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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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By drobert007 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The 6 speed manual flies. Suspension is tight and so is first gear. Prepare to get a speeding ticket after you get behind the wheel. Youll find yourself goning the long way to work just because its so fun to drive.

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  ENGINE LIGHT - 2003 Honda Accord
  By aj3 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The car performs very well. Its entertaining to drive, gets 31.5MPG, and handles better than the tires allow it to. I have only one concern. The check engine light keeps coming on. The dealership and Honda keep telling me they are working on a fix but dont have the solution yet. The dealership has been very honest and up front so I dont feel Im being shuffled away, its just Honda doesnt have a fix yet.The problem centers around the catalitic converter,which the dealer replaced once already, so Honda appearently has an emissions issue making things difficult. Like the car, but better get it fixed or I will require them to replace it.

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  Everything ADDS UP!!!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rusty - April 3 - 4:46 am

  The 2006 Silver Moss CR-V LX Fwd was three years in coming for me. Had driven some of my family members CR-Vs and simply was amazed with its looks, comfort, value, & reliability. With the addition of traction control, vehicle stability control, Electronic Brake force distribution, side air-bags & side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, 16" tires and 5 star safety rating for 2006, purchasing the CR-V just made real CENTS! ALL for a selling price of $19,467 with front mudguards and Honda "H" Logo pinstripe, I HAD MY CR-V plus got a 7yr/80K w/ $0 deductible Honda Care Extended Warranty for $680 (other dealers wanted $1,499 for same item). Would highly recommend the Honda CR-V to anyone!

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  2003 Honda Odyssey LX - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Arthur - April 3 - 12:22 am

  No major mechanical problems whatever in over 100,000 miles. Simple and smooth to drive. Enough power to carry quite heavy loads easily into the mountains. Extremely reliable.

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  Very Reliable For Me - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GBradburn - April 2 - 10:38 pm

  Have had the car now for over 5 years over 80K miles. No mechanical problems at all and fairly good gas mileage. I bought this car for the gas mileage, easy to park/maneuver in city traffic, and its reliability. All three held true. Needs just a little bit more room for those drivers over 6 feet tall.

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  2007 Honda over 2002 STS - 2007 Honda Accord
  By driver1 - April 2 - 7:13 pm

  I traded in a lemon of a 2002 Cadddy STS for this commuter and I love it considering the down trade of the luxury issue. This 2.4 moves when it has to, and I know after driving many V8s. Passes up hill & changes lanes like a champ. Gave a few full size pick ups a little surprise when they tail gated. Took off up hill before they could think ..was that a HONDA? LOVE IT for what it is.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By donl - April 2 - 3:05 pm

  Have driven vehicle off road and in snow without incident. Very comfortable for me whereas most cars bother my back driving for extended periods. Mileage as advertised. First vehicle owned that required absolutely no warranty work.

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  The Ridgeline Rocks - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deb - April 2 - 6:03 am

  This truck is so impressive. It rides like a car. It is so comfortable and the storage inside is amazing. The inbed trunk is bigger than any pictures show. This truck, having the Honda name, is a winner.

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  The best minivan one could buy! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By ton - April 2 - 4:16 am

  Since I drove it off the dealer, there was no problems. The power sliding doors works fine, the engine is silky smooth just like a lexus or better. The interior is very roomy, it is even roomier than its rival, the town and country. On my Starlight Silver Honda Odyssey EX, I have installed customized PIAA fog lights and wind deflectors to make the van distinct from others.

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  A Truck for a SUV Guy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron Rouillier - April 2 - 12:59 am

  I was looking for a truck when I found the Ridgeline. I thought I would replace my Pilot with another SUV. My son had a Tacoma and complained about the rough truck ride so I did not think I would like a truck. I test drove the Ridgeline and found it drove as smoothly as an SUB. The rear seat was roomy and comfortable. I loved the trunk feature and the side opening tailgate. People I work with are impressed and are considering purchasing other Ridgelines. This was a great purchase and I would recommend a Ridgeline to a friend.