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:

• 

  NOTHING but a worry - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Jenna - February 20 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems. My dad bought this car for me 4 years ago from a woman that bought the car new. It currently has 127,000 miles and here are just a few of the problems. It takes forever to get the window to go up, often have the help push it up. Need a new muffler. Hesitates CONSTANTLY like its going to die, told it was the EGR (?) valve, paid to fix, still does it months later. Starter went out (normal, i guess?). ALL four signals do not work, went to mechanic and said fuses are good, so they need to run a diagnostic test for $90 for SIGNALS? Bizarre problems.

• 

  Typical Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Hurricane - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Everything works well. All controls are in the right place. You do not even have to read the owners manual except to find the spare tire.

• 

  Hard to get rid of - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hpnutty - February 19 - 10:03 pm

  Handing this off to college age daughter and after looking at the 08 accord and others I dont want to get rid of it. Its been everything I expected it to be. When guests get in they talk about how nice it is. My father raves about the color (red). It so fun to drive and cant imagine ever owned a 4 cyl now. But its nothing to brag about from the outside. very plain.

• 

  Too much road noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Chris - February 19 - 3:16 pm

  Had this car for 24 hours and I have buyers remorse due to horrible road noise coming into the car. It doesnt happen on every pavement but on most. The noise is just horrible. The pavement near the dealer is new and so the noise was not noticeable there. I dont recommend this car for the price.

• 

  Practical and Dependable - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Switched - February 18 - 11:37 pm

  I owned this vehicle for a short period of time. I was impressed for what it is, but finally came to terms with what it isnt. It IS a thoughtful design that is very practical and reliable. It was NOT a bachelor car. And Im a bachelor. Almost every other CR-V driver I saw was a middle-aged or elderly lady. I got odd comments and reactions when picking up a date - none of the ego stroking I have gotten from even moderately priced sport sedans. Found myself constantly sinking money into accessories to make it into something it wasnt. After 7 months I traded it for a Bimmer. With mild redesign, CR-V could appeal to a broader demographic, but apparently Honda is not concerned about it.

• 

  Best One Yet - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By itsjustme - February 18 - 5:17 pm

  Our van is used for both in town grocery getting, and long road trips. We typically get 18 mpg in suburban driving and 25+ mpg on the interstate. Once you get over the "Im driving a mini van" syndrome, it is highly functional and drives like a car. We just went to the Chicago Auto Show to look for alternatives. Many smaller vehicles get less mileage, have greater depreciation, and cannot do all of the things a minivan can. Cant wait to take our tandem bike to Florida and escape from the Chicago winter.

• 

  YES! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BunnyBombs - February 18 - 12:37 pm

  I spent months reading reviews and comparing ratings on all the SUVs on the market. I was willing to spend as much as I had to in order to get a good quality vehicle. Honda ended up to be the winner. Ive had my CR-V for about 5 months. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc., drives great. Its the right amount of space and it fits my busy lifestyle perfectly.

• 

  ridgeline,you should be mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By robbin steele - February 17 - 10:16 pm

  very comfortable and quiet, didnt care for the $1500 blacked out edition,but sunroof is only available on top two trim levels-and anything else is difficult to find(hondas fault?) nice ride,lotsa storage-nice compromise if you need a truck that acts like a car.

• 

  85% Perfect - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tallwoods - February 17 - 5:43 pm

  I have a Volvo V70 that I drive daily (18k miles/yr), and a Mitsu Montero that I off road. I wanted one car to do it all, and the Ridgeline is almost that car. It drives VERY well, but it needs more ground clearance for off-roading. The 4x4 system is good enough, but it bottoms out too easy. The bed should be 6" longer, same as the F150 SuperCrew (56"). The bed needs a power outlet! The exhaust hangs low and will get destroyed off-roading. I dont climb rocks, but there are rocks on the trails and 2-track roads I take... The sound system is weak. Love the climate control. Would like to easily remove the rear seats when needed. And it needs to look "brawnier", like a Subaru Brat.

• 

  My Opinion - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Denny - February 17 - 9:56 am

  After 3 months I have some opinions about the new Ridgeline. Overall I have few complaints. My mileage has been around 18 mpg for city and highway driving. I have had no problems of any kind with the vehicle in the first 2500 miles. There is a small problem with rear quarter visibility but with proper adjustment and use of sideview mirrors I have had no close calls. I didnt like the fact that the doors didnt unlock when the vehicle was put in park but checking the manual gave me information about how to reprogram the locks so they do now unlock when put in park. I have driven the Ridgeline in ice and snow and was able to go anywhere I needed to including very slick hills.