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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  Honda Accord EXL - 2009 Honda Accord
  By boilermaker - August 2 - 2:13 pm

  This is our third Honda Accord. We had a 1993 LX and a 1999 EXL. This 2008 Honda is the best yet! The overall interior space is big enough for 4 passengers, and the EXL Leather Interior has the same build quality as our $55,000 Lexus. The 4 cylinder is peppy, and never seems under-powered. You could spend a lot more for a car; but why?

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  Too Much Fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Too Much Fun - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Comments after 5 weeks. GOOD - 32 to 35mpg with the AC running 100 deg Arizona, Paddle shifters on steering wheel lots of fun, Good sound system, Inside space and seat position options awesome, Good AC in hot weather, Good handling with tight steering. NOT SO GOOD - Road noise, rides a little rough, 10.8 gal tank at 300 miles need to head for a gas station. SUMMARY - Due to my long commute I downsized from a Explorer SUV and Im extremely happy....GT

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  Lovin my Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bruce - August 2 - 10:04 am

  The Ridgeline is just a great all around vehicle, the engine is silky smooth with good power, a few more ponies would be good though. It has tons of storage inside and the in bed trunk is very cleaver. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, fit and finish is perfect also. I have heard rumors of Honda building a diesel for this truck, can`t wait to drive one. Love this truck.

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  Great if you can afford a new tranny - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz K. - August 2 - 9:33 am

  We have only had ours for a year and a half. It has 95,000 and a DEAD transmission. Called American Honda and they told us ours has been serviced under the warranty in Feb 05. Well whatever they did only lasted 3 1/2 years and now we have a $4000+ bill for a new transmission and an Electronic Computer Unit. They told us take it to your local Honda dealer, let them diagnose and they will tell us if they can help cover any charges. Most likely if they cant help us it will be gone. We cant risk needing a new transmission every 3 1/2 years. If it werent for safety ratings Id have an American made van with a cheaper tag for parts and better service

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  1 month and 1,000 miles later - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By SPDFAN - August 1 - 10:28 pm

  It has been a month and 1,000 miles since we got our Odyssey. I am very impressed with the van and I am very happy with the buy. The van drives very smooth and plenty of power and good agility. It is also very roomy and comfortable. We have 2 car seats and the interior room is great for our family. The sound system and the DVD player works great. The Navi and DVD are easy to use. I first thought there might be too many features to learn. But it only took me a short time to be very comfortable with all of the controls and features. The gas mileage is good for a vehicle this size, thanks to the cylinder deactivation. I get 18 to 23 combined both freeway and city.

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  66,000 Miles and Still Love It - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paceguy - August 1 - 9:31 pm

  We bought our Odyssey over three years ago and still like it as much as we did on day one. Its my wifes daily driver and with the nav. and DVD etc. the guys and gals she works with have her drive to lunch whenever they go out (even give her unsolicited gas money) because they like playing with the gadgets and its really comfortable. With three kids ranging from 14 to 7, the long summer driving trips weve taken over the years have been a pleasure. We both like driving it and reliability has been typical Honda excellence. Just got back from a 2400 mile round trip summer vacation where we rolled over 66k--again, nothing but super review from us!

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  My Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melchr - August 1 - 4:50 pm

  I must share performance of this vehicle. I drive 108 miles back and forth each day from New Braunfels to Austin TX. I average ~70 Mile MPH and I get GREAT mileage. Today I filled up with 10.1 gallons and drove 418.9 miles which equals 41.47 MPG. This is in 100+ degree with aircon on. You talk about hybrids, this vehicle beats them when you compare cost over performance. I do not understand why Honda does not push this car?

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  I love my Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By aaricard - August 1 - 2:50 pm

  I love this truck! It is a manly truck, with tons of features. I was so impressed that Honda was able to give me the luxuries of all of their other vehicles...lots of storage. The trunk is AWESOME. I have a trunk, cooler, and a tailgate that opens both ways! Glad I made the purchase!!!

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  Stay away from Honda product built in UK - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - August 1 - 2:21 pm

  This vehicle fell short of what I expected from a Honda product. I began hearing noise from the rear end at about 15,000 miles. I had repeated problems with the audio system,as well. Most recently at 38,000 miles, the airbag sensor light goes on once in a while. Forget about any help from Honda when the warranty expires. My local Honda dealer charges $100 an hour and does not provide free loaner cars. Im back to Toyotas after this experience with Honda. A UK built Honda can be identified by the the first digit of the VIN being a "S".

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  Good Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mike - August 1 - 11:40 am

  Ive been commuting in this vehicle for almost three years and have about 44,000 miles on it. I average about 30 miles per gallon on a V-6 engine. This car has a lot of power and drives like a sports car. The only problem I had is the engine light came on three times because the valves needed adjustment, which was covered under warranty. Fit and finish and ride quality are typical Honda: top notch. My only complaint has been the resale value, but that may have corrected itself since gas priced have increased. In a nutshell, this vehicle offers 4 cylinder gas mileage, with a potent V-6 under the hood.