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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  Perfect vehicle for me - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John - April 20 - 7:53 am

  I am a father that coaches his childern in baseball and football, before the ridgeline I had to either worry about leaving the equipment in the back of a poorly secured truck bed or having the often wet equipment in the back of my SUV. I only fully used my truck for hunting trips (again hated to leave my guns in the bed of the truck) and the 4-5 home improvement jobs and 3-4 landscape jobs a year. My SUV had all of the safety features I like and a much better ride. Now I have my safe SUV and truck in one vehicle.

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  Good Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Zapa Zo - April 20 - 2:13 am

  This is a great car for city driving. I got up to 89 mph yesterday!! Its and excellent build and I love it. Its a pretty quiet car. A lot of head space too! The only problem is that its not hybrid :( I recommend it.

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  30K and going strong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By afilatov - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We have Ody since it just appeared on the market, bought at the end of 1998, at MSRP. 30k miles and so far no major complains. Solved the problem with power outlet location by purchasing after-market triple strip that plugs into the outlet and fastens to the dash. Also added 6-disk in-dash cd changer without replacing the tape player (available at about $300 on Internet) and planning to upgrade the speakers as well. Glad we did not get EX with power doors (heard about problems from many people). It is almost perfect (see list of suggested improvements) and has been a workhorse for us, carrying full load of 7 200# adults (a rowing crew) and luggage with ease.

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  Great Ride/Low Power - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Yardie - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own. Fun ride. Sluggish on speed because of low power.

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  Two weeks later... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ILU - April 20 - 1:13 am

  LOVE this car. Drives well, looks great, all-around wonderful. Wish I couldve sprung for the navigation. My only regret is in getting black on black. Ive only had it for 2 weeks and Ive had to wash it twice already.

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  If a Ford F150 and a Honda Accord had a baby.... - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff Behm - April 19 - 11:28 am

  ...it would be like this. Overall, the 2018 Ridgeline is an excellent utility vehicle. Lets say you need something more versatile than a typical SUV, but you dont really need a full-on, full-size pickup truck. The Ridgeline may be your perfect choice, as it was for me. I can carry sheets of plywood in the bed, my dog in the crew cab area (comfortably & safely) and the front seat area is very roomy and comfortable. Plus, this "truck" rides and handles way better than any full size pickup Ive driven. It handles & drives pretty much like a larger Accord -- which is to say -- really well. So far I am averaging about 22 mpg on regular gas, but my previous experience with Hondas ( 6 of them) tells me that after break-in, the gas mileage should rise about 10 to 15 %. On the highway, Ive gotten 24.5 with the Eco button on. I just LOVE the lockable, HUGE trunk in the rear of the bed. Its so useful! Gripes? Although the engine has plenty of power, you really have to boot the accelerator to access that power. Not much down low. The lack of a volume knob on the infotainment system is just plain dumb. The touchscreen does not react fast enough, and can be distracting while driving. Honda needs to bring back the volume knob and tuning knob. The infotainment set up on current Mazdas (like my 2017 CX-5) is much better & easier to use. Also the paint job on the vehicle is very mediocre, and not what it should be on a $40K vehicle. Doesnt really have too much shine or depth to it. Paint on current Mazdas & Nissans is MUCH nicer. Finally, I had a serious airbag safety system failure, just ninety minutes into owning the vehicle. Luckily, my originating Honda dealer and my local Honda dealer were wonderful in helping me, but it took a week to fix the vehicle and in the meantime Honda of America was no help at all. Very disappointing. Finally, they came through, but it was really my two dealers that I worked with who saved the day.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By JAC47 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The idea to combine an ecology friendly electric powered vehicle with the convenience of gasoline power (fill up on any corner) is futuristic & long overdue. Last fall I bought one for my teen daughter. She drives it non-stop & loves the great gas mileage: 50-60 mpg. Whenever I catch it at home, its my car of choice to drive. I love zippin around town & into tight parking places. Each driver in the family brags on whos getting the best mpg, each trying to top the other. Its a blast to drive, with fun instrumentation! Weve put 12K miles on it in 6 months and the only problem weve had it in the shop for was a battery harness recall and suggested periodic maintenance.

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  Made right choice - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By austincrv - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought a used 97 CRV to replace our 94 Civic that got totaled. The Civic had no problems after 125k miles, and we expected no less from our next car. Bought the CRV with 60K last week, and took it in today for 60K service. Car only needs normal 60k maintenance - is in excellent condition!!! Try buying a used Ford or Chevy with absolutely no problems!!

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  My 05 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Cubin - April 18 - 7:46 pm

  Having my 05 Odyssey EXL DVD & NAV for 8 month without a major complaint. Longest trip so far is Lake Tahoe, we all loved it, especially both of my kids enjoys much on DVD, and myself loved that path finder NAVI, never get lost. Need better insulation on the sunroof, I feel heat wave coming from my head on during these hot days even with the AC on.

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  SI Is a great buy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By volcomzero - April 18 - 6:16 pm

  I am the type of person who researches everything going into purchasing a car. After 2 months of researching cars my buddy and I came across the Honda CIVIC SI Sedan. This Car is amazing!! I will never not own a Honda after this car and this car is fast for being a four door sedan. The car shifts great, when it RPMS passed 6000 VTEC kicks in and its amazing. For the price, I paid $19300 but I had to include extended warranties over 7 years 150,000 miles, that alone was 4500 dollars and with taxes, all in all, paid $25000. This is a great car, gas I am getting 32 highway and 27 city, comfortable seats, and once you drive it you will never want to drive anything else. GREAT CAR!!