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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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Blue - May 21 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought the ridgeline RTL with Moonroof. First Impression, impressed. To me it is the best blend of sedan, suv and truck. I submit that if you have to buy only one vehicle for all applications, this would be the one.You can take this one vacation, tow a 5000 load, go skiing, go pick up the 4x8 at home depot . The only limitation is carry more than 5 people.

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  Beware Electrical Problems - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ikiru - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Generally a very good car. BUT, beware because there is an electrical problem with accessory socket (former cigarette lighter). Honda acknowledges some sort of problem between this socket (which I use for a cell phone charger) and the Supplimental Restraint System (SRS system). Ive had to take it in 4 times so far to get it reset, because light is supposed to warn you of a potential problem with the airbags, etc.

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  Crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Austin - May 21 - 7:59 am

  Air bag warning light my be under warranty check with Honda dealer

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RLM - May 20 - 8:06 am

  Had a 2005 Honda Pilot EX which provided 15 MPG. With the price of gas going to over $3.00 per gallon I wanted something more fuel efficient but large enough to seat four adults comfortably and provide a sense of safety too. Honda always provided a quality product for the money so I drove a Civic EX sedan, the Accord EX sedan, and a CR-V. The Civic was too small. The CR-Vs engine felt like it needed more horsepower. The Accord was quiet, was easy to drive, seemed to be the right size, and would provide decent mileage. First two tankfulls delivered 20 MPG. Somewhat less than I was expecting but 33% better than the Pilot. I have the car on a three year lease and am pleased with it.

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  Love it...my 6th one!!! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By J. Taylor - May 20 - 7:38 am

  Shop around and get one with good mileage and well taken care of. It definitely pays off in the long run especially if you plan to keep it more than 4 or 5 years. Makes for a good trade-in on a NEW one!!

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  Good fast box - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By J - May 19 - 3:48 pm

  If you want an easy to handle, well built, relatively economical box to drive, the Honda Odyssey is it. Have owned for 4 years, taken many long trips (over 2000 miles each) and have performed only normal maintenance (tires, oil, battery). It is definitely fast enough to get out of its own way and is at ease on the highway or in the city.

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  Overall Excellent Poor MPG - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ParisRat - May 18 - 1:35 am

  Drives very well for a large vehicle never been wanting for more power comfortable on long hauls tremendous storage space and configurations no coin holder very good headlights strange and confusing button layout for climate controls we get 13.5 MPG around town (<5 miles) and 22-23 MPG on fwy cloth seats are wearing very well turning radius is OK pretty easy to parallel park excellent visibility powerful A/C seats 8 (4 adults + 4 kids in car seats + beach gear) pretty well - wouldnt want to drive more than a hour like that second row seats are pretty easy to remove - Ive had 4x8 plywood sheets inside with tailgate closed! clear gauges silly number of cup holders.

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  Great truck, ready to go out of the box - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Old man Bryan - May 17 - 2:27 am

  I love all the fun things with this truck, but there are some down sides. Turning radius is not good. Headlight switch gets turned on when getting out at times (at your left knee). No bluetooth with nav. Some good things are I pull my ski boat (3000 lb) with no problems. In fact the truck handles great with a trailer behind it. The ride is very good. Stock sound system is good. Dash has a great looking display. Back seats fold up to make lots of room in the back.

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  2005 Honda Civic LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Max - May 16 - 6:18 pm

  Most aspects of the car is good. Noise is a big issue, but I put some rubber tar roof repair on all four wheel wells and it helped considerably. The extra sound insulation I put in the doors helped a little too. Every time I fill the tank, I calculate the mpg numbers and its been around 35-37/gal ever since I started using Mobil1 synthetic oil at around 10,000 miles on the odometer. Im at 40,000 now. The only nagging problem Ive had is the plastic panel in the rear windshield making a noise similar to the one you hear when cutting a piece of glass. Took it to the dealer but they say because its just a clip and not a bolt, they cant do much except stick some card board in it.

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  plastic honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By robert morris - May 16 - 2:00 am

  you never know about a vehicle until you wash it. the plastic in a tide bottle seems of a better quailty than the product on the front of our honda.before you buy look under the front the plastic under the engine doesnt completly extend all the way across leaving two small holes on either side. honda wouldnt admit it seemed to be a error. sloppy for a honda. they have learned how to make less look like more.