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:

• 

  For the money you cant beat it! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Jsherm - January 14 - 2:00 am

  After just 1000 miles this car has been a dream. All the power you need is there along with Hondas reputation for a quality automobile. When you compare the cost to speed (eg. looking in the back of Road and Track for specs on all makes and models of cars, incl. cost, 0- 60, braking, etc.), there is only one other car that has a 5.5sec 0-60 rating for under $35k and thats the 350z. This car is the best bang for the buck out there.

• 

  Best overall value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By KG - January 13 - 9:23 pm

  I decided to buy Accord EX over Civic Hybrid but went with my heart instead of my head. Accord is really big but it is driven like a mid size car. Overall build quality and design is better than Camry and other competitors. Mazda6 is the best in terms of pure driving experience but the overall quality and resell value are major concerns. Civic Hybrid is probably the best choice in term of overall value but it does not come close to Accord in every other aspects.

• 

  Honda gets it right! - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan Wells - January 13 - 5:30 pm

  After much deliberation and some arm twisting by my wife I purchased a White Diamond Pearl RTL-E. I have owned a lot of trucks in the past: a Ford Ranger, 2 Mazdas, an F150 and 4 Tundras. The Ridgeline by far is the nicest truck Ive owned. The Ranger and Mazdas were underwhelming to say the least whereas the F150 and Tundras were way more truck than I needed. Like most truck owners 95% of the time my truck is used just like a car, as a mode of transportation. The other 5% of the time its used to haul mulch, appliances, furniture, tow a utility trailer with a zero turn mower and about 4 times a year its called on to tow our 4500# camper. Like most people I dont do any serious off roading, rock crawling or mogul jumping. Honda is the only manufacturer that has its priorities right in building the Ridgeline. They built a vehicle that guys (and gals) like me "need" first of all and then did a great job of giving us a few things we want. I "need" a truck thats easy to get in and out of (Im 65), gets decent gas mileage, is relatively easy to maneuver and park, does not swallow my garage, can haul a decent amount of stuff and most importantly can tow close to 5,000#s. The Ridgeline is the only truck that checks all those "need" boxes. My last truck, a Tundra, only checked the last 2. It was a great truck but way more truck than I needed. While Honda was at it they gave owners a few wants: a car like ride, an awesome sounding audio system, a super quiet ride and most of all great reliability. My biggest concern is its ability to tow my Jayco X18D camper. The Tundra did a great job, no question about that. With the same brake controller and weight distribution hitch, the Ridgeline does exceedingly well. And amazingly with the camper hooked up the rear of the Ridgeline only squats a half an inch! The Tundra squatted an inch and a half. I am certain Honda has "overbuilt" this truck to cope with a 5,000# trailer, camper, boat etc. I believe they have settled on that tow limit for liability reasons and not on the Ridgelines actual towing ability. According to the sticker on the hitch the truck is rated for a 600# max hitch weight. Hitch weights are always rated at 10% of the max towing ability, thus Im sure the Ridgeline could safely tow 6,000#s. And as a daily driver the Ridgeline really shines. We recently took a vacation from Ohio to Florida and averaged 26mpg. Way better than the Tundras 17-18. The ride is so smooth and quiet that it truly is on par with, if not exceeds our 14 Lexus GS350. For a truck its simply amazing. Thanks Honda for building a truck, that if most truck owners were honest, would admit its all the truck they "need."

• 

  Not worth the money - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ashley - January 13 - 10:33 am

  This is one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have ever been in. It is noisy(a constant hummm), the transmission runs very rough, and the dvd screen constantly squeaks. The van also has a vibration problem which you can feel and easily see when looking at the seats and the steering wheel. It never goes away (not even when a/c is off). The inside of the van is very nice and roomy. The front seats are way to high for short people though. I am 53" and only the tips of my toes touch the floor. Hard to reach pedals Wish I bought something else. Maybe that new toyota that didnt even start at the dealership would have been a better buy...at least then I would have no vibration worries

• 

  Very special car! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By John Czm - January 13 - 9:04 am

  I had 11 news cars before my SE including 6 European. I can say that this is the best choice so far. Bought it in September 2017, have driven 3000 mile without a single issue. I like driving firm, responsive and tight tuned cars which Accord Sport has all these tastes with very reasonable price. Interior is beautiful, seats are very comfortable, leather gives high quality ambiance. Most of people think that Sport or Sport SE are just polished LX which is not true. Sport SE has many upgrades; mechanical: bigger rotors, sharper steering ratio, direct flow exhaust, interior features: black headliner, leather heated seats, very attractive aluminum pedals and 60:40 rear seat. All these upgrades create a special car without breaking a bank. Everything is rock solid in the car, drives great, great responsive handling for a family sedan. I am writing this after a major snow storm and ice rain, this car keeps its strong handling character. This is my first Honda, vtec engine is a great sample of engineering and the cvt transmission is much better than competitors, smooth and responsive if you use the Sport mode. Highly recommended to daily drivers who doesn’t want to invest in over price crossovers.

• 

  Bring back the good stuff - 2013 Honda Accord
  By patnams - January 13 - 4:14 am

  My previous car was 98 Accord LX, did 140k in LOT of conditions. I also get to ride lot of rental cars. With that background, I generally agree with all great reviews of 13 from others but will focus on some issues here. The ride is rough on imperfect roads - the noise & vibrations come right into your body. CVT is smooth but the 1st gear is missed greatly for initial 2 seconds. Compared to 98 LX, cabin quality is poor. Seats are hard, storage is less and dash looks cheap. The steering is hard, my hands ache on long drives when I am moving the steering only like half an inch most of the times. My elbows are missing some support on both sides as windows and storage are bit lower.

• 

  great car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By ndp - January 13 - 2:00 am

  one of the best cars honda ever made!

• 

  "The car that nobody wants" - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Warney - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the 2005 Accord LX Coupe 2.4l equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, "the car that nobody wants" according to multiple dealers I visited. I am 65" and 220 lbs and cant fit in an EX, the sunroof scrapes my head. Plenty of headroom in the LX. Tilt/telescopic wheel with lighted controls is great! Ordering a car from Honda is not easy, dont believe the brochures on color choice. For $18,325 I got a safe car that will last a long time, offers a good balance of power, sportiness, quality, roominess, and economy. Car is incredibly quiet and I expect many years of trouble free service from it. Many thoughtful features with intuitive operation and flawless performance.

• 

  Just Got Another - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Very satisfied - January 12 - 8:43 am

  Got this one for the wife, who puts about 2000 miles/month on it. I liked it so much I got one too, but manual. Traded an 04 350Z so I could drive all year in Idaho. The stick version feels quite a bit quicker than the auto. A friend and I both have both trannys. The EPA lies, the manual gets 2-3 mpg more (30/35 vs 32/37) if it matters. Drove the Si w/ intent to buy it but this wonderful engine isnt special til over 6 grand up to 8500 rpm. This is not useful unless youre a wannabe racer. Id like the power in the midrange like my Z. So the Si is a great handling car with nothing to offer mature drivers.

• 

  In My Own Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rita - January 12 - 6:53 am

  I owned a 2003 and traded it in for a new 2005 good gas mileage and handles nicely, comfortable and gives a feeling of security with little ones in the vehicle