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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  Better than Competition - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Reninkle - November 22 - 5:33 am

  Best ride for a truck that Ive experienced. Rear vision is somewhat limited. Turning radius is larger than expected and fuel economy could be improved. All minor inconveniences which all vechiles have some. Biggest complaint I have is when driving at higway spped 55+ there is a constant wind whistle that can not be isolated. Not too bad with radio playing but with no nosie or conversation in the cab, sound becomes very annoying.

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  What an Odyssey! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Road Worthy - November 22 - 2:20 am

  New in 2007: 1) Telescopic steering wheel(great if over 6) 2) Tire Pressure Monitor which alerts the driver if one of the tires experiences loss in air pressure 3) Coin Holder in center dash cup holders. The leather seats are very comfortable and the front captain seats offer electric heating for those in colder climates. The instrument panel is very intuitive & the design/lighting is the best I have viewed. Odyssey is filled with safety features from the front, side & curtain airbags along with sliding side doors that will stop if they encounter any resistance. VCM feature shuts down one bank of cylinders when coasting, thus increasing fuel economy. I highly recommend the Odyssey

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  Wow! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Aaron J - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  I previously owned a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. Now that was a fast car but thats about it. This car is a dream from the GAS to the STYLE to the COMFORT. You will not regret your choice I PROMISE.

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  My First Auto Purchase - 2008 Honda Accord
  By K_2the_AblaM - November 21 - 7:40 pm

  I want to first say that Im completely satisfied with my purchase and couldnt ask for a better looking/performing car for the price range. I commute about 20 miles to work each way and the V6 gives me more than enough power and kick to pass with ease. The suspension feels tighter than that of a camry, and the car handles very well considering its larger size. Aestetically, the cars new redesign is off the charts. The front end is mean, along with the chrome accents on the handles and the dual exhaust that separates the V6 from the I4. Dash is very convinient despite reviews. This car looks elegant with the chrome, yet dashing and sporty. A-OK in my book

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  Great car, but... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Sygma - November 21 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my 2009 LX 4DR in October 2008 and have been very pleased with the cars performance and economical aspects. However, at 9,800 miles the front wheels began making squeaking sounds, rolling forward or back, whether or not the brakes were applied. When I took the car to the dealer, the service writer said the brakes were WORN OUT. Those squeaking noises are the brake sensors indicating a need for brake pad change. Now, Ive owned many new cars in my life but I cant recall EVER having to change disc brake pads at 9,800 miles. Brakes are not covered under warranty, so I paid $269 for new brakes. Where is the low cost of ownership Honda claims? Honda Customer Service was no help.

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  Great vehicle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By libertyman - November 21 - 10:08 am

  26.5K A recent 330 mile trip at 38.4 MPG overall 32.5 plus .recent recall for software was 25 minutes under warranty. Con- Rear vision could be better.For $22400 I am very satisfied.

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  Finally decided on the Best SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By SamanthaFox - November 20 - 3:53 pm

  The 2009 Honda Pilot is the best SUV I have every driven. I have owned the 2004 Pilot that was reliable, spacious but unappealing; I have owned a Sequoia that was too big and a gas guzzler; I have also owned a Jeep Cherokee that dragged during take off, had poor gas mileage and horrible interior. I have found the SUV that I will drive for a long time. Thanks Honda for the new design. I love it; love driving it; and because I like the vehicle so much, I can, almost, better deal with going to the pump to pay for unnecessarily high priced gas.

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  Truth in advertising? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Liszt - November 20 - 12:20 pm

  I like the car a lot. Not a lot of power, but solid. The sticker says 47/48 mpg but I average 38-42 mpg consistently. I cant imagine how these other owners are getting over 50 mpg unless they are driving only downhill and with no wind resistance... I wish I really got 47/48 mpg as it says on the sticker. I really baby the car and am aware how to obtain the best mileage possible, but it just doesnt happen.

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  Nice CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By chris - November 20 - 6:03 am

  I bought CRV about 1month ago. Actually, I already had a Honda Accord But I need more bigger than accord..so I was comparing with another car for exam,escape(FORD),RAV4(TOYOTA).etc.. I think CRV is more valuable.So I just bought it.The CRV engine is same thing that is Accord engine. Anyway The CRV seem to be need mo powerful but It is enough. Its so nice car for me^^

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  We Love Honda Accords - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rocky - November 19 - 7:56 pm

  This is our third Honda Accord and we still have a 4 door 1998 Accord in excellent condition. We sold a 1993 model, still in great shape, to buy this one. Its very pleasant to drive, nice feel to it, comfortable. We love the way the Accord handles.