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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  Tonneau cover water leaks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim - September 23 - 12:42 am

  The 2017 Ridgeline has a design that allows rain water to enter the truck bed, even when covered by a Tonneau. Its because its unibody. Owners need to be aware of this before they buy ANY Tonneau cover. Look at the TOP ABS rail of the truck bed where it contacts the cab window. You will see a rectangular opening in both corners, where the right side and the left side contact the truck cab. Gently pour a bottle of water in this hole. The majority of the water drains out the bottom of the truck and hits the ground. However a portion of the water drains into the truck bed. So, ANY Tonneau cover will let rain water in. It will probably leak with a cab-height shell also. And actually, all the rain water that hits the roof of the truck and drains down the rear window is liable to go into the bed through this hole too. There is no seal by design. A topper supplier told me that as of March 2017, Tonneau cover maker ARE is aware of this and trying to engineer a fix. Just FYI.

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  The Hallelujah Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hunter20ga - September 22 - 9:43 pm

  The Honda Insight makes you want to shout "hallelujah!" Finally, a hybrid with vigor! No one will confuse this car with the sporty Civic Si, but neither will you feel left in the dust at every stoplight in normal traffic. The Insight is responsive, fun to drive, and easy on the eyes. The interior is competitive in the price range. Seats could be upgraded some, though, with more adjustment for both driver and front passenger. Expect to beat the EPA ratings...my first 500 miles (about 65% highway and 35% city) yielded a nice 46.5 mpg, even with a strong quartering wind for the last 125 miles that knocked about a mile per gallon off the trips average.

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  Bad Radio - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Radio Sucks - September 22 - 5:20 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline in July and have not been able to pick up radio stations in my area. Dealership has changed antenna modular and the cable. Now they are trying the radio. I love this truck but not the radio. I must have gotten a lemon. The best feature is the trunk in the bed.

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  Best Minivan in the Market......period!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JUNITO - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time I bought an Honda and I have to admit that the car has exceeded all my expectations. It looks and handles superbly. Suspension and riding comfort are outstanding too. I previously owned a Ford and had to put it on sale because of lower back problems (Ford seating comfort REALLY sucks!)

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  Why I picked CRV instead of Element - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joshkuo - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was comparing between the Element and CRV, and went with CRV. Ive had it for 6 months now and I am very happy with my choice. CRV seats more people (5 instead of 4), and is quieter and less bumpier on the road. It handles GREAT, I have driven quite a few cars, and this is by far the easiest to turn and handle. Fuel economy and horse power are decent. The car feels very spacy (and it is), while small enough to drive around the city.

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  Great Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By acuradrian - September 22 - 10:00 am

  People laugh when I tell them that we cross shopped it with RX330 and a MDX. We added leather and larger rubber, and a navigation system;thats it. My wife wanted a 5 speed and its definatly the most fun to drive of the 3. Its almost as large with better MPG and tires that chirp through the gears. Honda listen up. Go with the larger tires. Its quieter and handles MUCH better!

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  spirited mini-ute - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gusgus42 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  We love our CR-V 2003 5sp EX - nimble, and peppy with the 5-speed. I am impressed with our honda- space and all the comps we did to others small suvs - safty, room and heck 0-60 the CRV stood with or above other larger and smaller for us - we do like to get iup to the western NC mountains and ski once in a while and the 4wd is fine for that - not truck based , no 4 low so I dont try to mud bogg race with it. But it has been a fun SUV for us so far and no troubles or trips to the service dept other than oil change - Very satisfied compared to other new fords, and chevys we have had and service issues that came up.

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  Pleased with Honda in Omaha - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RonInOmaha - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Exceptionally smooth, well put together vehicle. Performance is exceptionally quick and steady. The NAV system is well worth the extra charge

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  A smooth car with no worries... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SteveD! - September 22 - 10:00 am

  You pay a premium to buy a Honda, but the extra $ will be paid back in spades in peace of mind, engineering excellence and retail value. This car is a dream to drive -- the standard 5-speed automatic is silky smooth. The interior controls are cleverly designed and well-lit. Thoughtful touches abound, from intelligently designed cupholders to the ability to put all the windows down at the same time at a touch of your key. The car is quite comfortable, to boot, but folks upgrading from an American car (I switched from a Taurus) will have to adjust to the more firm, road hugging ride.

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  One Smooth Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mark Ayer - September 22 - 8:30 am

  Having put almost 28000 miles on our 2003 EXL-Navi, I can honestly say that this is probably the best car weve ever owned in its price class. Its incredibly smooth, fast, economical to operate and, other than a bubble in one tire, has been absolutely trouble free. Although most people would consider this automobile an appliance, its looks and performance belie that.