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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  Not Bad - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Trucker - October 12 - 9:32 pm

  Bought this truck(sort of) in May. I have 10K miles. This truck is easy to drive with great brakes and a nice suspension. It tows my bass boat and 14 trailer with no problems except for frequent shifting. One annoying thing is that the truck routinely shifts out of top gear on the highway even without a trailer. Engine could use more low end to reduce shifts. Great upper end power. Seats seem to stain easily. Interior storage is nice. Have noticed some torque steer trying to pass. This truck is really handy and practical. Other vehicle is a 2005 F150. Ridgeline is easier to drive and park. Only reason for F150 is hauling horses. Overall it is a great truck that can handle almost everything.

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  excellent car- gas mileage not as great - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kate - October 12 - 5:06 pm

  Just purchased first ever Honda for our family- very nice car great deal in Feb. Only drawback is mileage is not near what was expected. Sticker says 24 city and I havent had a fill up with mileage above 18.1 mpg yet. I still am extremely happy with my purchase and plan on keeping the car for at least 10 years. Well designed car, good visibility for a shorter person(very few blind spots) I like where all the controls are situated- easy to reach- no looking away while driving.

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  My new Accord Exl - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Rick Hunning - October 12 - 4:05 pm

  Great car!

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  JDM - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Al - October 12 - 1:58 pm

  I love my 03 civic it hasnt given any problem since i bought it im reaching the 80,000 mile mark and the car is still running great Ive made significant performance upgrades to enhance my driving experience the car overall is great whether your just buying it as a regular day car or a tuner car. Hondas are great.

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  who needs black - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By tom - October 12 - 9:38 am

  good value for the money. tech is easy to understand and overall appearance is excellent. The handeling and power is very good. When you take it out of eco drive the available power is there when you need it. Overall gas mileage is very good for a truck. The different driving modes are good and living in Buffalo NY the snow mode is used quite often and works well. It is very comfortable driving and as we have already taken several long trips without feeling wrung out after a long drive. The highest in gas mileage was 29 mpg the 24.7 mpg the lowest. We love the in bed trunk and in bed speakers are great and the led bed lights are helpful in loading and unloading in the dark. As we dont do a lot of towing this is not much of an issue. We liked the fact we did not have to by a bed liner. The radio controls are good a dial would have been nice touch but as I use the steering wheel controls this is not a big deal. The Garmin navigation works well. We both love driving this truck it has everything we need and more. You just gotta love this truck. Handles great in all kinds of weather.Its like having a comfortable pair of shoes you wear all the time. The only things done have been oil changes and tire rotation. They did service the brakes at 11000 miles which is normal. the garmin update was easy and took about an hour. If you need help call Garmin they were very good. Gas mileage is still good.

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  This van had 2 recalls. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover - October 12 - 4:52 am

  Has any one had tranny problems after the recall was done ? They added a oil cooler line to 2nd gear, Honda told me this stopped the transmission problem, I have my doubts.

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  Fix the problems with the engine light - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kat - October 12 - 12:30 am

  Since the car reached about 80,000 miles the service engine light comes on at least once a month... It has had a new computer chip, catalytic converter, and transmission clutch box. Now they tell me it needs another catalytic converter $1100. The mechanic told me that Honda has not been able to find a fix for this issue but now it is no longer in warranty. I have had all recommended maintenance which costs between $200-400 each time. I would think that the car would not be falling apart. I have a friend who had to replace the transmission just after 100000.

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  glad its gone - 2006 Honda Element
  By 442 man - October 11 - 9:37 pm

  This was our first Honda and our last. Day one the steering went we had to wait for a new rack-pinion to be installed. A steel rod came through the drivers seat, both front seats had to be recovered. Bad tires, gas mileage, tail gate hinges, visibility, if you park next to another car its real fun to get the rear passengers out. Suicide doors need to go, also need to make this a 5 passenger vehicle, as their is plenty of room.

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  Fabulous Honda!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Maggie - October 11 - 8:00 pm

  Love my car!!! This is only my second car. I have had her about three years. I do not keep up on the maintenance as I should and yet she has never given me any major problems. The only problem i have had is the driver window motor went out, easy fix did it myself, and replaced battery (normal). No other problems. This is an excellent starter car.

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  THE Best Care to have with Children - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jennifer - October 11 - 7:33 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle to own if you have kids! My 2 kids love this car as do I. It is very fun to drive, very peppy, and very reliable. The Element is very easy to keep clean which is important when you have 2 kids under 7 years of age. Everything wipes down and sweeps out--no worries about spilt drinks or candy. The dog loves riding in this one, too! Plenty of room for everyone with room left over for the extras.