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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  My Test Drive of the 2008 Ridgeline RTS - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim - June 14 - 9:00 am

  This was my first time to drive a Ridgeline. A very nice truck and easy to get in and out of and my wife who is 51" tall had no difficulty stepping up and out of the truck. She said no running boards required for this truck. The truck is very quite and the engine is smooth. Didnt quite have the get up and go as my 2005 Honda Accord which has a 4 cylinder but still adequate power. The fuel economy is rated 15 mph for city and 20 mph for highway. The salesman said the one that he had he averaged about 24 mph highway. Whether that is true or not I dont know. The cornering ability was impressive. Overall I think its a very nice truck and I might just buy one if the price is right.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - June 13 - 10:18 pm

  Bought this car used with 61,000 miles as a certified Used Honda. This vehicle is unbelievable. Now have 183,000 miles on vehicle and going strong. Just routine service and changed timing belt as normal service at 91,000. One tune up so far. Motor still sounds new. Will keep this car until it falls apart.

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  Great Mundane Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dollarbill181 - June 13 - 6:24 pm

  As far as reliability goes, the CR-V is fantastic. Ive used it for several road trips and covered close to 25k+ miles a year. Besides basic maintenance nothing has failed (its a Honda, need I say more?). The main downside is the ride is uninspiring. there is little road feel/feedback and performance is lacking. You wont be excited to hop in the car and go for a spirited ride. However, it will take you from point A to point B with little to no surprises. For its purpose, it works.

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  Nice little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Dana - June 13 - 2:59 pm

  We bought this little guy to replace our 1992 Accord wagon (totaled from behind!), and its been a pleasure driving it. The leather interior is very comfortable and of high quality. The only thing Im *not* keen on is the lack of ability to "punch" the gas when you need a sudden acceleration (and in Miami, which has more idiot drivers per capita than most other cities, this is a *must*). You can give it a slow push and it will accelerate relatively well, but if you try to punch it, it just kind of dies. I guess thats what you get with a 4 cylinder engine: you trade a little bit of safety for fuel economy.

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  Great car needs better seats - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Eric TOdd - June 13 - 8:53 am

  I have an 04 LX w/ cloth manual seats and find the driver seat extremely uncomfortable. The gas mileage is great, its quiet and actually pretty quick for a 4cyl. Plenty of room for family of 4. Front tires{Michelins} are terrible as I can lite up the front tires with no problems. Overall a great car but needs better padding for driver seat, please

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  6-year follow-up - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HD - June 13 - 2:36 am

  Purchased vehicle new in January 2002. Currently have 60k miles and have been pleased with the overall performance and reliability. No mechanical issues except the a/c compressor mentioned in other posts. However, our mechanic (Honda of Fredericksburg, VA) did a little research and found this problem to be occurring with more frequency called corporate Honda and replaced the a/c free of charge. This when the car already had 50k on the odometer (and no extended warranty). Its worth the time to question Honda on this one. The one complaint would be that, although Honda makes a great, reliable vehicle, they seem to go light on interior design quality.

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  The doors are the deal breaker! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rocky - June 12 - 5:29 pm

  I love Hondas. This is our third. After a very positive experience with our second Honda (2004 CR-V) I thought this would fit my needs for fuel economy and versatility. While it is very versatile, has a great interior volume feel, and very solid reliability, I would not buy one of these if you routinely haul more than two people. The clamshell doors are a nightmare, especially with kids and especially in parking lots or your own garage.When parked on an incline, the front door wont stay open to allow the rear clamshell doors to open. The rear door has to close first, posing a strange sequence for getting in/out. Along with this, the lack of rear seat up/down windows is a drag.

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  A Little disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda Guy - June 12 - 7:10 am

  Purchased my Accord in November 07. I have put aprox 2000 miles on it. Traded 06 Accord. I love the appearance of the car from the outside, and it has a much bigger feel to it, ride is a little stiff but smooth, engine is very responsive, however gas mileage is diappointing getting 5 mpg less then 06 Accord. Interior is nice but not as comfortable as past Accords and feels a little cheap. Biggest disappointment is the audio system, stereo reception is terrible, rear speakers are AWFUL. Honda you should be ashamed, expected better from a 24K automobile. What is the deal with no coin holder? This is my 3rd Accord probably my least favorite. Lots of room for improvement here.

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  Excessive Road Noise - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Noisy - June 11 - 9:33 pm

  I really like the 09 Pilot with the exception of the excessive road/tire noise at highway speeds. A vehicle in this price range should be reasonably quiet - this vehicle is not! The noise has become a real issue with my wife and me to the point that we may have to get rid of the vehicle, which is too bad, as I think it would be a great car it not for the noise

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  disapointed with gas mileage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KMag - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I lover the vehicle. It rides real nice. Handles the road well and looks sharp with the spoiler. I love everything about it except that I was very disapointed with the mileage. I ride mostly highway and have filled up the tank several times and I am averaging 27-28 miles to the gallon. This I found very disappointing because I only baught the car to save gas and I thought that I would get better mileage than this. But I do love the car.