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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  Beware of vibration and harshness - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By g_frieberg - September 5 - 2:01 am

  I bought a new 2015 CRV from an Ohio But, after having driven it several hundred miles, here is what I am finding: 1) Vibrations from the power train are moderate to severe, after the engine is warmed up (actually, I suspect after transmission fluid is warmed up, and is less viscous, and less able to dampen engine vibes); 2) When at a stop, with foot on brake, and idling, in DRIVE, vibrations shake the steering wheel, floor, and both front seats. If you drive this car for more than 5-10 minutes in stop and go traffic, it is indeed fatiguing ! 3) Very prevalent vibes around 2000 RPM under load (feels like a rumble strip). DO NOT buy until Honda has a fix !

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  Honda Accord review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jotorn - September 4 - 10:23 pm

  Love the fit and finish, and the interior materials. Traded in my 2002 Lexus ES 300. The Honda is tighter and unlike the lexus, my transmission is flawlesssly smooth. I wouldnt recommend any other brand to anyone and I have been in the business for 15 years. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like! Im sure Ill be a fan as well. I cant tell you what I would improve on I had a lot of choices to make when I chose this one, I feel my choice was best, and have nothing but good things to tell anyone looking to buy an Accord.

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  The Accord is a quality car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Phil413 - September 4 - 5:13 pm

  I just bought a 2-door LX Accord Coupe (4-cyl.,automatic) and it is a great car! It seems to handle better than my Camry did and the ride is just as smooth. The car is reasonably quiet inside and unlike the Camry, I do not hear any annoying vibrations coming from the dash and other places. The Accord seems to be a well-built, reliable and fun car. Though it is a 4-cylinder, it has plenty of power when needed and still gets great mileage. I am hooked on this car.

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  The Snooze Cruise - 2012 Honda Civic
  By newcivic2012 - September 4 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had this car now for a little over a 1000 miles and man do I have a lot to say about it - and not all good. The windshield and sloped hood make it almost impossible to gauge how close you are to something and makes it hard to park tightly. The 160 watt radio is ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! The controls for most of the components - awkwardly placed and an eye sore. The Bluetooth - a complete failure/hard to use (Mazda and Nissan system were much better - I know because I rented both). Traction/assisted steering/whatever the heck its supposed to be - does little (in fact feels more responsive when its off). What a joke! Really Civic? You got me at hello but now I a divorce.

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  not so good - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jazzchip - September 4 - 1:00 am

  New 6cyl Accord Lx. Wind noise is very noticable at higher speeds. Road noise is terrible at all speeds. Hard riding. Rattles at 4m miles. My 95 Accord was a better car.

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  "Not Just a Truck, Its a Honda" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By melly mel - September 3 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline RTL for 2 mths now & I love it. I live in Michigan. I use to sell Hondas & yes, they are quality and reliable vehicles with high resale value. My concerns with the ridgeline is that it doesnt offer rear defrost, tonnuea cover too expensive and when I play the radio, I have to turn the volume up louder than when I play a cd. Also, because of the weight of the vehicle I feel a v-8 would be better but would sacrifice fuel economy unless cylinder deactivation was offered with dual exhaust. Thinking of adding a turbo chrger if i can find one. Honda is working on a v-8 for 2010 if not sooner. Other than that I love and enjoy my truck whenever my wife is not driving it.

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  Another Gas Guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By pittardm - September 3 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this van to replace a full- size Chevy Express conversion van with an 8-cylinder engine. I was hoping for much better gas mileage with the Odyssey than I got with the big van. It hasnt happened. The very best mileage Ive gotten with the Odyssey is 14 mpg, combined highway and city driving. I usually get around 12.9 mpg in the city. (I got better average mileage with the big conversion van and also with two previous 6-cylinder Acura Legends -- a 1989 & a 1993.) Im hoping something is just wrong with the van and they can fix it. Its a fine van otherwise.

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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.

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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Olin - September 3 - 6:36 am

  Fantastic vehicle, that is a lot of fun to drive.