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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  2000 Accord 2.3 high miles - 2000 Honda Accord
  By MAX - May 25 - 2:36 pm

  This is my daily commute 200 miles everyday. For me it is the best design for Japanese coupe compare to solara. The Cargo space is huge for its class. I just made 200K miles this week and I havent replaced my alternator yet, water pump and timing belt thats how reliable this one can be. Honda Engine and transmissions is so reliable. The secret is oil change and transmission fluid - change service is a must for long life of a car.

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  2006 CIVIC SI - 2006 Honda Civic
  By scubalvr - May 25 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned many cars, but I cant remember any of them being this much fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone that actually likes/loves to drive.

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  Very Nice Vehicle. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Thomas - May 25 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased my RTX after coming out of a Honda Odyssey lease. I really enjoy the overall driving experience of this truck. It handles extremely well, drives smoothly and is comfortable inside. I love the in-bed trunk and the numerous storage areas inside the cab. The gas mileage is comparable to other mid-size 4x4 trucks, so I knew what I was getting into. The engine is powerful, but seems to strain just a little when trying to pass with a cab full of people or a load being towed. Love the way the back seats fold up so you can use the flat floor for storage. Dont pass up the Ridgeline because of looks, you will regret not test driving this vehicle when comparing the others trucks out there.

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  So Far, So Good - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CGS - May 25 - 10:20 am

  We bought this car as the least expensive option that satisfied all our needs (wants). Mechanically, its been A+ so far. We got the standard for one last "hooraw" before we qualify for AARP. Its fun to drive, but now we remember why we went to an automatic to begin with (hard to hold your coffee and switch gears at the same time). Gas mileage is actually better than advertised, but were relatively light-footed drivers. Have one "cheap plastic" finish issue on the interior and a couple "question marks" on the trunk set-up, but the suspension is tight and takes country roads beautifully. I would have liked the universal remote, but you had to get the next package for $1K more.

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  Satisfaction going from point A to B - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rob - May 25 - 6:22 am

  Excellent RELIABILITY is the bottom line here along with the NOTORIOUS Honda expected longevity makes it what it is, a great ride. Being a Civic it is not the luxury liner, but who wouldnt know that getting into it from the start? Works for me just fine as I am 510" 210#, anyone much larger would most likely make this model too small. Highly recommended for what it is. Change the oil, tires, maintain it as recommended and keep it clean and you will be a happy camper.

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  You will never know your driving a truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel J Edwards - May 25 - 4:14 am

  This truck is very quiet and smooth, the corning and ride are so controlled that you will have to constantly remind yourself that you are driving an AWD truck and not a fancy European sports sedan. I had to drive 200 miles to a dealer out of my area to get the base model RT with AWD. My trip home was a mix of four lane Highway, small towns with a lot of stops, school buses and school zones yet I still managed just under 28 MPG. I hooked my trailer loaded with my Argo 8x8 just to see how the Ridge Line would respond pulling 2000 pounds. Hooking the trailer was very easy because of the excellent back up camera. Once underway the engine worked a little harder than I expected but the truck handled the load without any drama. I fully expect to get over 20 MPG pulling my trailer loaded with an Argo 8x8 and lots of equipment, that kind of fuel mileage is impressive for any truck. The truck impresses in little ways. While I was driving home several large bugs hit my windshield. Instead of splattering as I expected they passed over my truck. When I got home I noted the very steep rake of the windshield, it may not seem like much but it kept the window clean and adds to the RTs ability to ease down the highway on windy days. The seats felt a little firm at first but after I settled in they were quite comfortable. I was really disappointed that my standard RT didnt come equipped with an XM radio but the standard AM/FM has excellent sound quality and picked up distant stations without an issue. This truck is very easy to get in and out of and is super quiet on the highway with a ride quality that will remind you of an expensive luxury sedan. The engine is a little louder then I would like under hard acceleration but I can live with it. This truck is handsome. Maybe not the best looking truck ever built but better looking then the competition. The tail gate opens two ways and there is a ton of water proof storage under the rear of the bed that is easy to reach for loading and unloading and this storage area can double as an ice chest with a drain plug in the bottom. I am impressed by the composite bed which is strong, durable and resistant to dings and scratches. I wouldnt take this truck four wheeling but I am sure that if you use the AWD system within its limitations it will serve you very well. If you want something that will serve your needs as a truck, keep you moving with AWD in winter driving conditions and drive and handle like a luxury car I dont see how you can do better then the Honda Ridge Line. Alright, just a few updates. The truck is averaging about 20.9 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Its not doing as well as I thought it would pulling a trailer with an average of somewhere between 15 and 16 mpg. I miss not having an XM radio and a dealer installed XM with a backup camera is over two thousand dollars. I still think the engine is a little to loud under acceleration but really thats about my only complaint. I have had the chance to use the AWD on three different occasions and was very impressed. The ability to drop into low gear and puck the AWD mode is a very nice feature and worked well for me when I had to drag a fallen tree across my front yard. I have also had to use the AWD mode pulling a loaded trailer up a step sandy hill that would have stuck a lot of other 4 wheel drive trucks, with the Honda it was no problem. I havent driven this truck in snow yet but I am sure its excellent traction and low center of gravity would work very well in winter conditions.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mandy - May 25 - 12:26 am

  We bought this vehicle thinking it got great gas mileage and because Hondas supposedly hold their value. We paid extra for the touring because we wanted the DVD and navigation. To start, the navigation needed to be updated but I was told the CD was $200, we passed on that. Then with 60,000 miles it started shifting back and forth from overdrive. We average 17 city/frwy and the ride is beyond loud. Then there was the topper: we needed tires, normally its not too big of a deal except that they are run flat tires that you can only get directly from a Honda dealer and they run $350 PER TIRE! Then we tried to trade it and was offered next to nothing. I will never buy a Honda again.

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  Good overall car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Brian - May 24 - 11:31 pm

  This car has been quite reliable, never stranding me anywhere. It is somewhat sedate, but that has kept me from getting any tickets in it. This is a benefit in the cost of ownership, which had been very reasonable. I got 96,000 km out of the original tires, the brakes last forever, and oil changes are cheap (compared to my diesel f250). It has had a few minor issues, but I will cover that in the suggested improvements.

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  03 Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By JH - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  Pretty much solid mechanically, although recently had a $900+ starter replacement. However, a squeaking suspension (even after new shocks), loose sun visors that wont stay tightened, a frozen passenger lock that Honda wont replace since it didnt begin to seize until over 60,000 miles (unlike the driver side, which was fixed for free), & map light lenses that keep falling out, are some 1st yr fit & finish issues with my 2003 Element.

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  First car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By martin james - May 24 - 6:29 pm

  I really enjoyed this car at first, after all it was my first. When we first bought it the dealer said that the transmission was just rebuilt, thinking nothing of it we purchased it. Needless to say I have had the car for a total of about 5 years now, and have rebuilt the tranny twice. First costing 1,500 and second costing 1,300. The car isnt even worth that much. So unfortunately I am trading it in. I have read that it was that specific year that the tranny cant handle the engine, but I have given up on it.