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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  Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Rosenberg - November 9 - 9:14 pm

  Just like the knife, it isnt necessarily the best when compared to more targeted, specialized tools, but you love it because it does so many things well. A very competent daily drive that goes to work with you on the weekends.

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  Suv Cruising - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Sanchez - November 9 - 10:31 am

  Great car that maneuvers very well ha the horse power to pull you through anything even on inclines great car overall

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  LOVE - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Brooke - November 7 - 9:23 am

  I absolutely love my civic. Good look, ride, and technology. The fuel efficiency is amazing! Some may disagree, but I also feel like it accelerates very well. I went from a Durango to a civic. I do not feel cramped at all!! Great car. Dont regret it one bit!

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  Best Honda Accord I ever had!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By inoa - November 6 - 8:05 am

  I had a 2004 accord coupe and a 2008 honda accord coupe, now I own a 2013 accor sport and I love it!!! It is comfortable, a lot of space, the technology is awsome and the safety is great. It has 78,400 miles and it feels like new.

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  My complete Thinking of this vehicle - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By D Smart - November 5 - 8:48 am

  I love this mini van from both the looks and performance. However there is a significant flaw in the design from my view point. First of all consider that I am 6 feet tall and weigh about 230 pounds whereas my wife is 4 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds. Keeping this in mind, the vehicle suits me at the 5-starlevel but, not true for my wife with her leser height. Egressing and ingressing as the driver and/or front seat passenger is rated at about the 1-star level. Example from front seat either side of vehicle, she must turn so to have her legs out the door and then slide off the seat, basically uncontrolled fall, until her feet touch the ground. Getting into the vehicle is eq`ually as difficult, too. Now as the driver, she must raise the seat to max height and full forward in order to partially see over the dash. This position places her right knee against the lower part of the dash. To me this is a dangerous position in case of a head-on collision. Next, she has difficulty with vissibility from drivers position looking to right and/or left at a 45 degree angle as the view is completely blocked by the design/position of the pillars right and left of windshield. These drawbacks do not apply to me due to my increased height. Additionally, she has trouble reaching the brake and accelerator pedals, too. I have searched for pedal extenders, but Honda does not have them and the dealer could not help me on this problem. This problem is of such magnitude that I feel compelled to exchange this vehicle for another that will better suit the two of us in a more safe manner. Again, and as final note, this vehicle and the things stated about my wife apply only to her as I am completely satisfied although I, too, have significant visibility reduction at 45 degree angle to the left from drivers seat, and came very close to striking a pesdestrain who was blocked from my view by the left of windshield post.

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - November 4 - 11:14 pm

  My 2003 CRV EX with over 242,000 miles has been the absolute BEST car I have ever owned in terms or reliability, minimal repairs and overall performance in all weather conditions. The only complaint I have is the driver side door lock actuator which needed replacement and apparently has been an issue with this year Honda. However, when I decided to buy a new car for business needs, I choose another CRV without hesitation.

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  nice car - 2014 Honda Civic
  By JL - November 4 - 8:58 am

  have about 12000 miles on my lx coupe after a year drove over 2000 miles one trip on it no issues . changed the oil myself and just put in a new air filter . used synthetic seems to be doing good have changed oil twice so far . wouldnt want someone "accidentaly" using wrong oil or telling me about problems that seemed to happen at the shop .. my only complaint is that a coulple times I have left the parking break on while using reverse ( guess brakes are still fine) would be nice if a better warning came on . but other than that it is a very nice car I have 17 inch rims on there with low profile tires

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  Just bought a 2008 Civic LX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BllG - November 2 - 7:58 pm

  Bought a used Civic last week for my daughter. Got a good deal at 113000 miles and wanted to post for others that might be lookng at this car to let you know how it has held up. Body was in great shape - a few minor dings and what not but no paint chipping, fade, or peeling. No rust. Interior, which has been critized, has held up well. No scratches or anything detracting from the interior. Cruise control, A/C, displays, radio, etc., all working with no issues. Also, Im 62" and have zero issues sitting in the front seats...back seats might be an issue but driving it Im very comfortable. Engine still runs strong, no leaks, and the transmission shifts very smoothly even under full acceleration onto the interstate. Plus, these vehicles have a timing chain vice belt, so you dont have to concern yourself with the inevitable 100,000 mile, $1000, timing belt replacement. Power steering works great with no noise from the power steering pump. Car tracks straight and true down the road and handlng is solid. You definitely feel the bumps in the road but this isnt a luxury car with the associated suspension. Engine does vibrate and you can feel it sitting at a stop light esp with the A/C on. But, again, its a 4 cyl and it isnt really distracting. Road noise is definitely there on the highway but I dont sense there are any leaks through the weather stripping...its just an economy car. Couple of issues that are to be expected with this cars history. The passenger side visor had failed...a quick fix through Amazon at $50. Also, the starter, no kidding, quit the same day we bought it. Dont naively send your wife off to the store to get the battery replaced because the car wont start without a jump...youll wind up replacing a perfectly good battery when its really the starter. Ive always done minor maintenance like this on my vehicles but after seeing what was involved (starter placed above the front axle and exhaust) I took it to a shop to get replaced. Getting lazy in my old age. Also, and this is unique to my car Im sure, what I thought might be a simple alignment to fix an off-center steering wheel resulted in the removal and adjustment of the steering column...all told, about $450 to get everything fixed. Drivers side power steering boot is leaking and there is a minor rattling, knocking sound when we turn all the way to the right...will probably have to replace that sometime but not today. Flushed the power steering fluid...helped somewhat but not totally. So, am I pleased with the car? Yes...with a whole week with my daughter driving it. But the engine works well, transmission shifts very well, the A/C and everything else is holding up well (knock on wood). Believe it will be a good car for my daughter as she finishes H.S. and moves onto college. So, if you are wondering about this car with over 7 years on it, I think its held up very well. Definitely one to check out for a new driver.

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  Underrated - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stick - November 2 - 10:19 am

  Poor brakes but all else super. Car-like ride- very comfy and well laid out interior. Stop & go mileage pretty poor (15-17). Honda reliability!

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  2007 Honda Accord SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By aeroboy - November 1 - 6:22 pm

  I bought the 2007 Accord SE in October 2007, I traded an Accord 2004 SE which had been rear ended and I traded because I did not want the newer 2008 model. I get 36-37 mpg on interstate whisch I think is fantastic for a car this comfortable. I replaced the rear rotors and calipers at about 50,000, they were frozen, other than hat nothing other than oil changes. i replace dthe battery in year 7. The aluminum wheels on mine have oxidized near the hub on each wheel, they look bad, I see the same problem on other Accords and not on others of similar vintage. I recently had a couple small dents removed on the hood and the shop buffed out the paint all around, the car looks new with 85,000 miles. I have 2 people waiting to buy it when I am ready to sell. I have had 2 Accord EX before this and this SE is my favorite Accord. It could be quieter, the wheels are the only thing that detracts from it, I may replace the wheels when I get new tires again.