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:

• 

  2006 Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By New Owner - April 2 - 1:26 pm

  I liked many of the things about my new Ridgeline RTL - the build, the looks, the handling,.... I have hope that the Ridgeline engine will last for many years. In hindsight, I wish that I had chosen a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma instead. After only 1000 miles, my battery went dead many times and had to be replaced. Gas mileage is poor for a V-6 and acceleration on hills is noticeably lacking. I get passed by pick-up trucks with V-8s all the time. The stereo system needs a lot of improvement as well. It could use a built-in equalizer. Overall, the Ridgeline is a nice, comfortable truck in many respects but it is not worth the high price in my opinion; at least not yet!

• 

  First Accord - Love it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DTAccord - April 2 - 1:26 am

  I really like my Accord SE 4cyl. Its roomy, gets great gas mileage, looks sharp, and drives a lot nicer then my 2002 Camry. My Camry has a very soft "Lincoln like" ride while my Accord has a more sporty ride. DONT BUY THE HONDA MUSIC LINK IPOD CONNECTOR! Honda should not be selling this unit. It expensive ($289 inc/install), the functionality is useless, cant use the iPod controls when its connected. Cant wait to see the 2008 model.

• 

  Poor body fit.... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Steve - April 1 - 10:29 pm

  I have looked at 15+ of the 2016 Honda HRVs and have yet to find one that the body panels fit without having offsets. look at the area where the front of the front doors are near the front fenders both sides and you will see and feel the offsets, hopefully these can be adjusted/ aligned at the Dealerships before or after purchase. Have yet to purchase this Honda.

• 

  Great Used Car! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Phil - April 1 - 10:10 pm

  Bought this car when it was new. Its worst feature is the engine is underpowered and it automatically locks into a lower gear when uphill. This can kick in on the highway at 65 mph and the engine just starts revving. With that said, this has been a great car for my family. It never got stuck in the snow and ice. It has great visibility from the windows. It has been very reliable and has never let me down. It gets about 19 mph city driving and about 27 mph highway. It has long suspension that really smooths out the road bumps. I would recommend it.

• 

  Good value, but you get what you pay for - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TXgrosz - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought an Lx(base) couple of months ago, and in one word its nice. Decent performance,good handling for a midsice SUV and generally its been a comfortable,stable and reliable vehicle. With the base Lx model, however, its short on features. No keyless entry, no window tint,etc. Something you expect when you pay $30K. You get what you pay for, I guess.

• 

  For the money a winner - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dhutch - March 31 - 5:00 pm

  So far 1126 miles, the fit has lived up to its advertising. I was loading boxes into the back of my Jeep Grand Cherokee and they would not fit so I borrowed my wifes fit and they all went in the back with the rear seat in the up position. The only fault I can find is with the drivers seat back for my legs to stretch (59") my arms are to darn short to reach the steering wheel comfortably. My 53" wife finds it perfect. The sport has a high quality sound system and the vehicle is quiet enough at highway speeds to listen to classical music. Handling is superb and you can do 80 mph and not know it. Honda has a winner so far, all that remains to find out is durability.

• 

  Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mapss - March 31 - 4:56 pm

  Very roomy, reliable and solid, Almost 40k miles and not once 4 repairs of any kind! Just the faceof the radio needed to be clue back on. Regular oil changes and at 30k air filter. Very comfortble for long or all day driving and very economical. Average MPG 28 mix.

• 

  CRV from Guatemala - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Julio Galicia - March 30 - 9:14 pm

  Pretty Good, the only issue is that the EPA numbers do not match with the real life. Mine is doing like 20 or 21. This estimate should include results at different altitudes.

• 

  It is a good car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Al in FL - March 30 - 7:50 pm

  This is my first new Honda for me. I commute about 100 miles/day. I tell you what. I get about 31-35 miles per gallon. Handling is good and fun to drive. However, road noise is high when you are on highway.

• 

  Best Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Cliff - March 28 - 10:06 am

  Formerly owned BMW 3 Series, Infiniti FX and most recently 2006 Passat. After driving the new BMW 3, Lexus ES 350 and other more expensive sedans, decided on the Accord. From a value standpoint I could not justify spending $10+K more on other comparably equipped sedans. The Accord does everything well. Yes, the lux sedans are a bit quieter at highway speeds, but overall none can justify such a steep premium over the Accord. For the money this is without question the best value and can certainly be considered a "near luxury" model in its new 2008 configuration.