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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  Eight days and 2,100 miles - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ned Flanders - November 5 - 11:26 pm

  I enjoy driving this truck. Where I live I have to deal with severe weather and roads and the Ridgeline has performed extremely well. I also need a truck almost every weekend and I need to car pool with adults so this truck meets my needs and did I say this truck is FUN to drive?

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By happyhondaowner - November 5 - 10:24 pm

  I have enjoyed this vehicle overall and recommend it. No, it is not overly powerful, but it does have enough power to do what I need it to. No, it is not overly roomy, but it does have a lot of functional space when configured that way. No, it is not a looker, but there are worse. You WILL be able to fit it in a garage, move moderate sized trailers easily at 55-60 mph. You will also get about an average of 16 miles/gal overall. I have gotten up to 23 (once) and as low as 12 (many times) in the winter. You can fit 5 smaller people comfortably. Not if they are over 200 lbs and 6 ft tall. It is a truck that is not great at anything but good at everything.

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  First minivan and love it - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Ven - November 5 - 9:45 pm

  This is my first mini van and I love it. Have all the nice features. Havent experienced anything bad. A few changes both cosmetic and technical which would cost a penny to Honda can make it even more fun. Cosmetic like: on the driver/passenger side when the seat belt is released, the hook that is retracted is making scratches on the plastic and it is looking ugly after a few months. Maybe a softer plastic can be used like Toyota. And technical, VCM. And the child seat, if that can be stowable it will be great.

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  Some short Comings!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mac 8 - November 5 - 3:25 pm

  After owning for 5 months, some of the glamor has worn off. I bought it for economy and it is very good in that department. As far as driving I hate the fact that you cant see the right side to judge or even the left front, thats a minus. Also with the hybrid I would not recommend it if you live in hilly country, has little or no power on grades. Seats are not comfortable, esp if youre over 21.

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  A Real Work Horse - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mwsprotool - November 5 - 1:15 pm

  I have driven my Odyssey about 22K miles per year for the past almost 6 years and it has been extremely reliable as well offering exceptional versatility. I frequently carry a lot of equipment for my job and other times a full load of furniture and antiques for my wifes antique shows. We frequently go to dinner and/or a show with 2 other couples and the ability to carry 6 adults comfortably is a big advantage. The only negatives are the occasional rough downshifts of the transmission (which my dealer told me early on is normal for this vehicle) and the relatively unforgiving suspension that is an negative here on the rough roads of Ohio. Overall, it has been a real pleasure to own.

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  murrays truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By murray - November 5 - 8:23 am

  The ridgeline is a comfortable and capable truck that is meant for the consumer that hauls small payloads and requires a useful automobile for everyday life. The ridgeline is not just a work truck but a great family vehicle.

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  Beware of AC compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ncgator - November 4 - 7:22 pm

  I have almost 110,000 miles and my AC compressor imploded. I was totally unaware that this was a known issue. Shame on Honda for not doing a recall for this. I called Honda and they denied any knowledge of problems. Pointed out that it was pretty well documented on the web, and asked him for the zone manager name and number. Within 15 minutes I had a call back and was told to bring it in for diagnosis and Honda paid for just over 50% of the repair. Still cost me $750 but at least they admitted there was a defect.

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  Most reliable, astonishingly reliable - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By belfastconfetti - November 4 - 5:18 pm

  This is the most reliable, least flaky car that I have ever owned. Seven seats in the Japanese configuration that I drive, often full, no trouble at all. MPG not great, comfort - OK, but reliable, reliable, reliable.

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  You can do better for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JohnnyK - November 3 - 11:47 pm

  My 1987 Civic was a much better car: better MPG, rode smoother, was much quieter, had better ventilation through the dash and had more comfortable seats. This car is loud on the road (and Ive had two sets of tires - my Jeep was quieter!). I cant stand how this thing locks itself even after opening the trunk, and the seats are more sporty than comfy. The stereo is nice. We just bought a 1986 Toyota pickup that rides better and is quieter as well. Im trading this car in for a Camry or a Mercury Grand Marquis. Never again will I buy a Civic. Sure, its reliable, but so are most cars these days. My friends Accord, not much better. Sorry Honda.

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  1st and Last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By gwal - November 3 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this van as our family grew and we needed more room and wanted it to be reliable. It was a certified van with 29,000 mi on it. After purchase, I immediately became unsatisfied with the amount of road noise and interior functions malfunctioning. Issues were fixed under certified warranty. At 50,000 mi (current) started to have transmission shuddering even though maintenance schedule has been followed. After 3 trips to the dealer and a call to Honda, they are replacing the transmission under warranty. Dont know how many miles this one will last, but hopefully until I can trade it. Van depreciated horribly and will probably have to keep it another 2 years to break even on trade.