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:

• 

  I Miss My Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By WhatWasIThinking? - October 21 - 10:59 am

  I bought an RTL in May of 2007. I loved it but traded it 15 months later on a 2008 Jeep Saraha Unlimited. I knew very quickly that I had made a BIG mistake. The Ridgeline is just a great truck. It tows reasonable weights with ease. People are critical of the mileage, but it is a truck. It has the convenience of a truck, the towing of a truck, and the ride of a car. I love the convenience and security of the in bed trunk. The ride and comfort was fabulous. My next purchase will be a New 2010 Ridgeline RTL with navigation! Dont make the mistake that I made. If you want a do just about anything truck, at a reasonable price, with a good track record of reliability the Ridgeline is the best choice!

• 

  Accord, sportscar like performance! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mtn bike rider - October 21 - 6:50 am

  My wife and I had our first child in April 04. We were driving 2 Integras at the time of her pregnancy. We loved this car because it didnt drive much differently than the Integras. One noticable difference was how stiff the ride was on rougher roads. There is a definate "chop" on larger bumps. This is something my wife and I were willing to live with to keep the quality of handling performance we were used to. The cabin is roomy, comfortable, quiet and well thought out ergonomically with first rate fit and finish. Problems so far(14 mo.) have been relatively minor. A squeaky door hinge-fixed. A faulty alternator ELR-replaced and no new problems.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By samuel - October 20 - 10:51 pm

  I now drive this car after owning several Honda / Acura vehicles in the past. They are the best vehicles on the road for the money. It is powerful enough to get by most cars, and yet just blends in like a regular car. It isnt flashy, but I love my Accord . I only wish that I would have gotten the v6 manual instead of the auto. Simple, reliable, classy, yet sporty. I have always been satisfied with Honda products and Im a loyal customer. Looking forward to my next car, the 2017 Honda Accord.

• 

  AMAZING! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hondaowner - October 20 - 10:19 pm

  I just got this car a few weeks ago and I am in love. I dont know why it gets low reviews on its exterior - thats the part that attracted me to it the most. I didnt like how it looked prior to 2007, but since its remodeling the Honda CR-V is by far a lot better looking than the Rav4 and Rogue if you ask me. I love the sleek, aerodynamic exterior - beautiful. The inside is comfortable (hard seats?? I dont think so.) and I love the nighttime lighting inside. I love the CR-Vs reliability and how safe I feel inside. The MPG is great...Ive been averaging 22.2 on city roads. Has lots of space and I love the sunroof and tinted back windows. I pretty much am obsessed with my new car.

• 

  What took me so long? - 2006 Honda Element
  By BOXERMOM - October 20 - 6:25 pm

  It took me two years to finally decide to buy the element, and have not been sorry since. Have two dogs that spend all their time with me, in office, out seeing customers and so we spend at least half the day in and out of the car, we love it. It turns on a dime and if you know how to use the transmission I have left 8 cylinder cars eating my dust when climbing hills. Its been in the snow at 11000 feet in Utah and didnt even need snow tires. Gas mileage improved once I took off the good years and put on tiger paws and keep inflated at 42lbs which the tire specifies. Have been off roading with it too, although a little low there are ways to work around that. Next trip New Mexico the whole state.

• 

  This is one big people and stuff hauler - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharan - October 20 - 1:34 pm

  The 2005 Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather and RES is a true value for money. I love the leather seats, the 2nd row captain seats with center 8th seat and the spacious 3rd row bench seats. The engine is powerful and can accelerate very quickly on highways. The tires and track are wide to give you a comfortable ride. The RES (Rear Entertainment System) being fully integrated with the audio system is really nice, and the sound quality of the audio system is quite good. The controls are ergonomically placed. The headlights are very intense and provide good visibility. The 3rd row seats fold flat and allow you to carry lotsa cargo.

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - October 20 - 3:36 am

  I dont spend a lot of time on the road, but when I drive, I love to drive this SUV. It handles like a car, and is easy to get in and out of tight spaces. Internal cargo space is good, with enough seating flexibility to carry larger items. It gets good mileage, and has enough power under the hood for all driving needs.The seating area is flexible and comfortable. Over all, I am extremely satisfied with my Honda CR-V, and I know I will get years of reliable performance from it.

• 

  Greatness - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Borntodrive - October 19 - 8:01 pm

  This car is amazing, I actually like taking this car out, and Im only 18, it drives very well. I was recently with a big group of friends and we wouldve had to call up a 3rd car if it wasnt for the Odyssey... it hauled the required 8 people with ease. I was very pleased. The car is far more planted and composed than the Pilot that I usually drive, its very sure of itself, it has good grip. My friends seem to love the car as well, they find it very comfortable, as do I. It is a road trip maestro. However the brakes are a little wonky compared to the Pilot, the pedal travel is far too long, and it stinks when it comes time to park this thing because its so big, vs. the just stick it Pilot.

• 

  Get the extras - 2009 Honda Fit
  By happy owner - October 19 - 3:42 pm

  Compared to and test drove Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman, Scion D etc. to replace a 1986 Toyota 4 wheel drive xtra cab pick-up used for personal and small real estate business. With back seats down it works well to transport my mutts and for business. Did not like "paddle shifting" standard is very responsive. Had dealer install moon-roof similar to those on accords and it is fabulous. Get all the rubber floor trays. Navigation system very useful and stability control makes my wife feel safe. Also got Plexiglas strips on doors for shade and rain protection as well as fancy door strips and a black rear bumper protector strip--all the bells and whistles.

• 

  Completely different from my last one - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Giacomini - October 19 - 12:57 am

  I previously owed a 2011 touring model. Had no problems. I now own a 2016 Elite. Gas mileage, acceleration, exterior, interior and overall performance is much better than my previous Pilot. The navigation system is a little hard to operate but that may be because I was so familiar with the older version. I do not care for the navigation lock out . It may be a safety feature but it disallows my passenger from making changes to the map and destination while vehicle is in motion. The safety systems, and there are many, seem to work well. Im a little Leary of the forward collision system so I elect to shut it down. I feel it sometimes over reacts and then is sluggish to retire. There is also a by pass for the engine idle shut off but it has to be activated every time the car is restarted. Wish there was a way to disable this function on a more permanent basis. Front seats do not seem as comfortable as on my 2011 Pilot. That may be due to the seats being ventilated as well as heated. The drivers seat arm rest and front passenger arm rest leave much to be desired in my opinion. They are adjustable up and down but seem very small and rather cheap. Other than those few complaints, Im very happy with the vehicle so far. May be to soon to give a thumbs up approval because I have only owned this vehicle since January of this year.