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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  Getting Better All The Time - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Mike P - November 10 - 8:30 pm

  Ive had my Fit Sport for 2 months now, and Im enjoying it more than ever. I bought it as an inexpensive commuter car to use as an alternative to my gas-hungry Landrover. What I didnt expect was the fun factor. I love it.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By sullivana6395 - November 10 - 1:56 pm

  I really enjoy this car it is great! The performance is wonderful. It is a beauty inside and out.

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  Passport problems a-brewing - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Schon - November 10 - 12:44 pm

  The engine oil consumption is a problem... every 2 & half months add or get complete oil change. THE BRAKES ARE A PAIN TO FIX & COSTLY ALONG WITH THE DRIVE BELT. THE CD PLAYER EATS CDs... the fuse system is in a aggravatingly bad location to work on. The spare/spare crane are a pain in the neck.

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  Good Choice - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richie - November 10 - 11:07 am

  We were looking for a versatile vehicle, the Ridgeline RTS fits the bill perfectly. We didnt need a work horse like a Ford 150 or GMC mule. I dont need to run off road over rocks and through rivers. The Ridgeline is very comfortable, quiet and the styling does turn heads. Getting 17 in the city and have seen 22.8 on the highway. Use cruise control for best mileage. I enjoy having a good handling vehicle for hauling those lighter loads and towing my 20 boat If you are a not in need of a big truck and want reasonable utility, this is your vehicle. Take it from me, you wont be sorry.

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  Horrible Seats - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By gdcinthebigd - November 10 - 9:47 am

  Just got back from a 500 mile road trip and am seriously considering trading this vehicle in with only 2200 miles on it. I have owned 2 Hondas before - a 2001 Honda CRV and a 2005 Honda Accord and would never have expected the lousy design of the front seats in this vehicle. My right leg went numb after 100 miles. When I switched to the passenger seat I found out it is even worse. Im a normal size guy (511"/190 lbs) and could not find a comfortable position. The seat cushions are too short. The headrests are too far forward. The seats are rock hard. What happened Honda? Is this cost-cutting? I wont buy another Honda ever after this.

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  Gearbox and Transmission Junky - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Schuyler - November 10 - 6:03 am

  When I first received this car 11-2007, I noticed that the it was hard to shift into 3rd gear and would often pop out of 3rd gear and was told at the dealership that this would go away at around 10,000 miles well it did not. So then they replaced the gears and a week later fourth gear went out; thus every time I tried to put it into fourth gear yesterday and it would pop out again along with making a very high pitch sound but was not raising the revs on the tach Meter. Today it made high whining sounds in every gear and I barely made it to the dealership today. The dealer had my car for two days last week and will have my car for 4 days this week, I sure hope Honda can fix this.

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  So far so Great! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Janine W. - November 10 - 4:02 am

  I had been on the hunt for a new car for several months (luckily my previous Escape had been running great so I had time to shop!). Moving from an SUV, I wanted something a little more fun to drive, with better fuel efficiency, but without sacrificing too much space. I had narrowed down my search to the Corolla, the Hyundai Elantra GT, and the HR-V (Yes, 3 very different cars, I know). After endless pros and cons lists, multiple test drives, reading every review on the web, and making myself insane meeting many different car salesmen, I finally opted for the higher investment with the HR-V. As soon as I made the decision I felt relief. Now having had the car for about a week, I have already packed it full for an art show and have a road trip schedule. This car is fantastic! A little sluggish on the pickup, the sport mode gives it a little more "oomph" to improve the driving experience. I really enjoy using the paddle shifters as well. The road noise is very quiet when in drive mode, but when in Sport mode, the CVT shifts a bit higher and is definitely a little louder, but still far quieter than my Escape was. I opted for the EX, as this option adds a moonroof, heated seats, and side view camera (when turning right) and only added about $2000 to the price. One thing I have noticed that Im not the fondest of, is the extreme lumbar support in the drivers seat. I think that, due to my small stature, this will take some getting used to. I also wish Honda offered a powered drivers seat option for the EX model (I dont think they even offer it for the EX-L either). In a nut shell, if your looking for something that drives like a car, gets great gas mileage, and has the capacity of a small SUV and will last you forever, this is the car!

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  Another 3 year review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By IC-746PRO - November 10 - 2:22 am

  Keep tire pressure at whats printed on the door plate--key to low tire wear and decent fuel mileage. Light foot helps! Drove it for business-80% at 70mph hwy, 20% city--avgd 22mpg. Many trips to N. Cal & Az avgd 23-26 mpg at 70-80mph or so w/cruise on, not bad for a shipping container on wheels. 00&04 LX odys got 1 mpg more but were 300lbs lighter & both had the tranny whine. Noise at 1500rpm is engine lugging in high gear at low speed in my opinion. Road noise highly dependent on road surface texture. Honda does hold a patent on high road noise, however. Overall, the van has been a good value.

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  Good Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tim d - November 9 - 11:32 pm

  My wife had one of these for her first new car. Very reliable, easy to maintain and drive. Mileage was 30MPG combined, which was exceptional. A few minor problems: clutch start interlock switch (fixed myself) and a/c condenser kept getting stopped up with leaves and spilling water on floor (dealer wanted $200 to install a screen to keep this from happening). Fairly fun to drive and reasonably fast for a basic car. We had the coupe, but should have spent the money on the sedan so we could get more use out of it after we had kids.

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  Good, but with reservations - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By tim d - November 9 - 11:15 pm

  Purchased new in 2007. Overall, vehicle has been pleasant to drive and very versatile for a family of 5. Little annoying stuff keeps happening. Chunkiness when the engine goes in/out of VCM. Engine pan fell off and dragged on the road. Cracked interior trim panels. Poor paint job (color doesnt match bumper-to-body and chips too easily). Dealer changed the trans fluid and left the dipstick out, which caused t-fluid to ruin the EPDM radiator hose. Battery failed (warranty). DVD player will not play anything but the best disks (why do kids need movies anyways, we never had that stuff). Even with the issues, probably the most versatile vehicle that money can buy.