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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  Another satisfied buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By FITZ - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Pilot for 2 weeks. MSRP plus $500 (great deal for Hawaii!!) Great ride. Great comfort. Great looks. Great sound (DVD and music.) For those that complain about a non-sporty feel, go pay $8k more for an MDX or $18k more for a BMW. Sound vehicle. Decent gas milage (18.25 for first tank.)

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  Loud noise, when water splases exhaust - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Scottwm - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Does anyone else have this problem with the 2002, Honda Civic EX, 4dr, 5 speed Man. When driving through puddles the water splashes on the exhaust and has a loud noise, the noise you would here if a car had no exhaust. As it dries, 30 seconds, it goes away. Honda knows of this issue and calls it a "charateristic of the car". I was told by the dealership, after they replaced a strut and the problem still was there. Today, Aug 5, I contacted Majestic Honda,W. Wariwick, RI. (I purchased the car from their Lincoln , RI dealership) and asked to speak with the the owner. I will receive a callback from the owner. Scott,

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  Extremely Reliable Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TiderInsider - November 4 - 7:43 am

  This car is superb. Absolutely no problems. Has 27,000 miles in 18 months and no problems. I get 35-38 m.p.g. on highway and >25 in town. American car makers are in big trouble trying to compete with Honda and Toyota.

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  You gotta get a lude, dude! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By EK - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Si lude with a little under 100K. Ive only had to replace the timing belt (preventative maintenance) and get some oil leaks repaired. I now have over 120K on my car. I absolutely love it!! This is the funnest car Ive ever driven. I recently test drove the new Accord EX V6 and the new V6 Altima (I thought I needed a bigger car). My 92 lude would run circles around both of these vehicles so Im sticking with my lude. Recently, I saw a car ad for a 95 lude priced at $12,000 (the ad said Rare car)!! Amazing! Youd have to fight me for my mine.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By djbe - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great Car/SUV not too big, not too small and its fun to drive!

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  Good Car but lousy stereo and too much wind noise - 2013 Honda Accord
  By denslayer - November 3 - 11:44 pm

  I like driving this car but its the small things that tend to make a difference . First the so called " premium" sound system sounds Horiible . I dont know how you can mess up 7 speakers with a sub but honda has . To make matters worse the active noise cancelation feature makes it near impossible to upgrade . The wind noise coming from the driver and passenger windows . It literally sounds like your window is open a crack. Honda has a TSB about the wind issues but the dealers are cluless on how to fix it. Internet forums have pages upon pages of people complaining about these same issues . Do your research and drive your car at freeway speeds and bring your fav cd with you

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  Howards opinion - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By howard - November 3 - 1:33 pm

  This vehicle is excellent all round. It is the best van in the market. Plenty of power and very comfortable.

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  wow what a truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Socal truck lover - November 3 - 7:32 am

  If you go for the top edition which is the black edition, you will be happy at how it looks like a truck and acts like a truck be has a very suv feel to it. Its all wheel drive and at least 4 traction options. they there is the d4 option adds more capability to the truck. I also like the lighting, parking assist, blind spot asist, lane keeping assist, full voice control of audio and climate control and navigation and phone calls. I do not have to do anything. Hands free finally. I have had Jags, and tundra and jeep commander, bmw and I was shocked to get all this for less than a 3 series BMW. the truck bed is fully protected with a liner. You will never go back. To anything else.

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  Totally Awesome - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTDjr - November 3 - 3:10 am

  I am a former Chevy guy who has gone 100% Honda in the last 3 years. Own a small company and have 4 Civics, a CRV and 05 Odysses. Had to get this Truck and love it beyond anything else I have ever owned. Fun to drive, turns head with its "grow on you" styling and people coming up and asking all about it. XM Radio is really great and super sounds. I have used it as a truck and love its versatility. Golf clubs fit below the bed and step in height is perfect. Look forward to years of driving. Redrock pearl is the color to get. My wife likes that this winter the heated seats will come in handy.

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  Another Great Honda Ownership Experience - 1995 Honda Accord
  By JAW - November 3 - 2:00 am

  My 7th Honda purchased new, 1st I held onto for a long time. Performed so reliably, I bought it after lease was paid. Spends most of its time in my garage or Omaha airport parking garage. Oils changed/tires rotated every 3k miles. Munfacturers suggested maint schedule is followed. 2 biggest "repair" items were a new battery and 4 tires in 2002. All my expenses since first acquiring: Cleaning $563.61 Fuel $1607.28 Insurance $5579.21 Lease/Loan $18498.15 (incl interest) Registration $1560.82 (incl license) Service $1444.50 TOTAL $29253.57