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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  Ridgelinen Special - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lee Hutchins - May 26 - 7:47 pm

  This is my third Ridgeline. 1st 235,000 miles normal service no major repairs, 2nd 171,154 miles normal service no major repairs still use this truck in my work,the 3rd one is my Wife’s. She loves this truck, handling, comfort, fuel mileage, looks, TRUNK, an safety features. Just came back from a 1375 mile trip. Drove About 2 MPH below the speed limit which ranged from 55-80 mostly 65-75. Actual MPG was 24.2. My 2006 & 2012 were & are good & reliable trucks. This new 2017 Ridgeline is better in every way. Can’t say enough good things about the things that count about this new Ridgeline.

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  Si Fun in the So Cal Sun - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mykeey - May 26 - 6:43 pm

  Being an owner of a BMW, the feel and performance is similar for a car that is not in the same league. In two weeks, I have driven 2000 miles just because. Once you sit in & start the engine, the feeling is just unexplainable. The deep sound of the engine, the snugness of the seats, and the interior with a look like a cockpit just adds to the experience. I test drove TC, GTI, & Jetta but did not like. Originally I was looking at getting the EX and saw an SI in the lot, the salesman warned me that once I drive the SI, forget about the EX. The way the car takes on curves, accelerates and shifts are really outstanding. Glad to see that Honda did bring more back to the Civic line.

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  not all its cracked up to be - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mike - May 26 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car thinking, well i have a Honda so nothing will go wrong.In the first 5,000 miles my drivers side window has fallen off the track, my car idles weird, and the back tires howl so loud i can hear it over my radio when its turned way up. so i took it to dealer first of all they will not give you a car to drive if your brand new car is broken that you just paid 20,000 dollars for . Yes thats right its hondas policy. second the dealer said my car was out of align since i bought it new, so the tires wore weird, but they told me thats not why the tires wore weird???? the dealer said honda will not do anything so now i have to deal with the tire manufacturer. bad customer service!!!

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  2008 Accord Ex (4cyl) - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Josh B. - May 26 - 4:40 pm

  What a great car! I look forward to it every time I get to drive it. I have 2,000 mils on it in the first month. Not a single complaint. I am averaging 27 mpg mixed city/highway. Its a smooth ride. The 190 HP 4cylinder is plenty for everyday driving and passing. The car handles very well and doesnt show a difference on wet roads. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sandyvankula - May 26 - 2:03 am

  I drove a Hyundai for 20 years and this is my first Honda. I have owned this FIT for three weeks and have 1500 highway miles on it. The gas mileage, which I am very thrilled with is between 36-40 mpg. Acceleration is great and this car corners very well with very responsive steering.I commute 53 miles each way to work and the cruise is wonderful. Air conditioner cools very well. The suspension is a little rough especially in work zones where the road is on the berm, and the noise in the cabin is a little louder than I was used to with my Hyundai. Driving at 65mph with the front windows partially down caused the front end to bounce up and down quickly..scary.. Cheap carpets. no arm rest.

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  SMOOTH RIDE - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JORGE FORTICH - May 25 - 9:30 pm

  I HAVE ENJOYED THE QUIET RIDE VERY MUCH. BEING ABLE TO RIDE WITH MY WHOKE FANLIY OF 7 ADULTS AND BE COMFORTABLE IS FANTASTIC. GREAT FAMILY CAR

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  Awfull Sound System - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - May 25 - 9:29 pm

  Complained about the sound system sounding like a hand held radio with no depth to it. Lousy Sub woofer. I was informed by Honda that to hear the sub woofer I have to turn down the bass and vice versa. Even then the sub woofer is not that great. The software needs to be updated by a sound engineer. Even an employee at the dealer after I made the purchase said the sound system was so so. You can make it sound better by Bluetooth and playing through an equalizer. My 2006 Accord sound system was 10 times better. Honda told me that there is no way to help. I have to live with it. Update: Rear speaker sounds as if there is a piece of Styrofoam inside it . Buzzing. Road noise is becoming increasing louder as I drive. Wind noise from front doors. Car seems to be made very cheaply. Rattles and noises. Making me regret trading in my other Accord. Update April 2016: Had Honda repair noise in rear speaker grill area. Still noisy but not as bad. Wiper Blades makes excessive noise during rain and sounds as though it is hitting the left side top of windshield corner. Technician says they all make that squishing/banging noise and nothing they can do about it. Only does it while in heavy rain. Also found out when I enter my email address using wifi or tethering it will consistently change what I enter. I have tried different gmail addresses and the system will alter what I input so I am unable to login.. Checks for test drive: Sound system depth and feel Wiper Blade noise in Heavy rain Road Noise at higher speeds/wind noise

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  Awfull Sound System - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - May 25 - 9:29 pm

  Complained about the sound system sounding like a hand held radio with no depth to it. Lousy Sub woofer. I was informed by Honda that to hear the sub woofer I have to turn down the bass and vice versa. Even then the sub woofer is not that great. The software needs to be updated by a sound engineer. Even an employee at the dealer after I made the purchase said the sound system was so so. You can make it sound better by Bluetooth and playing through an equalizer. My 2006 Accord sound system was 10 times better. Honda told me that there is no way to help. I have to live with it. Update: Rear speaker sounds as if there is a piece of Styrofoam inside it . Buzzing. Road noise is becoming increasing louder as I drive. Wind noise from front doors. Car seems to be made very cheaply. Rattles and noises. Making me regret trading in my other Accord. Update April 2016: Had Honda repair noise in rear speaker grill area. Still noisy but not as bad. Wiper Blades makes excessive noise during rain and sounds as though it is hitting the left side top of windshield corner. Technician says they all make that squishing/banging noise and nothing they can do about it. Only does it while in heavy rain. Also found out when I enter my email address using wifi or tethering it will consistently change what I enter. I have tried different gmail addresses and the system will alter what I input so I am unable to login.. Checks for test drive: Sound system depth and feel Wiper Blade noise in Heavy rain Road Noise at higher speeds/wind noise

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  Mostly Accolades for the Accord Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - May 25 - 8:40 am

  Overall this is a fabulous car. I am very pleased with it and would lease one again. Visibility is an issue with this vehicle. The frame to the left and right of the front windshield is rather wide & it impairs visibility especially when converging upon 4-way stops with cars approaching to left or right at the same speed. They can totally be hidden from view as can pedestrians. Over the shoulder visibility is also somewhat limited and extra time is needed to double- check blind spots.

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  Disappointed so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Soupboy - May 25 - 6:26 am

  Traded in my beloved WRX wagon for a van. Went with the loaded Odyssey Touring based on prior experience with an 98 Accord EX and favorable press. Bad move. Less than 90 days old it needed a complete tranny replacement and new molding on the windshield to eliminated horrible wind noise. Oh yeah, the mileage is awful regularly posting sub- 20mpg on road trips. The dealership said the tranny issue was attributable to a run of bad units from a particular vendor. The most offensive thing being they sell the van knowing the tranny will fail make you bring it in instead of proactively replacing it. Awful CS and negative goodwill. I would never buy this vehicle again.