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 Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By avard - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We have owned minivans of differnt makes for many years.The Honda is the best all around minivan I have ever driven.I dont thank the Honda rides or is as quite as the Dodge. The Hondas motor,transmission and the way it drives make up for it. The Odyssey drives like a car.

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  A RELIABLE TIN CAN : - 2000 Honda Accord
  By THE BANK - May 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 11TH HONDA. ITS A GERAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY. THE ENGINE IS RESPONSIVE, AC & AUDIO IS OK, THE WIPER INSERTS WEAR OUT VERY FAST, & THE REAR END CAN COME AROUND IN AN OFF-CAMBER TURN IF YOU DONT PAY ATTENTION. PAINT IS ACCEPTABLE BUT THE DASH HAS CREEKED FROM DAY 1 ON WASHBOARD ROADS.

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  Great liitle ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By eddieboy - May 3 - 1:16 pm

  My wifes choice. I was looking for an Accord. She fell in love with this royal blue pearl model. Fantastic fit and finish, no defects on delivery. Not a head snapper, but adequate acceleration and surprising comfort, Typical solid Honda feel. Loaded with safety features and very nicely appointed. Great handling and stopping. Mileage is a little better than advertised, with 28 mpg on trips and 26 in town driving, We both love to drive it and it is a head turner. People asking all about it. Couldnt be more pleased! Well, maybe a little. The funky console/tray is kinda useless and would prefer a real console with storage, but this is really nit-picking!

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  My FIT is GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mathprof - May 3 - 4:20 am

  So far, the Fit is GO! I live in a rural area, and even when carrying 4 other teenage boys to the skatepark up a good hill, no problem!

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  Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR V
  By nara kamath - May 3 - 1:48 am

  Met all expectations

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  Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jp - May 2 - 8:20 pm

  I am a first time Honda owner. For a truck, this is the best handling truck by far, that I have experienced. With the independent suspension, the ride is excellent over any type of bumps/potholes that I have encountered. No dancing of the rear end over bumps, like I had in my previous "solid rear axle" vehicle. The 5000 lb towing capacity, and the comfortable, all purpose utilitarian design of the Ridegeline are also very important to me, and I could not find another vehicle that met my requirements as well as the Ridgeline. My spouse also likes the Ridgeline as well as I do, and she is the meticulous/particular type. I expect the Ridgeline to be a very successful vehicle for Honda.

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  Overall a nice car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tim C - May 2 - 4:13 am

  Leased in Feb 2008 as a replacement to a Pilot, which had poor gas mileage. I do miss the carry and load capacity of the Pilot, but the Accord gets decent gas mileage by comparison (about 24 MPG combined, around 28 MPG hwy). The 4 cylinder is plenty powerful for me. Cant beat the price I got ($3300 down, $159/mo) for a 3 year/12,000 mile per year lease. Being on the West Coast I was able to pick between Accords made in the U.S. and one made in Japan, and chose the JHM VIN number. So far no problems, ride is smooth, a bit loud on rough roads. This is my 10th Honda, and I continue to be a Honda fan.

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  2016 Honda Fit EX - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Randy Buss - May 1 - 8:20 am

  My review to the 2016 Honda Fit EX will be in comparison to the 2009 Subaru we own, and other vehicles weve had. We purchased the Honda Fit EX three weeks ago and overall we cannot say enough to how pleased we are with it. Weve been averaging a combined 38MPG, with highway driving right around 42MPG. The ride is ust a bit firmer compared to the Subaru, but definitely not objectionable. The seats are very comfortable (Far more comfortable than the Subaru), and the interior quality is very good. The road noise is surprisingly quieter compared to the Subaru, and the wind noise is virtually undetectable even at highway speeds of up to 65mph (great job Honda). Weve been very pleased with the interior trim and build quality. The electronics/entertainment is very satisfactory. Exterior visibility is comparable to other vehicles, with an advantage to rear visibility when looking back and to the right in order to switch lanes (never rely on electronics or mirror). The back up camera and lane watch camera are definitely nice features to have and it takes a bit of adaptation to become accustom to them, but not a requirement because of the nice large side mirrors and rear visibility. Acceleration is more than adequate for rapid acceleration onto highways, and weve not been disappointed at all. Over all, were so pleased by the performance of the Honda Fit EX that were selling our Subaru in order to purchase another Honda Fit EX. Minor Cons: The intermittent wipers have no variable setting (it is what it is and you cant adjust it, but its adequate). The long distance illumination is very good with high beams, however, because the fog lights and low beam lights turn off, it causes the immediate road surfaces to become rather dimly lit. Im planning on easily fixing this issue by adding an additional set of LED driving lights to come on only when the high beam lights are on. (Low beam illumination is excellent) The audio system is very good quality, but it lacks a little on the low end bass. (Not bad, just not quite enough bass). Engine noise does become apparent when accelerating hard, but not much more than other cars do. Furthermore, once up to speed, the engine noise is not at all any worse than other cars. Major Cons: Absolutely nothing so far. Additional notes to be aware of if youre in the market. The "2015" Honda Fit models were made in Mexico and had a series of quality issues due to an inexperienced work force. However, the "2016" Honda Fit models are now made in Japan, and the build quality is noticeably better than any other locations. If youre in the market for a Honda or already own one, look at the first digit of the VIN# to know where it was made. 1 = USA 2 = Canada 3 = Mexico J = Japan

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fern - May 1 - 3:43 am

  I love this car. I bought it new and have not had anything fail yet, except for a noise in the clutch pedal. The pedal was replaced under warranty.

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  A 41 YR Old Gen Yer Loves it - 2004 Honda Element
  By BarnAcree - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Dont beleive all the hype about an Element only being for young kids. If you need the function and space of an SUV but dont want to overspend $$ or overuse gas, the Element is for you. Overall, the review I read was accurate, except I havent had any problems w/ road/wind noise. It carries an unbeleiveable amount of stuff.