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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  Theres not another car I want more. - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Heather - March 8 - 12:11 am

  I bought my car used w/ 75,000 miles already on it. It is now at 239,000 w/ the bottom end rebuilt at 100,000 due to driving through high water. It is still reliable & all features work. I absolutely love the styling/appearance & I cant find another car that I like as much to purchase. When it finally dies, I think Im just going to put in a new engine & transmission & keep driving. By far, the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made.

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  Do NOT buy Honda Minivans - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Arun Gupta - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  This van has too many design flaws when I compare it to my 8 year old Dodge Caravan which I traded in. I could tolerate design flaws but I cannot tolerate transmission bumps when shifting up and down shifting. The dealers "expert" mechanic says that this is how all Honda minivans shift. Not comfortable to feel sudden bumps when going from 60 to 70 mph. Many Honda user forums also complain about this bump. The engine also makes a lot of noise when driven between 40-60 mph. The dealer again says that this is how it is. Unacceptable. The bumps and noise make driving experience horrible.

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  For my BABIES - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By JASTORG1 - March 7 - 3:00 pm

  I traded my mighty fast 08 Altima for CR-V because we are anticipating a second baby. I was really surprised when I drove the CR-V, I was thinking a sluggish small SUV. But I was wrong. Sure, there is no head spinning pull (torque) but the power for me is adequate. Interior is first class. Not plastic-y! :-). There was a slight changes of feel coming from a CVT. Size of interior is huge, dont be fooled on outside looks. Overall we (wife) love the vehicle.

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  2nd Honda in 8 months - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Rusty Love - March 7 - 2:20 pm

  Had an 06 Accord EX-L and then bought the 07 Pilot EX-L. The engine, transmission, and 4WD system are all flawless..."Effortless engagement" are the two words that come to mind when describing these systems. The engine is silky smooth and near silent. The tranny is always in the right gear and never misses a beat. You can barely feel the tug when the rear wheels kick in. Considering the size and weight of the vehicle rides almost as nice as the Accord. Love the size and interior space, great for hauling loads of just about anything around. Could have bought any SUV manufactured by the big 3 and save thousands but still chose the Pilot. Simply put, "Its a Honda."

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  New 2017 hybrid accord - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By sheri slezak - March 7 - 1:46 pm

  Love the high mileage!!

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  Honda Suspect - 2001 Honda Accord
  By chris - March 7 - 11:51 am

  Weve had lots of problems with our 2001 Honda. For starters the paint started peeling and the dealer and Honda refused to back it. Had to essentially repaint the car in 3 spots. Over the years other things went- gas gauge, transmission, now the interior lights go on and off when going over bumps. Any work done at the dealer was double the costs as elsewhere. The ride is fine in town, but on the highway is poor and very light - can feel the car moving on windy days. Very surprised that Honda gets such good ratings when this ranks as our lowest quality car- including other GM vehicles.

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  Great family truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By medicalminds - March 7 - 11:15 am

  We have had our truck for about 6 mo and it is great. It is amazing on the snow. My wife is from the south and hates driving our Lexus in the snow but does great with this truck. It handles and rides better than any other truck I test drove (Tundra, Tacoma, F150, Frontier etc.) and it gets reasonable mileage for a truck. It has good acceleration and the inbed storage trunk is a stroke of genius. We are very happy with our truck and would highly recc it to others.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By WRGADog - March 7 - 8:54 am

  I sold my 2006 Ridgeline RTL. Prior to purchasing the 09 Ridgeline I drove each competitors vehicle, and decided to purchase a 2009 Ridgeline RTL w/navigation. In the end, I couldnt part with the in-bed trunk, ride quality, general utility, and balance between car and truck offered by the Ridgeline. The Ridgelines price was also less than comparably equipped 4x4 vehicles from other mfgs. The Ridgelines 4x4 capability is more limited, but it satisfies my needs. So far, I love the truck (700 miles) and the gas mileage has been a respectable 18 mpg with most driving around town. My truck is Billet Silver, w/chrome step bars, silver roof rack, bug deflector, splash guards, and wheel locks.

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  Great small car for the familiy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By AZSooner - March 6 - 8:58 pm

  I have owned this car since Feb 2003. I currently have about 99,300 miles on the car and it is still running strong. Things I like about the car: peppy 4 cylinder with great fuel economy (I am getting about 32 mpg city/35 mpg hwy), plenty of room for a family of 4, low maintenance costs (I change the oil myself every 5,000 miles and take the car in for service every 15,000), and go cart handling. Things that need improvement: Paint scratches easy and seats a little hard and short on leg support. I have noticed slight hesitation in the transmission, but only on cool mornings and only for the first few minutes (I guess the fluid needs to be warmed up).

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  Odysseys a Disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kas - March 6 - 8:15 pm

  I was so excited to purchase the redesign model of this van after owning an Accord I loved. We had to move to a minivan after the birth of our 3rd child. Weve had the power steering pump replaced 5 times, and were preparing to put on the 3rd set of tires (@ 67K miles)! Weve been told only 1 tire is made for the van-- Michelin --cha ching! I love the overall look of the van inside and out, enjoy the interior features and layout, and love to drive it despite all the aggravation. I must say, though, the van was a let down in general. I was really hoping for better fuel economy with the Honda reputation. I average 18 mpg around town.