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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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Frank - December 1 - 12:40 pm

  My first pick up experience. Have driven lots of 4X4s. Extrememly smooth ride on the open road. Great handling, great tight turning ratio, very, very roomy in the front. Honda took everything into consideration when planning the Ridgeline from the fold up back seats to the two way tailgate. Lets not forget the trunk space, what a novel idea! Lets not forget all the storage space in the cab itself. Cudos to the designers on this one.

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  Accord Advocate - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Accord Addict - December 1 - 9:56 am

  Purchased in 5/04 with only 16K miles. Have put on 17K in 8 months. Had to replace drivers window regulator, but other than that no issues. Very dependable, peppy, fun to drive. Looking for another car now for my daughter and Accords are at the top of the list.

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  owner - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By miguel e abreu - December 1 - 2:53 am

  perfect car for the whole family

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  Too much fun for a 4-cyl - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CHIEF - November 30 - 10:20 pm

  I have 1300 miles on the car and I am impressed with the ride. The drive train tends to whine when put under pressure, but the engine is top of its class. I am not sure why you would buy the 6-cyl when the i4 is so peppy and quiet at hwy speeds. I get 26 mpg around town with the manual. I think this is the best buy hands down.

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  Transmission problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By wlk - November 30 - 2:00 am

  At 56000 miles the transmission is slipping when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. The check engine light will come on with a code indicating the transmission has a fault. Seems to be a design problem that Honda admitted to in 2000-2002 but not 1998 and 1999. Dont buy one unless you get the transmission checked out. The cost for a new transmission id $4000!!! Ouch!!! I am trading mine in. Hopefully none of the readers will buy it!!! The Odessey with the V6 is having the same problem. I was at the dealer getting mine evaluate and someone was there with the same oriblem on her Odessey.

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  BANG for the BUCK - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AL WAYSHONDA - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I dont know how Honda keeps doing it. Some how they manage to improve the Accord with every body change. This car has the power and feel of a luxury sedan costing $7K-$10K more. Gas mileage is better than any car in its class.

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  WOW - 2010 Honda Insight
  By EM - November 29 - 1:06 am

  All I can say is I love this car. The ride is like a much bigger, more expensive car. I keep reading about the lack of power, but I cant say that I would buy a hybrid if I was looking for power. The MPGs for me are much more than it was rated. Even if I go 75 on the interstate, I still never ever got under 47 MPG. I average 50 MPG. Love the auto A/C and the auto volume control. The only thing I am not sure about are the shifter pedals on the steering wheel. I know what they do, but I have yet to use them... All in all I LOVE my Insight.

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  Update to my Previous Review. - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By John Allen Albree - November 28 - 11:20 pm

  In my first review, I stated that my first tank of fuel netted 20 mpg in the city. Further driving of all types now reveals that city driving is 23-24 mpg and interstate driving at 70 mph and below is at 28.8 mpg. This is terrific and I could not be more pleased with this car. It is outstanding in every area.

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  Comfy, zippy, quiet ride and, boy, this bed trunk. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Victor B. - November 28 - 9:43 pm

  I went through Tacoma, Canyon, Ridgeline and Colorado. Exactly in that order. Money wise Colorado is your best but its also the worst in terms of design, handling and overall quality. Canyon is just little better but still far inferior to Tacoma. Both Colorado and Canyon are example how not to design interior of small tuck, imo its just horrible. Tacoma low sitting position is beyond awkward and the best off road capability is not sell option for me in Florida where I live. I was surprise how good Ridgeline stands among others - roomy interior, very good quality fit and finish, SUV like ride and this bed trunk where Im diving so very often for my tools. I have bed where I can lay flat 4x8 and dual action tailgate to dive into the trunk. For me bed trunk is huge advantage cos any tool box installed on bed render it somehow useless. Ridgeline is not perfect ( which truck is ? ) I found quite annoying that rear cab doors cant be fully open to 90 deg.

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  Love my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MM - November 28 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first Honda and first SUV. I was looking for small SUV with class. Checked Freelander, RAV4, Liberty but CR-V SE had all the options I wanted as standard and best value over all. It is fun to drive and has a lot of space.