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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  CRV SE - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Davidson - February 3 - 12:18 pm

  Great SUV for your money!

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  Goodbye trusty friend - 1991 Honda Accord
  By darren - February 3 - 11:19 am

  I loved this car. Purchased used w/140k on it 6 years ago. Sold it this week, with 225k. The interior STILL LOOKS NEW. The ride was like a cruise-missle-on-rails. Handling would put most sports cars to shame. Would go fast if you pushed it. Had to get used to the auto trannys whiplash shifting. Very versatile/useful for small family. Comfy on long hauls. Experienced 400-600$ in repairs annually, INCLUDING TIRES but that can be expected if you drive old cars. Did have to replace motor at 215k- suspected that damage due to faulty oil maintenance before I owned it finally caught up with it.Old engine consumed 2+qts between changes. Now needs less than 1qt. The car has gone on to its 4th happy owner.

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  Improvements to previous generation are spot on - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By A.Kuffner - February 3 - 9:06 am

  I previously owned the 2007 version of this truck. When I purchased that truck in 2012 I paid 19K and I sold it for 10K (4 years later) after putting 65K miles on it. That is an amazingly low annual cost. I had absolutely no issues with the previous version. Needless to say, I put a lot of miles on my car and I wanted better gas mileage and something I knew would last me a long time so I looked at the new version. I also loved the versatility of the Ridgeline and the very good road manners. The improvements are perfect. I absolutely love the option to turn off a few cylinders and go into "eco" mode. I even got 30 MPG wile taking a road trip! My average over the first 2200 miles has been a very respectable 23 MPG. I love the technology and all the bells and whistles, which is why I opted for the Black Edition. So far, I have appreciated the lane departure and front collision warning, but I am still getting used to the beeping when I get close to things. One benefit of the beeping is that when someone walks in front of your car while you are stopped but looking the other way, you hear it! My kids have loved the Apple Carplay and completely taken over the music which sounds incredible in this truck. They also love the truck-bed audio system and controlling it from their phone through bluetooth. I thought I would miss the CD player, but I discovered that I can put a bunch of mp3 files on a memory stick and it will play it. My biggest compliment to this new version is the ride comfort and quality. Clearly Honda made very significant improvements to the sound dampening because it is very quiet in the cabin even at freeway speeds. Everything feels quicker and more nimble. The engine has lots of power especially when eco mode is off. I have not towed anything yet with this new one, but I did completely fill the bed and the interior and while the suspension felt a little softer, it was still very secure. The previous version was very solid towing (it felt like a full sized SUV towing) The headlights are amazing, I can see things clearly at night. I was also so amazed when the brights turned off automatically when I was driving on a country road at night and there was an oncoming car. Yes, the controls for the touchscreen take a little while to get used to, but I actually appreciated that some of the features and settings were limited to when I was not driving so as to not distract the driver. Now that I am used to them I appreciate them, but I do think a physical lever or button for sound would be nice beyond the steering wheel controls. I really like the red accents and lighting but in all honesty, I was disappointed that in this top of the line black edition the red lighting was only in the front seat-wells and door handles and there were none for the back seats. The interior has good quality and soft materials. I did notice that the access to the back seats through the doors is a little less on this new model. Not a big deal but getting bigger things into the back seat is a little more challenging. I really like the new exterior styling, very sleek. While not an overly rugged looking truck, it appeals to me because it looks sophisticated and at home in the city which is where I do the majority of my driving. I do not consider myself an off-roader but I did take this new truck out on the beach and tested out the "sand mode" and it performed with flying colors. My previous version was simply stunning in the snow so I expect the same with this generation. No deals to be had at the dealership, at least not yet while demand is high and inventory is low. I had to drive an hour and a half away to find a dealership with this one in stock. Overall, I believe that Honda took the best parts of the Ridgeline (ride quality, performance, versatility, features) and improved each one significantly. They also fixed my biggest complaint with the previous version (16 mpg average in mixed driving). I also fit the demographic Honda was targeting very well: mostly city driver, rarely tows/hauls/offroads but wants the versatility only a truck can provide while also wanting the comfort of an SUV. Bingo!

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - February 3 - 8:00 am

  Great car for the money. Gets decent mileage (22 mpg city) driving relatively short distances in the city and does well in the snow. I have had no problems yet, but have noticed that it does not have the same feel of quality that my Accord did (i.e. the doors close with a bang, not the "thunk" or perfection).

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  Great choice! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Hybrid - February 3 - 7:33 am

  Get in this car and drive it like any other car. You only notice its a hybrid when you check out the mpg --- 45! As fun to drive as much more expensive cars.

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  CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Ken from Tampa - February 3 - 6:56 am

  We test drove the 2008 CR-V and then we test drove the 2009 CR-V, same model and packages. The new 2009 CR-V was more responsive and handled much better and was very comfortable . Even though we we told that nothing really change from the 2008 model we felt a positive different. The deal was good and the car was excellent

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  Great Car/Suv - 2004 Honda Element
  By mattdoggydog - February 2 - 9:03 am

  I love my element. The stadium seating in the back seat is a fav among my friends. Most of my friends say this car is ugly until they see how "cool" it is inside. I love the available space and the ease of cleanup. The panaramic view from the front is great. Manueverability is great and parking is easy. This car is fun to drive and I cant wait to take it camping. Legroom in the back is great, headroom everywhere more than enough.

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  awsome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By russell91 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say about this car is that everything the makers did with this car is awsome.It drives good, Its fast,Its comfortable theres not enough good stuff i can say about this car.

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  Its an E Thing - 2004 Honda Element
  By Don Quixote - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This is by far one of the most fun cars Ive ever owned. It just does something to me that when I see open fields of snow I want to veer off the road and go driving through them. I feel the call of the wild beckoning me to come and play with my new Element. I didnt like the looks of the Element when I first saw them. In fact, I thought it was down right ugly. But once I found the color that I liked, it really grew on me. Best ride for the money.

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  Reliability at its finest - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lcdrstar - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Seats are very comfortable with an abundance of room. A friend who purchased an Expedition because of its size mentioned he was having second thoughts once he sat in the Pilot. It is running strong with just an oil change, making it 8 shop visits better than my all but forgotten 1999 Chevy Blazer in its first year of life.