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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  First in Cincinnati - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - June 10 - 10:06 pm

  Great Performance except when the A/C is on. With the A/C on, the automatic transmission shifts up and down often. Great features, like the trunk,GPS, XM Radio. Matter of fact, the radio is fantastic. The truck is more quite than others that I have driven. Nice interior for a truck. The worst attribute is the poor mpg. I have averaged between 15+ to 16+ mpg. including expressway driving.

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  Oil Leak From Day One - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Pissed Off - June 10 - 8:00 pm

  My brother bought the car on 9/18/2006 from ValStrough Honda in Monterey, CA. He drove the car home (30 miles) and parked it in the garage. Two days later, I discovered a puddle of oil under the car. I checked under the car and it seemed to be leaking from the oil pan gasket. My brother took the car back immediately. The service dept was already closed so they checked the car the next day. They acknowledged that there was "oil residue", but were unable to find the source or replicate the leak. They told my brother drive it around some more and bring it back if it leaks again. He drove it home. Still leaking! Big Surprise! Hes going to take it back tomorrow. Ill keep you posted.

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  Great car!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Jessfly57 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was an excellent choice for me. Being 14 years old it was very reliable and I will always drive a Honda. I have had 8 so far and will continue driving them for the reliability of the car. Thanks!!

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  S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Laurelwood Lou - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This will be a classic sports car. The low-end torque has been greatly improved and the Honda quality is evident. It is great fun to drive. The 6-speed transmission shifts flawlessly.

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  Great, reliable car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By CPHV - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Why cant GM make a reliable, high- mileage car like the Civic In 11 years and 82,000 miles, weve had to replace the brakes, alternator, battery and clutch to the tune of maybe $2000. It still gets 30 miles to the gallon in the city.

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  I cant believe this oversight! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Don Russo - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Definately a quality vehicle! Good buy compared to luxury SUVs. Comfortable, spacious, good ride, etc. THERE ARE BUGS!! SEE BELOW!

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  Best Van Ever! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By vtec2 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey. Our first was a 2000 EX. This new one is a huge improvement over the 99-01 Odysseys. It has much more power, a better ride, better handling, more features, and less problems. We had the Honda accessory DVD player installed. Its a must have for any family on a road trip.

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  Whats wrong with the brakes? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mtoda - June 7 - 2:30 am

  Overall we purchased our Honda Accord because of past experience owning one. Too bad for us that we found out that there are some build quality issues that, while not life threatening, are annoying nonetheless on a new car. These include such things as squealing brakes, adhesive protruding out behind plastic panels, and loose rear view mirror. Our manual transmission also is not as smooth as weve been accustomed too. We will be taking it into the dealership to see if we can get any of these issues taken care of. Unfortunately for Honda this will be the last Honda that we will buy.

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  Overall great suv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By king james - June 7 - 2:00 am

  i felt that i shoud give my review of this suv before i traded mine in.Over all its a great ride.just had a few problems.1)i have noticed that when u take a very hard turn such as a u-turn it make a wierd ticking sound like an axel is mess-up but i came to find out its comon in all crvs.It never hampered my driving.2) on long trips i found my feet going numb.well i am a tall guy about 60.i found myself shaking my legs awake while driving.my wife who is few inches shorter never complained about it.but i do most of the driving.3)for a 4cyl its pretty powerfull.

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Guy Slade - June 6 - 7:08 pm

  This Pilot is a joy to drive...quiet, comfortable, and will get up and go when asked. The active safety features such as lane assist and active cruise control take some getting use to and can be a little intrusive but works relatively well. I spent some time negotiating an out of the door all inclusive price via email so I did not have to deal with the usual sales process and it worked out well. No regrets so far.