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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  Second times a charm! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bmore Fuzz - October 3 - 11:26 am

  Traded my 2006 Ridgeline RT for the 2009 RTL. This truck was so practical and reliable in the past 3.5 years I decided to do it all over again...this time with the leather, Navigation, XM radio and sunroof. The 2006 I traded in with 60K miles drove as good as the day I drove it home new. The 2009 feels a bit tighter and quieter but considering the 2006 was its 1st year production, Honda just kept improving it and it shows!

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steven Boyd - October 3 - 7:57 am

  Of 27 vehicles owned in my life, the Ridgeline is the best overall vehicle. Quiet, squeak free and totally reliable machine. Needs a slightly longer trunk. Great work Honda. The new 2010 is on order!

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  Great around town car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By 29ways - October 3 - 6:31 am

  Love the gas mileage on this little car, wish it had a bit more get up and go, but it is a 4 cylinder. Overall am very happy with my new no frills auto.

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Janet - October 3 - 1:10 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new 06 Honda Ridgeline truck. So far have only driven it 1,000 miles, but no problems. Only little problem was that one or two doors would have a hard time shutting completely but it was just because it was new and as we used it, they shut just fine. Sometimes you can hear a little wind noise, but everything else is fantastic. I like it because it feels like an SUV. My husband likes the truck part. The cab doesnt feel like you are in a truck. It is very roomy even in the back seats. It is extremely wide inside. You are not crowded together. I got the gorgeous Amazon Green. The interior package matches well to it.

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  Soccer Dad - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Alan - October 2 - 5:11 pm

  A++++ , First ever Mini in my life, looked at Sienna & others stopped once I drove this one. Its not really a van , more like a car. Dealership did an excellent price as well, no others would come this low price wise for less quality. Roomy, classy and you can still look like a cool guy...lol. My boys love it , lots of storage for sports stuff and as my oldest says "wow there are a lot of cup holders".

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  Great family van except tranny - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By seattlecatfish - October 2 - 4:15 pm

  We bought the van with 89k, Im guessing that it already had a fresh tranny (looking back now). All and all I have to be fair in saying that it has served us very well. For 3 years hardly any maintenance just typical little things (fluid levels, tires, ect). I know my way around a car and its a good van. The biggest problem with our van was the side doors being intermittent and then tranny acting wierd. Flushed it, no help. 3 yrs 10mths later, tranny has pasted on. It is a well known problem 99-01 tranny failures. With only one type of tranny to be replaced with at $3300 (w/o labor) each time. About every 3 yrs or less it will need to be replaced. And this is typical with all 99-01. Check Internet and see.

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  Like the last three civics I have owned, reliable - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Geoffrey C - October 2 - 12:09 pm

  Love the space, more roomier then the older models, best bang for buck, stock has plenty of technology for a driver who uses bluetooth. The gas mileage is stellar, and the car holds well.

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  Disappointment - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rajinny - October 2 - 10:34 am

  I traded in my Dodge Caravan that I had for 17 years for the Honda CR-V. The ac works intermittently and I took it back within the first week and it was not fixed. I had to take it back and the clutch, temp sensor and thermal protector were replaced and it still had the problem after being 3 days in the shop. Now I took it back and the dealership is troubleshooting. It is day 3. I contacted Honda Corporate- disappointed- one more layer of mgmt. I am looking into the lemon law process. I have had the vehicle for less than 2 months and less than 300 miles and it has been in the shop 3 times already. I would suggest that before buying test the SUV and ac sufficiently.

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  my honey - 1994 Honda Accord
  By panache - October 2 - 10:00 am

  bought with 165m km. now have 209m km

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  Honda Civic CX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By JBC - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good little car, but it is not the best value in the Honda line. The CX model does not have power steering and is difficult to park.