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:

• 

  Okay For Its Price Range - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LS - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love and hate this car at the same time. Love the interior/exterior styling of it. Having the Navigation is great. But its no fun to drive. Choppy and hesitant. Dont know if its throttle or transmission related. Post service to address this issue has been in vain. Very unimpressed with Honda service. Feel like Im stuck with a car thats not quite right. Will probably trade the car in this coming year.

• 

  Im very honest - 2005 Honda Accord
  By revivalizt - December 20 - 12:10 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about 1 month now...and so far Ive put in almost 800 miles and Ive filled the gas tank 5-6 times already .. hmmm...*something is wrong here....Why is the ad gas milage is different than what Im gettin?? Front bumper is great but the BACK ..argh...cmon ..Honda could do BETTER !! The style is so ugly..and plus the tail light is awful..=( sorry honda.

• 

  Function before Form - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rick Vera - December 20 - 8:36 am

  Its fun to drive and has exceptionally better performance than other small, car-based SUV thanks to Hondas slick stick and ever slicker i-VTEC engine that revs with ease thanks to its twin balance shafts to cut engine vibrations. You wont find a car anywhere near this price range or class that has this much interior room too. One suggestion though, find an aftermarket stainless steel grill as I did to cover the front and especially the lower grille. If ya dont, youll have a really dented up radiator since its way too exposed. Want something different, this is it! Want to beat your neighbors VUE, Escape, Equinox, or RAV4 in a little race or a who-can- hold-more contest, this is it too!

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Enginner1 - December 20 - 4:23 am

  Have been driving for about two months now, no problems. Dash Interface takes a getting used to, but digital speedometer comes out preferable to old one. Got it for msrp price of an LX-S Auto. Design is quite unique, but in good taste. Leather enhances driving experience substantially. Plenty of space and excellent AC, I live in FL. usb-slot + steering wheel audio buttons best feature, a 8gb usb drive provides hours of quality music, no hassle of using aux cable, and no ipod necessary. Getting 30 mpg combined. Overall above average car for someone looking for a fun, unique, fuel efficient vehicle. Plan on driving it for years to come. No seat back problems, Im in good health.

• 

  Incomplete Promises - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Willcall - December 19 - 11:20 pm

  Some of this is about purchase experience, but there are a few issues with the vehicle. Mileage - count on getting a full 1/3 less than promised. Driving as gently and efficiently as I can, I cant get over 12.4. Nimbleness - it has decent turn radius and good handling on the road, but is really over sized in parking, both getting into spaces and opening doors when parked. Stupid remote locking system - must unlock again to open hatch and cant click to lock if any door open. Maybe configurable, but havent figured out. Finally, watch out for Honda Leasing. Closed with $0.15 per excess mile on 3 year, then called back in to sign new contract at $0.20. Wouldnt have leased at that rate.

• 

  I am still the luckiest truck owner in the world. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Miller - December 19 - 7:58 pm

  I bought a 2017 Ridgeline in June of 2016, when they first hit the dealerships. I have owned pick-ups since 1975; 3/4 ton Chevrolet, then 1/2 ton Chevrolet, then 1998 Nissan Frontier (4x4). The Ridgeline is a light duty truck, but it is the perfect truck for the "I need a truck every now and then" owner. I installed a Trac-Rac sliding rail rack on the bed, and it is perfect for long lumber or the kayak. And I absolutely love the compartment in the rear, and the two-way tailgate. I keep the rear seat folded up, and the back-seat floor is great for big dogs. And honestly, I like driving the Ridgeline more than any vehicle we have owned. It is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned, no doubt. It has power and torque up the gazinga, handles like a big SUV, and is so quiet and comfortable it does not seem like a truck. And heated seats. I thought that feature was somewhat decadent, until I heated up my seat on a recent freezing cold morning. And finally, its a Honda. Nothing has gone wrong in the first six months, and I expect that to continue. We owned Hondas (Accords) for twenty years, and they were absolutely trouble free and reliable.

• 

  Dissappointed in my 2016 CR-V EX-L - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Cary Babinec - December 19 - 6:05 pm

  Buying a new car you shouldn’t have to worry about mice eating it for lunch. My new Honda, along with many new cars is equipped with “soy based” hose lines that mice LOVE to eat. Donna went to hit the washer fluid lever and nothing came out. Instead the fluid drained down the firewall over the engine. My Honda dealer acknowledged the problem they have with mice eating the wires and the fluid lines. Now I have to find the anti- mouse tape and set traps under the hood of my CR-V at night! To say I was pissed was an understatement. The Radio and Satelite system SUCKS Wait till you "try to make anything work" while driving! YOU cant! You have to pull off tyhe road and figure out the screens! What a mess!

• 

  Honda Civic Hybrid still evolving - 2004 Honda Civic
  By HotLanta - December 18 - 9:46 pm

  Overall, I really like the car but it is a basic, no-frills vehicle. The interior is plastic, not leather, which scratches easily. The wind noise, when the back windows are down on the interstate, is deafening. The best fuel mileage has been 40 mpg (we average about 37 mpg), which is less than the 60 mpg fuel efficiency indicated on the dealer invoice. There is a blind spot with the side mirrors - a safety problem in highway traffic. The dealership indicated the brakes are half worn at 12,000 miles - I dont ride my brakes so not certain if it is due to an audible popping noise. Service department trips have been very time consuming and frustrating.

• 

  Building Fuel Efficient Cars? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 18 - 9:46 pm

  The Accord is indeed a nice car. Very disappointed in mileage. Nowhere near the mileage the sticker shows. Only getting 21 MPG on highway while driving speed limit. I also have a Honda Odyssey that "implied" I could get 29 MPG. I can only get 22 MP. Both vehicles are the 6cyl with the VCM. I think Honda needs to correct this. One of the driving factors for the purchase was the fuel economy. Outside of that, the car is excellent.

• 

  Simply Unbelievable! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mr. Ed - December 18 - 6:43 pm

  Bought nighthawk black metallic, what a head turner. Most lookers cannot believe its a Honda. Faster than my previous 324i and takes off like a rocket and handles like a dream. Traded 2004 EX-L V6 4 dr also a great car but cannot compete with this beauty. High Honda quality interior materials, great stereo, and loaded with every option you could think of.