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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  Should have cross-shopped the RAV4 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Peter L - December 14 - 10:53 am

  I was in love with the previous CR-V, but waited for this one. The ride is very comfortable and handling is decent. The armrest for the front seats are poorly designed. They are fixed and should be adjustable for people who like the seat more reclined. Vanity mirrors are not illuminated even though there are plastic cutouts where they should be. Storage openings are poorly designed, none are covered besides the glove box and center console. Things fly out very easily. Nothing is standard, no roof rack, no fog lights, no running boards, not even a cargo net, and this is the top of the line EX-L with nav. Plan to drop an extra grand for those. I should have test drove a RAV-4

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  Awesome car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By car lover - December 14 - 6:16 am

  Went into the dealer to buy a Pilot and walked out with this beauty. This is my 5th Honda and by far the best. Honda has outdone itself on styling and performance. The car is as big and roomy inside as my old Acura Rl, handles better and gets better gas mileage.If you consider buying one get the V6. Worth every penny and not much difference in fuel economy. No issues with the car. Own a 07 GTI and had to bring it to the dealer for 4 separate issues with 3500 miles. Never had this with a Honda. Very roomy and comfortable even with 5 adults. Excellent value for the money

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  I love my Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Maria - December 14 - 4:10 am

  I rave about this car so often that two co-workers have purchased Honda Civics also. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned. And it is simply one of the best cars on the market. It looks beautiful. Runs wonderfully. Has a good stereo. Comfortable seats. Great visibility. The materials are top notch and the fit and finish is exceptional. Reliability has been perfect. I would buy another one without hesitation.

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  2006 LX 4dr - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Einee - December 14 - 12:40 am

  Bought this car in December 05. A lot of car for the money, very affordable, nice ride. Had a 2000 Accord, 2 dr. V6 prior to this one and was very happy with it. Will stick with Honda till another company can do it better.

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  2007 CR-V a Winner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dj - December 14 - 12:33 am

  The 2007 has been totally re-designed inside and out with many improvements. My base of comparison is the 2002 model. Horsepower increased so theres no feeling of being underpowered on the freeway or while passing. Comparing the actual demensions of the two models theyre almost identical but the 2007 feels like you have much more interior room. Three adults fit in the rear seat without problem. The new model has a telescoping steering wheel which contains the cruise controls and audio volume, channel and mode controls. Front seats are heated as are outside mirrors. Spare tire is now inside under rear deck and tailgate lifts up instead of swinging out. Shift lever moved to better location.

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  Works Like a Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By MontanaRoadRunner - December 14 - 12:02 am

  Most fun to drive since my 67 Mustang. Safe and stable on snow and ice. Climbs MT mountain highways doing 80 with no problem. Pulls 14 dual axle flatbed and 8x12 cargo trailer with ease - although gas mileage takes a severe nose dive. All of the comforts of my Accord, with the ability to haul loads - and Ive hauled lots of rock, wood, brush. All wheel goes everywhere I need to go, including mud, snow, ice, and some very rough roads, plus off road - short of boulder climbing. Lots of places to store things, comfortable.

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  Path worn to dealer - 2007 Honda Fit
  By reddwood - December 13 - 8:50 pm

  Repacing Toyota 03 ECHO w/70k (I miss her) @6500 my-cars been back three times.1 check fuel cap 2 repace fuel cap 3 oil change that took 2 hrs. Head hits grab rail, pedals too close together, gas pedal placed wrong, paint not durable, carpeting is cheap, parts took 5 weeks (touchup paint,pastic holder for fuseblock cover [CHEAP]) Sputters from a cold start. console takes away valuable leg and knee room. 41.5 mpg avg w/40lbs of air in tires handles ok - has decent acceleration Lights flicker w/alternator load and battery is too small.No ash tray-glove box is large.

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  Do not buy this... - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By BS - December 13 - 5:51 pm

  I have 3 small children and wanted a reliable family car. After leading this car for almost 2.5 months Ive learned it is not family friendly. 1.). Young children cannot strap themselves into their car seats, therefore you have to climb into the van. The drivers side has a hard plastic board on the floor so it bruises my knees daily. The passenger side has a narrow path to secure the right rear seat which again you have to climb into the van to do. 2.). So far the following systems have failed or have no fix: rear climate control screen sporadically goes blank; rear speakers are not an option for the radio; anti-theft system alarms & rear cabin control failures are received at random; there is no menu screen for rear entertainment options so you have to use the remote & reach backwards over your head to select a DVD option; the idlestop no longer works. 3.). When calls or text messages come into your phone when connected to CarPlay it disables the rear entertainment and radio, however if you decline to read or answer, it doesnt turn the systems back on. 4.). If you have an iPhone the charging pad doesnt work, the CarPlay system doesnt work unless you buy a separate $50 cable. The HMDI plug is located in the most inaccessible location for a driver or front seat passenger. Overall this car misses the mark on design, electronics & being user friendly.

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  07 Honda Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridge2008 - December 13 - 1:44 pm

  I am more then satisfied with my Ridgeline. I purchased it less then a year ago but I have a decent commute and have taken it on numerous roadtrips. I just got back from going over a mountain pass with snow/ice, etc. NO PROBLEMS with getting the Ridgeline over. Tight steering, smooth ride, super quiet even at 80+MPH (country highways). Rugged enough to take on trails... wouldnt recommend for more than moderate "four-byin" (4x4). Exterior design is very unique. If you like the Chevy Avalanche, youll enjoy the Ridgeline. Its essentially a Sport Utility Truck along the same lines of the Ford Exp. Sport Trac, etc. Otherwise GREAT truck HIGHLY recommend.

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  Sure enough, its a Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bug - December 13 - 12:00 pm

  The styling is not perfect, but this car has style (even if you hate it). The interior finish is acceptable for the price range and durable. I dislike the number of buttons on the center console, but find them well-placed and logical. Im 6 and find the front seats to be very comfortable. I dislike pleaded leather; it looks great, but tends to crease. The wire throttle is incredibly responsive, the brakes predictable and the auto transmission is flawless. The 4cyl. engine feels much more powerful than in the 08 Camry and I find the shift points to be more appropriate. Handling is sporty, not racy, but much more responsive than the Camry. I bought mine below MSRP