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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  Very Smooth - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michal - July 8 - 4:04 pm

  Love the trunk and the two-way tailgate. Very smooth, comfortable ride that feels more like a car than a truck. Excellent traction in all conditions. I had to have the transmission replaced at 34,000 miles. The dealership did it in two days once they were able to determine that it was slipping while in drive. I have pulled boats and trailers totaling more than 5K lbs with no problem. Not as easily as my V8 Tundra did but adequately.

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  Love the vehicle; hate the buying experience - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Terrence - July 8 - 12:24 pm

  After 12 years, 222,000 miles and raising 3 children with our 2004 Odyysey EX-L, we decided to buy another one. Its still an awesome vehicle for the intended purpose. This is my wifes daily driver, so she has to be happy. If you get car sick easily beware of this vans tendency. In the beginning the transmission was jerky as it was wearing in, and that was bothersome. But after 700 miles now it seems to be smoothing out. Everything else is great. My only other advice is to avoid contact with Honda dealerships as much as you can. We contacted multiple dealers as we were looking at both gently used and new vehicles and the experience was bad at every one. Weve bought other vehicles in the past from Honda and other makes and had good impressions, but this time we truly felt like just a number to them. It was so disappointing!

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  Bad Brakes Honda Should Recall - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bobw - July 8 - 12:13 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV only has 29000 miles. I brought it to the Dealership to check out a Grinding Noise that happened when I hit the brakes. The dealership told me that my CRV need front and rear rotors and front and rear pads. I have never ever had to replace Rotors or pads at 29000 miles in my whole life. This Cost me over $1100.00. I feel that Honda should have a recall. Ive read many complaints about Honda Brakes There is definitely something wrong with Hondas Brake parts and Honda should do something.

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  This car is indestructible - 1998 Honda Civic
  By CP - July 8 - 12:05 pm

  My 98 Civic is the best car Ive ever had, and when (if) it eventually dies there is no way Ill consider anything else but another Civic. I have driven this thing into the ground and it has never had the slightest problem. 169,000 miles on it so far, and it looks its age, but it NEVER GIVES UP. All it wants is the usual oil change and minor checkup every three months and it will go forever. I never get less than 30mpg out of it. I cannot imagine WHAT youd have to do to this car to break it. I use it for the daily commute, plus several longer road trips every year, and even offroad once down a 4WD-only jeep track (stupid, but it survived).

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  Still in Love - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ellenoc - July 8 - 9:40 am

  I now have 5,000 miles on my Fit - all in winter. Average of all fuel use is 36 mpg. When I first started looking for a new car, I fell in love with the Fit. Looked at half a dozen probably suitable models and the Fit was the only one that affected me that way. Everything about it suited what I needed, and test drives on highway and suburban roads were FUN! Still have trouble believing such an economical car has features such as ABS brakes, cruise control, and so many safety features my insurance is no higher than for the 10-yr old car I replaced. And the car is CUTE. Still havent gotten over how cute. Unlike some others, I like the TPMS. Its worked for me.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By VolzFan - July 8 - 9:07 am

  Ive owned my ridgeline for 9 months now. Test drove the Tundra but wasnt about to drop $32k on something that didnt have all the options I wanted. The RTS model had everything I wanted and needed. Wife loves driving it and handles great in the Seattle area snow and year round rain!! Traded in my 05 Civic for this and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Milajei - July 8 - 7:29 am

  Thus far, Im enjoying the car. I previously owned a Nissan Maxima, but maintenance became too expensive so I opted to buy an old faithful Honda. The gas mileage stinks on the V-6, but its great that it uses regular unleaded instead of premium like the Maxima. Overall, I like the interior and the stereo system is pretty good too, just wish I could play my MP3 player. Its a fun car.

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  Love our Fit - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Doris Higgins - July 8 - 6:03 am

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  Love it too much to give up! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jess52006 - July 7 - 8:21 pm

  I have had my 02 civic since it was brand new in 12/2001. I now have 104,000 miles on it. I love the 5 speed manual, makes it fun to drive. Only one major problem (brake booster $700 repair) since the few "new model quirks" were covered by original 3yr warranty. Average 38 mpg mixed driving. We have gone through 3 other cars in the life of this one and just cant give it up. Ill probably drive it until it dies (which could be another 200,000 miles!) Never once have had an oil change on time (like every 6,000 miles) and its always at the correct level...even when I go wayyy over. :) I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Think again about the Honda hype - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mabeno - July 7 - 4:49 pm

  I have owned this Accord from new. Maintained it on a regular basis and have not abused it. The display went out in the radio and had to have the entire unit replaced, not once but twice. The fit and finish inside is terrible (sunglass holder pops open, the headline has bubbles, the plastic seat shroud will not stay together, etc.). The final straw is the timing chain jumped a tooth and has caused extensive engine damage. The mechanic stated that this is one of the cleanest engines that he has worked on, so it was not my maintenance on the vehicle. Do not believe all the hype about how a Honda runs forever. All of my other vehicles are GMs, and I have never had such issues.