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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  Quirky Refund - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sarah Greenwood - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great little teaser, but once you start living with it, it start to annoy and dissapoint. Tried to get a refund because of such poor expectation, but dealer was not one bit cooperative. Was even willing to trade for a CRV, but the trade in value was 20% lower than what I bought, which was needless to say, just above the retail price, plus the "dealer performace" packages. Oh well, I guess you live and learn. Get a CRV, if you like Hondas and SUVs, otherwise, good luck.

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  I sold my 2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Phillips - September 23 - 9:53 pm

  I am a Honda person and have had at least ten of them from the original Civic through a 2015 CRV. Honda makes great cars, but the Ridgeline is not a truck for anyone who needs a durable rugged truck for serious truck work. Below is what I think about the RTL I owned: My Ridgeline RTL interior was cramped especially around the driving pedals -- the parking brake pedal interferes with foot and leg movement. Try stretching your leg all the way out...tall guys cant do it. The tailgate does not have a lock--good for thieves to steal -- yes this does happen. Ground Clearance is awful -- 7 and a half inches. Several times when I pulled into parking slots the front end scraped on the cement parking barrier. So much for any off road fun. Spare tire is a donut and not really good for any off road areas. Option packages do not include an XM radio until you are in the RTL-T price range of $35,860. This is ludicrous, as the "lower" priced models of $30,000 to $34,000 dont have a decent entertainment system. Any vehicle that is priced over $30K should at least have an XM radio. Also who really needs speakers in the truck bed?? Towing capacity is very weak. Yes the RTL has a tow bar, but that is all. The RTL does not have an oil cooler or ATF cooler and did not come with a pigtail. The Pigtail is an extra $400 and there is no after market add ons for the oil or ATF coolers. An oil cooler and ATF cooler is not available unless you buy the $39,000 all wheel drive version. Yes this is true. Bottom Line: This "truck" is not a working truck. It is for people who like the image of driving a truck, but dont need the utility of hauling or going to off road areas. I would call this a Sport Utility Truck, as it is just another Pilot or but without the covered luggage area. Yes I owned a 2003 Pilot and it was better in all respects to the 2017 Ridgeline Honda had the opportunity to build a Tacoma crushing vehicle, but has instead built a truck that people cant decide whether it is a Sport Utility Vehicle or just a weak truck. When you pull up to a stop light next to a Tacoma, Tundra or F150, you dont have the height of a real truck and it is not usable as rugged, durable, truck. On the positive side...my wife liked it.

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  Not happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By not happy - September 14 - 1:36 am

  I am getting 25 mpg hwy only 800+ miles. Its very uncomfortable. Very disappointed in my first Honda. Did loads of research and this was the all around best value, safety, gas mileage etc but I am incredibly disappointed. I even have the plastic laminate bubbling off around the windows.

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  Lemon? - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By pwaddell - August 31 - 8:46 pm

  It may be too early to call this one a lemon, but its getting there quickly. Its been in the shop for one of the four weeks weve owned it and will be going back. The vehicle developed a low vibration when accelerating after a week or so. It was determined to be the AC. The dealersip replaced the compressor, belt tensioner, and water pump and drained and refilled the system. It seemed to work, but the vibration has returned. American Honda has not been helpful. Their response has been you shouldnt expect perfection from a mass produced vehicle. I do expect a new vehicle will be at my house more than 3/4 the time I own it. If this keeps up the Lemon Law will allow me to give it back.

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  cheap built - 2002 Honda Accord
  By m&m - August 13 - 2:00 am

  we have a 2002 honda accord and a 1992 honda accord it is amazing that honda has went so cheap as to put thin metal in the 2002 accord. and the ride is terrible and lots of wind noise... we will be trading asap...

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  Honda CR-V 2017 Plagued with TPMS issues - 2017 Honda CR V
  By James Smith - August 10 - 3:06 am

  I would not advise purchasing the vehicle. It is so new that dealerships do not know how to repair issues with the car. I have taken my car for the same TPMS issue that has occurred 5 times and they are still unable to fix the issue. Now I am stuck waiting for a specialist to come out within 1-2 weeks with one day warning to get my car into the dealership. They have replaced all my tires and admit to not knowing what is going on. The dealership now says it is between me and corporate honda. corporate honda is unwilling to provide me a loaner car. Even though tpms is required by law.

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  CR Vibrator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gabe - August 6 - 12:38 pm

  V stands for Vibrator. Honda doesnt stand behind its cars. Since day one this car at idle VIBRATES I took the car in multiple times in but no help from honda. Last honda for us for sure. The rpm are so low to the point is so annoying to the people in the car. During ride everything is fine.

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  Very disappointed!!!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By T Ruddle - August 4 - 11:10 am

  Have had back to dealer multiple times for various problems. The rear power hatch stopped working - needed new motor. The transmission clunks into gear - had lever/linkage adjusted but still doing it. Radio reception is terrible and overall its a noisy ride at highway speeds. Anyone getting 20 mpg must be coasting downhill with engine off....best so far in 5000 miles is about 17mpg!!! Would I buy again - never!

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  poor interior Design,a lot other problems - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By david 67 - July 31 - 9:07 am

  8 month after i saw mold under sunroof and dealer guys not found any problems,each month i have problems with the car

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  ODY-REGRETS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ody-regret - July 13 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED AN EXX AND HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT BEFORE SALE WAS FINALIZED. I GUEST THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SIGNAL. THE FRONT SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE DRIVERS SEAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS NOT FASTENED WHEN MAKING A HARD TURN. VERY DISAPPOINTED THUS FAR. WHEN I HAVE TO START A LAUNDRY LIST 1 MONTH AFTER MAKING THE PURCHASE, ITS MAKES ME WONDER IF I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE TOWN & COUNTRY EX.