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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  Neat Ride & More - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Geo - January 27 - 4:20 pm

  We just purchased our Ridgeline RTL the other day and took it for a weekend trip to visit my brother. I let him drive it around and he was so impressed with it that he now can hardly wait to get one for himself. Though my wife does not drive often, she is very impressed with the thought that has gone into the design for comfort and safety of our new Honda Ridgeline. Im reluctant to refer to it as a truck as it drives more like a luxury car. The ride is excellent and it handles very well on the highway in a side cross wind. The sound system is superb. The split control heating and cooling system is a great idea. Averaged 18 MPG with a good mix of in town and on the open road.

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  Very stable ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - January 27 - 1:26 pm

  I am very impressed with the handling of my new 2007 CR-V. I had to swerve to miss a skunk last night and all I could think after the maneuver was wow, I would not have expected this kind of handling from an SUV. Very little sway or leaning into turns and is surprisingly quiet too. The engine provides adequate acceleration.

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  A slightly different perspective - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Matt - January 27 - 1:23 pm

  I decided to purchase a new car, because I was putting over 20,000 miles a year on a Dodge Ram 1500. I decided on the Accord after looking carefully at the Passat and Legacy. While I would have prefered to get a Passat, I could not find a 2007 Package 2 with a Manual, and the 2008s were not available with the manual and a sunroof. Compared to my moms 2000 Camry V6, the I4 manual Accord has more than adequate power, though its not a barn burner. The clutch is easy to modulate, the trans shifts well, but my 2-3 synchronizer is out of adjustment. The interior quality is good, though the gaps between the doors and dash are a little wider than the Camry. Great exterior styling, huge interior.

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  Ahhh, back in a small car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Singewulf - January 27 - 9:23 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The acceleration is peppy and responsive. Handling is tight. The gas pedal is very "loose", even the lightest tap gives a response. A/C is not very powerful but gets the job done. The sound system is excellent. Cargo room is amazing. Head room up front is fantastic, there is no way I would hit my head getting in or out. The body is well put together, nothing feels or looks flimsy.

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  Great but disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wfpalacio - January 27 - 4:13 am

  Honda Accord EX-L 4cyl Auto is my first Honda purchase. Enjoyable to drive, fuel economic, and handles well. I have been driving it for 2 weeks now. 1 week within ownership my driver side mirror started with a quarter inch crack that grew to 3 inches. I showed it to the dealer, they are quick to believe that an object hit it or somebody bumped it and is not covered by any warranty, however no scratch, starring, or chipping indicating foreign object hit or bump. The explanation is hard to believe leading me to believe that Honda uses substandard parts, I wonder what part will break next. I chose Honda over Volvo S60 because of reviews and over all cheaper. Now, I got substandard cheap.

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  not the best - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gswcs - January 26 - 3:16 pm

  great looking car but worse car i have ever owned. day 2 car leaked oil crank shaft seals were leaking = in honda shop for 3 weeksin july, now car has been in the shop for the past 6 days replacing steering rack. will trade out of car as soon as its out of the honda shop. VCM/ECO=constant surging on the highway even with cruise control on. averaging 20.7mpg combined

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  Buy this car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Buy this car - January 26 - 3:43 am

  You are hearing from a previous 2005 Acura TL owner, so this Accord had a lot of living up to do. I sold my TL to try something new, a 2007 Volvo S80. Total piece of junk. It was in the shop so much that Volvo ended up making one of my monthly payments from me. So I unloaded the Volvo and was out car hunting when I came across the new Accord coupe. It was love at first site. I first purchased an 08" coupe 4 cylinder with cloth. But after a few weeks, it wasnt powerful enough, so I took it back and the dealer gave me a good deal and I got the V-6 EX-L. What an awesome car. Totally worth the extra $3k. You get a V-6, heated leather seats, XM, 18" rims. Buy this car, in the V- 6. Youll love it

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  I love my Honda Accord Sport!! Best deal ever! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Jason Wolff - January 25 - 8:22 pm

  I just bought my third Honda two weeks ago!! I got a great deal, and have been very happy so far. I bought it certified with 20,000 miles and lots of remaining warranty. The car is loaded down with features that I am still learning about. My only complaint is that since I got the Sport model with the upgraded rims and the sporty tires, there is a lot of road noise on the expressway. More than I noticed on the EX-L model that I test drove. Now granted, my car has more curb appeal and in my opinion looks much nicer than the fully loaded EX-L model, which is why I chose this one over the model that was $1,500 more.

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  Great Car, Bad Leather - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda - January 25 - 3:30 pm

  Fun to drive 6 speed manual, Great features for the price. Decent MPG and excellent performance. Leather seats are poor quality, and wear badly. Only other disappointment is with the TPMS not working with snow tires after paying up for the sensors. Would love to have the EV-L options without the leather. Exterior looks are very nice. Really enjoy the car. Dash controls are a bit overly complicated. Car feels like a Honda, it will run a long time with no major repairs. Honda did miss their standard of quality with the leather seats.

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  NOISY NOISY NOISY - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Berk - January 25 - 12:59 pm

  UPDATE 7/2017- I dislike this car more than ever. The drivers seat comfort is my greatest issue. I have added a foam cushion to the backrest, without it I cannot drive the car because my back aches. (I dont have that issue with any other vehicles I own). The audio system is just a PIA to operate. Road noise is terrible. Have decided to ditch this car ASAP. Bought 2016 CR-V EX. as the replacement of a 2006 Hyundai Tucson Limited. I considered the Mazda CX5 but hesitated because I couldnt find long term data results for the SkyActiv engine. Was unimpressed with the RAV4 and the Ford Escape. After 2 weeks with the Honda I regret the decision. No matter what I do I cannot get comfortable in the drivers seat, The car has power adjust seats but no position is satisfying. I am 5 8" and 190lb. The seat is wrong at the lumbar no matter deflated or inflated,- hard on the butt , poor conforming and feels to narrow across the back, just terrible. Not looking forward to a long trip in the saddle. Road noise volume is unbelievable, It came with BridgeSTONE tires, I never had them on a vehicle. I am hoping that once they wear out, a set of Dunlops will improve the noise level. Obviously the roof has NO sound proofing because during a heavy rain the sound was brutal. The audio system has no possibility for satellite radio. The Bluetooth is spotty. The displays are minimal in choice. The gas mileage has been great, With the ECO off the car has adequate power, when on NO. There is no doubt this is a four cylinder when you give it the whip, but its OK. Handling is good, wheel feel is good. Transmission is smooth. Hope to never experience diabetic neuropathy in the feet, gas and brake pedals are very close together and have at the same time hit both a few times, confident I will get used to this. Not thrilled with this car, hoping that opinion changes in the next 150,000 miles.