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:

• 

  Buy stock in a good tire company. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jwells - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Have had this car for three years and already looking to buy a third set of tires. The car itself is fine and I feel safe driving my children in it but already looking to get rid of it due to the expensive cost of tires. We cannot keep buying new tires every year. Im on a budget and was looking for a low maintenance vehicle. Bye bye CR-V.

• 

  Great for tall people - 2008 Honda Fit
  By fitfitfit - July 26 - 9:37 am

  We are a family of four who have had our Fit for 2.5 years. People are continually surprised that my husband, at 67", can even get into such a small- looking car. He even fits in the back seats, which seems to be true for most Hondas, but not other makes. The Fit also has ample headroom. It is fun to drive, easy to park ANYWHERE, gets great gas mileage, and has a highly versatile interior. We also love the 6 speaker sound system.

• 

  Great on Gas! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By shwank - July 26 - 9:26 am

  The ECO turns on and you know 3 cyls are firing! Youre saving major on the gas! Thats a big help on ANY trip! Capacity is awesome! and the versatility of moving the seats is great. We have 2 baby seats and can still seat 4! The rear storage is VERY practical! They even have hooks for grocery bags! Kids love it. Im actually glad we didnt get the embedded rear entertainment - Kids get their own DVD players or we just sit one between the seats for a feature presentation! With plenty of storage and lots of room - Im glad we went with Odyssey

• 

  Will run forever - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mwasilis - July 26 - 3:43 am

  This is my second honda accord. My last accord was a 92 and sold it with 250k on it and nothing was wrong with it! My 96 honda I have put 100k on it in about 5 years and the thing will go another 150k no problem. This car is extremely reliable and would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  2006 RL review in 2010 (SE Texas) - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By new tx RL owner - July 25 - 10:40 pm

  Since 1993, owned trucks from all the big 3. Took chance and got this one with 72K miles. 1 month later and very pleased. 20mpg on a 250 mile trip to S TX coast this wk, 17+ overall so far. Great AWD system. Passed up a Chevy T-blazer stuck in sand this morning up to axle. (yes I helped him out, thank you tow rope) Held my breath driving through 50 yards or so of soft lose sand to get to it but it went through like butter where 2wds parked and hiked to beach. Great in mud at family ranch too. Will take this hunting. My weekend veh. Plan to keep it 10 yrs Funny, some people on truck sites get sensitive if you call this a truck so so just call it a Swiss-Army Knife Utility Vehicle

• 

  Good car, bad seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By good car bad seats - July 25 - 12:50 pm

  The car does what it said it would do, the 4 cyl Is slow on passing but good at hwy speeds. The worst thing is the driver seat for me, it is a killer on our back if you have any type of back issues.

• 

  Dont try a Honda! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By bcav - July 24 - 9:22 pm

  I bought this car from a private seller after owning a 98, should have sold and had a car payment. I have changed numerous brakes, rotors and calipers, and rear wheel hubs $600(i did the labor). Sway bar bushings went $400. But misdiagnosed as needed 4 new struts $800.EGR port in upper intake clogged common problem new EGR $150 for parts.Transmission metal line that goes to radiator rusted out and started leaking before i knew it, at the same time I thought the front wheel bearings were going. Garage couldnt diagnose it, 2 months later, got P0740 code. Transmission failing! $2,300 to rebuild. decided to buy from junk yard $1,700 with install,no warranty but not my problem. kept it to 137k

• 

  Class act - 2010 Honda Civic
  By bayoubilly74 - July 24 - 6:04 pm

  After being away from Honda for a few years, it is nice to be back. I had always thought the Civic sedan looked really cool, but didnt realize just how good of a design they actually have. Smooth ride, easy to drive. I dont notice the road noise lots of others talk about. The car feels very stable and well put together. For a smaller sedan there is quite a bit of room in the back--I dont remember the car being that big back when I had a 91 Civic in college. The dash and gauges are very modern and it looks like a little cockpit. I like the 2- level gauge set up. Huge trunk. Great gas mileage. Easy to park. It is hard to go wrong with one of these.

• 

  Still lovin my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By joe - July 24 - 2:36 pm

  I love my 2001 cr-v. I bought new from dealership. It has been the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Great awd in the snow. Gets me safely to everywhere I drive. It a great Honda cr-v. Get one you wont be disappointed.

• 

  I love my Honda Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Dave - July 24 - 10:54 am

  I love to drive this car because it gets excellent gas mileage, the interior dashboard is exciting, the regenerative braking is easy on my foot, and Im helping the earth by not consuming scarce resources. We are going to buy a second one and get rid of our gas hogging SUV.The Insight is my mojo.