a powerful V-6. I drove both the 2013 EX-L with Navi 6 and 4 Cylinder. The 6 Cylinder just seemed kind of heavy and I felt as if I had to keep my foot on the pedal all the time. On the other hand, the 4 is very smooth and has plenty of power when needed. And the gas mileage so far that I am getting on the highway (in eco mode) is slightly over 36 on the highway and around 25 in the city. Its an awesome car.

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  Cabin noise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By PDX - March 7 - 12:13 pm

  A lot of cabin noise. Front side pass. door panel make noise(s). Glove door panel rattles. Something in the driver panel makes a spingy noise (kinda like a PC hard drive running). Other then weird noise. everything else is pretty good. Dealer service department told me that there are other Accord 08 are having the same problem.