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 but not great - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By FLIPSIX - September 7 - 11:29 pm

  Great AWD truck. Styling is great. Friendly driver controls. Good power considering the weight. Problems included the tailgate lever which was replaced. Makes this start up noise- "normal" per dealership. Huh??? Showed me a youtube excerpt about. Supposedly wont cause any problems, uhuh...Storage is great especially the hidden bed trunk. Poor gas mileage 15- 17mpg city 18mpg combined and thats pushing it.

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  Honda is the best at innovation. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Raymond - September 7 - 9:33 pm

  The car feels well built.This model is built in japan, better quality control and fit and finish i feel. driving is very different, than my 2001 civic i traded in. U do have to learn to drive with a gentle foot on the gas. its almost a glide and coast approach, looking ahead at lights and traffic to let off gas as much as possible.This seams to give best fuel economy. With engine shutoff at every stop, car does take 2seconds to respond and go. Seats are supportive but seam too narrow for me and center console takes up leg room for stretching. Gauges are nice and easy to read but if your short u will see them reflect on upper windshield glass. Too much road noise, quiet tires might help.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By CA Prelude - September 7 - 9:27 pm

  Excellent car and value, a blast to drive! Original stock tires werent great. Stock stereo is good and puts out decent volume, but the bass is more "mid bass," not low bass. Just over 100K miles and no problems. By some miracle, no tickets, either! Dont ask me how I know this, but there is a fuel cutoff at 7,800 rpm. Would be nice to have a rev limiter, instead. Like other comments, a 6th cruising gear, RWD, 200 lbs. lighter, and 40 more hp would also be on my wish list. My car should last another 10 years at least...maybe by then, a new Prelude will be in showrooms.

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  Very Good Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike - September 7 - 6:36 pm

  Over all, this a very good car. 32,000 miles on it and no major problems. Love the sporty handling and steering. The gas mileage is good. Bad sun visor design. The glue that holds them together seems to melt in the sun. Had to replace tires @ 20k but that seems to be the norm for most makes now. Drivers seat needs better thigh support.

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  great car, love it - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Stella Pan - September 7 - 1:43 pm

  google map from phone is the main reason we bought the car, also the blind spot assistance as well

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  Good but could be better - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By car8641 - September 7 - 12:46 pm

  Overall a pretty good SUV. Smooth driving and decent gas mileage. Im averaging 26.5 miles. Seats are uncomfortable for long-distance driving.

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  Honeymoon - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J. Carson - September 7 - 12:30 pm

  I have only had my Ridgeline for 10 days and I am excited about driving this truck for a long time. I think Honda built this truck for me. It fits very well for my truck needs. This truck is incredible to drive. It has a solid, firm yet comfortable ride. The driving position is one of control and security. It is simply fun and easy to drive. I dont do off road 4 wheeling, but I do live on steep, winding gravel roads, and I have yet to break traction in any driving situation. I look forward to seeing how the truck goes in the snow. I got slightly over 19mpg on my first tank of gas, which I am very happy with, as it was all around town, out in the country, run like a mad man driving.

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  Another Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By johnny - September 7 - 7:30 am

  I had an early 99 Odyssey - the first one on my street. Now, they are everywhere. Now, I have the first of the 2nd generation - I expect many more on my street. The new Odyssey has significantly more power than the 99. It also has a lot more safety features such as VSA and side curtain air bags. Steering and braking are also better. My wife didnt want the electric sliding doors so I got the LX. My sense is the VSM (running on 3 cylinders) is a good option if you do a lot of highway driving but for around town I doubt it makes much difference and the EX-L weighs several hundrend pounds more than the LX. 95% of our driving is on surface streets.

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  Love it so far! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CK_CR-V - September 7 - 5:36 am

  My wife and I chose the CR-V over the Rav4, Rogue & Outlander. MPG is pretty accurate to spec. City/Hway/Combined - 20/26/22. Had to get used to the arm rests. Feels like it has way more headroom and interior space compared to the competition. Love being able to adjust rear seats foward/back. No blind spots. Acceleration isnt the most powerful, but not too bad getting on the highway.

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  Efficient, Functional, and Even Fun - 2009 Honda Fit
  By an engineer - September 7 - 12:36 am

  When my 2002 Taurus had reached the end of its useful life, I wanted a car that would be far more reliable with a superior fuel economy. I ended up looking carefully at the Yaris, Accent, Versa, and Fit, eventually choosing the latter. For the price, you will be hard pressed to find a better designed and built car with as much versatility. It is not a luxury vehicle, but comes with a surprising array of features. Yes, the Fit is a couple thousand more than others in its class. In the end, it comes down to the superior quality of the vehicle when compared against others in its class, particularly the Versa. This is a highly functional, well designed, efficient car that is also fun to drive.