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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  Decent Commuter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By frj - December 30 - 6:16 am

  My Civic has been extremely reliable and gets great gas mileage (around 33mpg average in mixed driving). Honda dealers are also nice to work with after purchase for in-warranty and out of warranty service.

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 30 - 12:10 am

  I have had this car for 4 months and so far I am still enjoying driving it. It has plenty of room inside, good pick up, quiet ride (even on the highways). Overall I still feel good about the purchase.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Patrick - December 29 - 9:52 pm

  I owned multiple Hondas, then after a brief (and painfully expensive) experience with a VW, I came back to Honda again with the 2003 Accord Coupe. I havent been disappointed. 98k miles later and only routine maintenance. Still have original rear brakes/rotors. Front brakes and tires changed at 70k. Headlamps burned out at 60k, but they only cost about $30 each to replace so no big deal. Dash panel went out after warranty expiration (I saw others mention the same thing), but it was replaced free of charge without issues. While it may seem that everyone and their brother has one of these, its hard to argue with top-notch quality, along with performance, reliability, and good looks.

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  Great design, terrible gas mileage - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Santa Barbara - December 29 - 4:48 pm

  Love the car for its utility and versatility. it can carry three mountain bikes in the back and is great for our big dog. But the low gas mileage shocked us - 15 mpg for largely suburban driving (school runs, errands etc.) Has done really well off road when weve needed it to, and handled very well in snow and ice, with and without chains. The super expensive ($500) oxygen sensor went out just after the warranty expired and that was a disappointment.

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  Hoping for 10 good years - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob H - December 29 - 1:35 pm

  Bought the van used with 20km. Certified so when the door motor died it was free. I now have 65km and no significant issues. Replaced timing belt and brakes and have intermittent issues with doors buzzing and check engine light coming on. Most are liveable issues with a 8-yr old car. It is tough to get transmission into D3 other than when I am parked, but I havent really needed to do that all that often. Great car for long family vacations. I will probably keep the car for a few more years and get another Honda.

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  Good all around vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob H - December 29 - 1:01 pm

  Have 60k miles and still going strong. Great mileage w/4WD - about 25mpg. This is my 3rd Honda and I am a believer in the quality/workmanship. Only had to use 4WD at work site and it worked great. It is the envy of my truck friends at $4/gal gas. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Honda CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kiel - December 29 - 11:50 am

  The CR-V is a great vehicle! Ive driven about 1000 miles (good mix of highway and city) and the gas mileage is the best part thus far (low/mid 20s for city; upper 20s to low 30s highway). A good portion of my driving has been in snow/ice and the car handles great-I literally had to force the vehicle to lose control. Ive seen many complaints about power, but there isnt lack of power (reminder: its not a dragster!). The CR-V is extremely quiet as both engine and road noise are low. Even a 30+ mph wind didnt add much noise in the cabin. The rear cargo area wasnt as big as I thought, but it works for my needs. Lots of small storage places to put stuff, but some are a bit too small.

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  A Satisfied Owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MikeS - December 29 - 1:57 am

  In 5 years and 140k miles, I have had no mechanical problems with this car. In that sense, Im very pleased with its reliability. The exterior design is nothing to go crazy over. I have the roof rack which is not very useful when you need to tie something down to it, but was necessary for installing a roof carrier when camping. As for the interior, I do like the fact that the moonroof does not eat up a bunch of headroom, and the split rear seats allow for a lot of storage in the back. I also like the foldup table. I dont understand how people can get 25 - 27 mpg in their CR-V. I have yet to get over 22, which is my biggest complaint along with the lack of power of the engine.

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  Great vehicle with just one question - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By John K - December 28 - 4:32 pm

  Ive had my 17 Ridgeline for about a month and have been very pleased with everything about it. I was initially leaning towards a Tacoma, but after comparing the two vehicles for what my needs were - daily commuter, ability to move some furniture for my college aged daughter, take the snowblower in for service, transport my bike - it seemed like a better overall vehicle. The ONLY "head scratcher" to me is the inability to lock the tailgate...I just dont understand why that would be overlooked by Honda.

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  Satisfied Owner So Far - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By shackm - December 28 - 4:19 pm

  I am a former owner of Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota Trucks. Friends and family tried to steer me towards purchasing a new (08 or 09) Chevy/GM Truck with their current low prices. I drove and tried to make a deal on both GM products along with a new F-150, but the sales folks couldnt quite get me to where I wanted to be. The first time I test drove a Ridgeline, I knew this was the vehicle for me. I dont require the services of a full size truck, so the Honda is the perfect fit for me. I recently took my truck on a road trip consisting of 2,000 miles through rain, sleet and snow over mountains, and through major metro areas. It handled great in the snow! Averaged 19 MPG/Hwy.