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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  Best Ive ever bought - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 10 - 9:59 am

  When replacing a Ford Ranger I looked into the Colorado, Dakota and Tacoma. Thought the Ridgeline was out of my price range. After not getting what I wanted in the above three, I went to the Honda dealership. Boy am I glad I did. The purchase price (cash, no trade- in) was a grand less than the Tacoma. Ive had it for 8 months now and am completely satisfied. Its still fun to drive. I take it to out-of town ASA tourneys all the time. It has plenty of interior room for the passengers and plenty of storage for the softball equipment. The ride is amazing. Its smoother than the wifes Accord. Id recommend the Ridgeline to anyone.

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  Winter noice - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MKP - August 10 - 7:56 am

  In the winter when I start car it is special noice like my car cry (ooh). If break or slow car and start pick up, it is again ooh.

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  Winter noice - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MKP - August 10 - 7:56 am

  In the winter when I start car it is special noice like my car cry (ooh). If break or slow car and start pick up, it is again ooh.

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  CR-V for life - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kelvin Parker - August 10 - 7:51 am

  I have owned 6 Honda CR-Vs. They are very dependable, low maintanance and the resale value is great.

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  Finicky drivers review - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dave - August 10 - 6:41 am

  I drive a lot to get to work. Ive owned about 9 or 10 different cars (mostly hondas or acuras) and tend to be pretty critical of vehicles. Overall after 700 miles on a 2016 Accord EX (no leather or Honda Sense) Id give the car a solid B-. Handling is good: not too much body roll and car goes where I point it. But Id prefer slightly faster biting brakes. Ride quality is decent, but certainly not as smooth as these professional car reviewers say. Perhaps its only the higher end trims or the V6 with this supposed smooth ride, but my Accord rides firm. You feel most bumps. I also dont like how it deals with road undulations, the landing coming back down is abrupt. Vehicle quietness overall is very good: wind and road noise are generally well controlled. However there is some noticeable drone and vibration from the cvt and there are some squeaking sounds on interior panels when driving over certain coarse surfaces. Fuel economy is fantastic. Im averaging 31mpg in mixed driving on regular. Stereo and infotainment are pretty good quality for class. And I really like the Apple Carplay feature.

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  Not what I expect from Honda - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Cincinnati - August 10 - 4:43 am

  This is our first Honda. Fortunately we leased the vehicle and it will be going back to the dealer. Nice exterior, more than enough power, better features over the same priced Toyota. Main complaint the window sticker says MPG (18/25) and we get 14/22 under normal driving conditions, 12 MPG in summer when air conditioner is running. We lease vehicles and then buy since we do not trust manufacturers. Honda should be ashamed that they mislead consumers with MPG ratings. This only confirms our suspicions are true.

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  My best experience ever - 2008 Honda Fit
  By damick - August 10 - 1:40 am

  This Sport Fit is just great. I have as much front driving room as I had in a Mercury Sable. Just excellent for a 2 person car. I love it cause the room in the back when the seats are folded down is awesome. This little gas saver is loaded from a base sticker. I mean everything. Stereo is the best sound I have ever heard in a car. If you want to drive in a manual mode in an automatic transmission you can control that with a touch of a steering wheel button. You can gear down fast to a stop. I have had it up against so similar cars I will not mention and this one has class to it. The Sport I speak of. use to pay $65.00 per fill up now only $38.00 for the same distance. Buy one you will enjoy.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mar83 - August 9 - 10:49 pm

  Overall, a truly excellent car. Fuel efficient for an AWD SUV, versatile, comfortable, and fun to drive. The engine, though somewhat underpowered, is still responsive and the CR-V is fun to drive, particularly with the manual transmission. I bought it in 2005 with 68,000 miles and now have 136,000 on it, and I have only had to fix one thing that wasnt standard maintenance (drivers side power window). Highly recommended for anyone who wants a reliable, safe, and fun small SUV. Have gotten about 25 mpg overall mileage-wise, which isnt bad considering the AWD.

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  Am Happy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Gilbert - August 9 - 8:00 pm

  I replaced my 94 Cad Seville and 99 Honda CRV with an 05 Pilot EXL a few months ago. So far so good.Have paid more for cars but think this may be indeed the best car Ive ever owned overall. It is quieter than the CRV although still noisy on certain road surfaces, and doesnt get the fuel economy the Seville did (25+ mpg on the highway with 91 octane vs about 21 with 89 for the Pilot so probably a push cost wise? But worse than the CRV overall for sure. Worth it though overall I think because it is quiet enough I can listen to the radio at highway speeds--not possible in the CRV--and a much more comfortable ride. Will be adding a Toyota Avalon to my "fleet" for reasons unimportant to you.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By HappyOne - August 9 - 1:21 pm

  I love my civic! It is spunky and has great torque for being a 4 cyl. I always get compliments for the sharpness of the gas and the incredible feel of the brake system. Wonderful car! Only major problem was with exhaust manifold, but a great dealership replaced it for free because it was a recall on many civics (you can look up the vin to see if it qualifies).