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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  Best SUV for the city - 2017 Honda CR V
  By JPinDC - March 1 - 6:30 am

  I wanted an SUV that was short and had a backup camera so that I could easily park it. The CR-V fit the bill. I couldnt find my preferred color in 2WD, so I got the AWD version. Gas mileage doesnt meet up with the EPA expectation, but is great for any SUV. Im most impressed with how effortless it is to drive - easy steering, excellent brakes. Another standout is the Apple CarPlay. Its integration is the simplest, most straight-forward that Ive seen. The safety features are great, as are little things like the cap-less gas filler, heated front seats, rear cover that moves up to make a flat surface with the rear seats folded down, etc.

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  Good Choice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Houston Commuter - March 1 - 5:00 am

  I traded a 2003 Honda Pilot for a 2006 Ridgeline because the Pilot was getting worn out and torn up using it as a pickup. Hardly knew the difference with the Ridgeline as the ride and performance feel like the same vehicle. Performance is good, and love the new features. Oil is monitored by an onboard diagnostic unit that allows you to go further between changes. I get about 7000 miles before the light comes on, so no more 3000 miles/3 months. Only problem have experienced is the interior driver door handle linkage broke, covered under warranty. 17-19 MPG as a Houston commuter. Dont plan on using it to move or carry a king size mattress, the 5 bed is small, but big enough for me!

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  Design Defects Cost Owners Money! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Cliff A - March 1 - 1:50 am

  Love the car - or DID, until the repairs started coming up. Fog Lights have zero protection - BOTH were broken by stones at 15k miles, at $180 EACH to replace. At 22,685 miles, Im stuck with a $900 A/C condenser replacement, caused by "road debris," not covered under warranty. A little Internet research shows this is a very common problem caused by defective design - huge holes in the lower grille allow large stones or debris to pass through, and the low clearance makes the condenser extremely vulnerable to damage. Honda should issue a recall to deal with the problem. Instead, they deny there is a problem, sticking their customers with the expense. Unfortunate - my last Honda.

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  Now THATS a Sports Car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Reno driver - February 28 - 1:51 pm

  What a car! It handles unlike anything I have ever driven. The high RPMs didnt freak me out because I had spent the morning driving Porsches so I was used to it. Kicking it into 6th gear is like launching yourself down the freeway - get a radar detector the day you buy it! This thing has road glue - takes hard turns like a go cart - as fun as a motorcycle but much safer and more practical. And it really turns heads! The hard top is great for noise & theft reduction.

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  Drive one first - 2005 Honda Element
  By bille - February 28 - 12:22 pm

  I enjoy this trucklet. I had to replace the driver armrest with a larger one offered by Honda. I am a big guy and love the room. The big point for me was that I was able to get a manual tranmission. The AWD is the best. Room behind the back seats for the dog. Love XM radio. And super easy to clean and keep clean. I put a new chrome grill on it and that helped the ugly of the snout. All this and a place to sit when we tail gate. " a real tail gate" Check out this special SUV.

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MSletten - February 28 - 11:26 am

  If you want a fun, stylish commuter thats thrifty at the pump, this is your car. So far Ive averaged 32 mpg (measured by me) despite having nearly 170 hp on tap--a magnificent engineering feat by Honda! My perception of 4 cyl engines is forever changed. This is a quiet, comfortable, fun, economical and FAST car. Dont get the 4 cyl engine for your teenager thinking itll keep him/her out of trouble! The five-speed shifter is butter-smooth, and with a hyraulically-assisted clutch makes putting the 170 ponies on the ground an enjoyable endeavor. And for the icing; airbags all around-- head, side and front. Im very pleased with this vehicle!

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  Safe and Sound - 2007 Honda Accord
  By J5F - February 28 - 6:13 am

  I purchased this car 7 months ago and now I have about 6500 miles on it. I travel mostly around town with the AC on. This is a reliable, well built, and comfortable car. Im glad I bought this model with the 6 cyl as it has good acceleration and a very quiet engine, plus the SE model no longer is available in the V-6. I dont need a sunroof or auto climate control and it is not any big deal to have manual seats. Now the V6 is std. with all that and it jacks the price up close to an extra $3,000. But is does have stablility control, traction control and the luxury of the V6, which I really like. Really, this is a great used car buy too.

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  Bad Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Karen Smith - February 27 - 9:33 pm

  2008 V6 sedan has vibration in steering wheel at speeds of 65 to 78 mph. Test drove a 2009 after I purchased mine only to find the same problem. Honda Corp does not acknowledge the problem. Possibly the new design with the new wishbone suspension. 7 months after the initial purchase @ 13,000 miles I needed rear brakes. They put ceramic pads on the rear to replace the factory pads and only charged me labor. But if they covered the brakes under warranty than why did I pay labor. Because brake pads are warrantied only up to 7,500 miles? Lets see how long these brake pads last! This is my 6th Honda and my last. Each newer model has more problems than the last.

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  "Si" - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Honda SI 2006 - February 27 - 7:16 am

  I purchased my 2006 "Si" 1/07/2006. It is the crystal "gray" color which to me looks more of a "green" color. Off the lot we drove it over 600 miles (very conservatively) What a fighter Jet!

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  Nice but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gabriela - February 27 - 3:40 am

  It handles great although it takes time to get used to. Looks nice inside and outside, but the plastic inside is very cheap and has a weird smell even after 6 months.The MPG varies: highway between 38-42 MPG based on speed and driving style, but in the city is just 24-25 MPG without air conditioner which is less than expected. Another con is the the road noise because of the tires and lack of insulating materials. A great feature is steering wheel mounted audio control and cruise control. I forgot the ceiling light on, so the next day my battery died; this car should have an alarm to let you know about the problem or to shut down itself as in my husbands 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So be aware.