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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  My Opinion - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Denny - February 17 - 9:56 am

  After 3 months I have some opinions about the new Ridgeline. Overall I have few complaints. My mileage has been around 18 mpg for city and highway driving. I have had no problems of any kind with the vehicle in the first 2500 miles. There is a small problem with rear quarter visibility but with proper adjustment and use of sideview mirrors I have had no close calls. I didnt like the fact that the doors didnt unlock when the vehicle was put in park but checking the manual gave me information about how to reprogram the locks so they do now unlock when put in park. I have driven the Ridgeline in ice and snow and was able to go anywhere I needed to including very slick hills.

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  Purchased sight unseen - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LaurenceB - February 17 - 6:53 am

  The Honda Fit is getting hard to find in the Michigan area and I was so sure from the reviews that I wanted one that I purchased one without having seen one. When it arrived the next day from a dealer in the next state I was even more impressed than I had expected. I tend to judge a car in part at least by the sound of the door closing. A cheap car usually goes clunk but the Honda Fit sounds more like my Audi A6 and has a very satisfying sound that, to me at least, signifies good engineering. Im just a little miffed about the lack of an iPod connection since it would have added about $0.50 to the price of the car and they gave one to the Canadian models. Ill find a way to add one.

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  Best van out there - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By east - February 16 - 8:57 pm

  Really nice van. When you drive it, you know it is quality. Gas mileage seems average for a van. Stereo stinks - replace with better speakers Cant go wrong with a Honda

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  Honda Excellence Once Again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By K.K. - February 16 - 6:46 pm

  The new 08 Accord is once again an example of Honda design and engineering excellence. I traded in a great 04 Accord for the new model and can tell the changes in ride quality in the new model. This car makes you feel like you are driving a $50,000+ car for under $30,000. A+++

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  Love It - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Austinmom - February 16 - 5:50 pm

  I have been so happy about my Odyssey. I owned a 2004 Sienna (for 3 months before it was stolen), but we decided to get the Odyssey when it came out. We love the way the Odyssey drives - much less like a boat (Sienna) and more like a sedan. My husband, a sports car driver, doesnt even mind driving the minivan now!!

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  Satisfied with my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By AG - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  So far so good with my Honda CR-V. The driving is smooth and pleasant. It is a great vehicle for city and mountain driving. It is also high enough off the ground to make it easier to sit my baby in her car seat. It is roomy enough and the interior is fine enough. Nice car overall and classy compared to other SUVs.

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  chaufeur - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By HERITAGECOVE - February 16 - 4:00 pm

  Rear fender panel loose. Battery failed in 3rd year. Carousel under floor too low to the ground. Smashed it in hitting road hazard first year. Gas mileage terrible. Tires wearing unevenly. Road noise very loud, brakes squeal.

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  Its Been A Good Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - February 16 - 1:32 pm

  We bought this van new because my 6ft 2in husband could fit comfortably. We owned 3 Ford Aerostars I loved. This van sits lower to the ground I like high. No major problems but I dont understand why it likes to roll back on an incline. Dealer said that was normal. It can carry 4 kids in the back and 3 in the center with the seats pushed together. Ill keep it til 200,000 miles and look at a Pilot.

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  My Honda is Awesome - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TW in New Hampshire - February 16 - 1:27 pm

  I pulled her off the showroom floor in November 1999 and have for the most part put every mile on her. She is phenomenal. No Major repairs. Tires, oil changes, spark plugs, the regular maintenance. I would recommend a Honda to anyone who works hard for their dollar.

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  Best SUV I have ever had. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John - February 16 - 12:54 pm

  We bought this 2005 EX-L to replace a 2003 Pilot. After 57,00 miles, this has been the best driving SUV I have ever owned. The power was surprisingly peppy. It is easy to maneuver and drives more like a car than a truck. I am having a difficult time justifying paying up for a 2009 Pilot that weighs 177 pounds more, 3ft pounds more torque, but 5 less horsepower (250 vs 255). I added the tow package on myself and tow my motorcycles, Waverunner, and loaded utility trailer weighing 2000#+ with ease through Wisconsin hills. I bought an aftermarket Garmin GPS and dont really miss any of the other new gadgets. We have had a few minor problems that were covered by the warranty. Great in snow/ice.