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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  Air compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rtbtexas - July 18 - 10:53 pm

  My air compressor blew up last year at about 50,000 miles, They replaced the parts for free it cost me about $400 for labor to fix. This year the ac is still not working as well as it did new. I have problems with the cloth falling off the rear door panels. The shifter blocks the a/c for the driver. Poor design. Other than that a good car. I am looking for a car with a better AC.

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  No complaints - 2003 Honda Civic
  By PA commuter - July 18 - 9:40 pm

  Sorry to hear about all the transmission problems. I have 83k on mine and no signs of auto tranny slippage. Averaging 35mpg city and 40+ highway. Ive found that if you drive above 70 on the highway, mpg declines dramatically. Bought the extended warranty in august of 2003 and never used it. Only complaint is that Im replacing the brake pads every 25k miles without intensive use.

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  Civics Rule - 2006 Honda Civic
  By cool124dude - July 18 - 5:33 pm

  I love the digital tier and it gives back when you give it gas. I can go 0- 100 km/h in about 4.0 which is really good for an 1.8L 140HP civic

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  Hybrid forever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gregory Kees - July 18 - 4:16 pm

  I have an 03 civic hybrid and I have almost 90,000 miles with no issues and the 2006 is more powerful and void of road noise and gets from 7 to 10 more miles to the gal than the 03. The navigation system is the best I have ever used. A great little luxury car for under $25,000. I added the optional fog lights and day night mirror. The mirror is very important because SUV and truck lights are blinding at night because the Civic is low to the ground.

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  Great Daily Driver Pick Up Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian - July 18 - 3:21 pm

  This is my second Ridgeline. I originally owned a 2006 RTS which I drove for almost 60,000 miles. I was going to buy the new 2009 body, but with the great deals they offered on the 2008 I opted to get it instead. I was able to get the loaded out leather, Navi, Moonroof RTL for what I originally paid for the 06 RTS. I was very pleased with the reliability and overall performance of the 06, which is why I decided to buy another one. In 60,00 miles the only thing I had fixed was a strut which was under warranty at the time. I drive a lot for a living so comfort is extremely important. I have owned a few trucks over the years and have never had one that drives as well as the Ridgeline.

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  Gas mileage - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen - July 18 - 12:20 pm

  I have 2,300 miles on my Odyssey and I get, in my estimation very poor gas mileage. I told the service adviser when I went there, that I thought that when the motor was idling, it seems kind of high rpm and he had the mechanic check and said it was normal. I am not happy. After several tankfuls I filled the tank again this morning and am getting 17.42 miles per gallon and I drive mostly highway miles.

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  Great Van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - July 18 - 10:08 am

  Our family absolutely loves this van. We have a 2009 EXL-RES. The rear entertainment system (RES) is a pleasure on trips. It allows the front drivers to listen to music while the kids watch their videos through the wireless headphones. Driving comfort and space is outstanding. The van is quiet and has very good road manners. The Odyssey replaced a Toyota Highlander for us. We were seriously considering the Sequoia for this purchase. We just found this to be a better vehicle for the money than the Sequoia. We are now van converts.

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  Great Transportation - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Phyllis Ponisciak - July 18 - 7:16 am

  We have had this car for almost 3 months and our gas mileage has increased consistently. Latest is 43 MPG and that is with the AC running. I do change my speed demon driving habits when I drive this car because it sort of defeats the purpose, but the car has plenty of power when I need it. The dashboard has so much info, making it easy to see how the car is performing. My husband drives the car back and forth to work, but I always steal it when I go to the grocery store because it is so easy to put stuff in the storage area. Our dog thinks we bought the car for her because she has so much room when we lay the back seats down. Great car for the price, and fun to drive.

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  Well executed design - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ElPeoViejo - July 17 - 5:15 pm

  If price were no object, this would be my favorite SUV hands down! The salesman was professional, courteous and thorough. The pilot is a well thought out design. From the storage compartments to the folding seats, the versatile cargo area floor storage, and the electronic display. One thing I found a little un-nerving was the blind spot camera being displayed on the large center display. It just doesnt seem as intuitive as the other controls. This is my wifes favorite SUV in the 3 row seating class. While the Honda Pilot is an excellent value, the domestic competitors have been "upping the game" with zero percent financing and huge discounts. Their products may not be quite as good as the Honda, but they are excellent competitors.

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  Transmission/Clutch Recall Info - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ACRUMP - July 17 - 1:05 pm

  There was a recall on the transmission (Judder Slippage - the car rumbles when accelerating, esp noticeable going uphill). According to protocol, they have to do this "burnishing procedure" 3 times, at which point they will replace the entire clutch on your transmission (for free, under the recall). You also need to be under 100K mi to be eligible. My car is at 98K....theyre just about to replace my clutch, so Im very excited about that. Other than this one issue, my car has been running perfectly. Ive been keeping track of MPG for over 10K, and Im averaging 46.5 MPG. Im absolutely thrilled (and confused that some people claim to get only 35 MPG).