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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  Good lil hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By salderson - December 16 - 1:50 am

  Im more of the high HP kind of guy but was looking to get as far away as possible from my WRX. So going to a hybrid was quite the step down in the motor dep. I must say Im really impressed in this lil EZ-go car! The power is less then seat pounding but other then that I love it. The inside is well made and theres plenty of storage space. The ride is fairly good. Im looking to up-grade the sound deading abilities... I drive from Houston, TX to Lincoln, NE quite a bit in a given year. I have had this car for about 6-7 months now and Im trying to pick it apart its quite hard to find anything to nit pick. Just keep in mind this IS a hybrid. The tech is pretty new to the market.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RhinoKing - December 15 - 10:01 pm

  This is the best car Ive owned. Honda continues to produce outstanding vehicles. So far I have only done regularly scheduled maintenance on this car. Its fun to drive and great on gas. I will definitely buy another Honda but it maybe a long long time before that happens since this car will probably last me a very long time.

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  Impressive for a small car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Roger - December 15 - 4:27 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda preceded by an 06 Accord and 07 Ridgeline. The Civic is impressive for an economy car and is inexpensive enough that I dont feel guilty about it being my daily driver. When I feel to drive a big, quiet, comfortable vehicle with a V8 Ill just take my 09 Silverado out for a spin.

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  The Fit is the GO! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By BK - December 15 - 4:00 pm

  My previous ride was a 2008 Altima SE. I needed to have a better fuel efficient car because I drive to work 100 miles each day. I put about 1500 miles since my purchase and I am speechless. The car does not feel small at all! I can hardly feel any difference from riding a sedan from my fit. The 1.5L engine is a bit small but it rides very well. I do feel lack of power on hills I would not have noticed on bigger cars but Im not disappointed. I dont know how Honda did it, but the Fit is truly awesome.

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  Great car, but... - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By rjs666 - December 15 - 2:03 pm

  Traded my 2006 Lexus RX 400h hybrid for this 2010 Crosstour, and getting same 23 MPG milage. Wife has 2003 Accord, so all the controls are the same. Comfortable ride, with minor back pain on long trips. Good room for driver and 4 passengers. Noisey but good pickup when entering highway. Fit and finish has some problems, as does "trunk" space. Blind spots, especially out rear window problematic.

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  What a great car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Buyer - December 15 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this car with 112k on it. I wasnt even going to drive it because of the mileage. The suspension was responsive yet comfortable, Gas mileage is 22-27 on the 3 litre V6 and it has leather, wood grain, a moon roof, strut tower braces, way ahead of their time! It has 230,000 miles on it already. I love it, buy this car!

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  07 Odyssey. Not as nice as the 03. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 0_0 - December 15 - 11:32 am

  We just traded in our 03 EXL for an 07 EXL Odyssey. 1) Sound system in the 03 was *much* better even though both were standard sound systems. The 07 speakers sound like they are stuffed in a pillow. 2) We started getting a "shudder" with the 07 when driving at 1400 RPM. It happened right before the ECO light came on. This was a few weeks after we bought it. Dealer said theyd do a "software update" 3) The 07 car feels heavier, slower, w/ less power than the 03. 4) Being able to lower the rear seats w/out removing headrests is great on the 07 vs the 03! 5) You cant slide things under the back seats like you could with the 03. :( End result? The 03 is better than the 07 by far.

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  Great reliable vehicle but poor gas milege and acc - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mike jones - December 15 - 11:07 am

  I read some of the bad reviews but I guess I ended up with a good one. So far I have 108k miles and never had any problems. Just regular oil change and Thats it. There was a recall on the front suspension making noise. Just gotta take it in to the dealer to get it fixed for free. Its roomy and its a great family car, has enough space for all your stuff for long road trips. But, lol Yea theres always something. Its a great family vehicle but when u are driving by yourself and u wanna have some fun, nope. The acceleration is horrible esp if your trying to merge on to free way. Handeling is less than sub par. Bottom line: great family vehicle, but very boring car. Gas mileage could improve.

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  Solid, but not great. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Loyal Honda Man - December 15 - 9:54 am

  Purchased Ridgeline to be the "family car," and in that function, it has performed satisfactorily. After almost 30,000 miles, it has been perfectly reliable, and has been a solid all-around-family-vehicle. Fuel econ has been 15-16 in town, 18-20 on highways. The engine is adequate if underwhelming for normal use but simply inadequate for towing much of anything. I towed a mid-sized trailer of approx. 2,500 lbs on level ground and the engine worked very hard and with mileage of only 9-10mpg. It is, however, very functional and the interior cabin space is efficiently maximized. LOVE the in-bed trunk, built-in bed cleats, as well as the built-in lighting for the truck bed.

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  2015 CRV EX AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By guerinkeywest - December 15 - 2:49 am

  I bought my CRV at the end of Dec. 2014. 2 weeks later I went on my first long ride of about 8 hours roundtrip. A few times while stopped at lights the car began shaking, as soon as I began moving the shaking stopped. Vibration is allways there when stopped but this shaking while not always present definitly makes me not recommend anyone buying this car unless Honda gets a fix for it. I wonder what the resale value of this model will be.