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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  This is a great truck! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Christopher - June 24 - 9:28 pm

  Just purchased my 2008 Ridgeline RTX and even though I am not a truck/SUV guy, I truly love this vehicle! It has a great ride and handles beautifully. Part of my commute is through steep mountain passes, and this 4500 lb. truck handles like a 4 door sedan. It is a remarkable trait for a vehicle of this size and weight to be so nimble. There are lots of creative features that make this truck really unique, including the flip-up rear seats, lockable bed trunk, and useful center console and sliding armrest. I just filled up today and averaged 20 MPG including a steep commute but little city driving. I ordered a tonneau cover to hopefully increase MPG. Overall, a very satisfying purchase!

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  Beware The Roadnoise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Benton - June 24 - 7:43 pm

  While this is a pretty neat auto the road noise will take away many points. We traded a 2004 Ford Explorer on this car mainly because of the horrible road noise we got with the Ford. We have a neat new auto with almost the same tee same level of noise. We did not notice on the 2 test drives as both days were extremely windy. The dealer now tells me that there is no insulation on this vehicle as it is considered in the Civic family. We were told that the top end Accord and Oddessy would have insulation and be much quieter. Great! The fuel economy is not that great for a 4 cylinder either.

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  my CRV performs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By navycmdr - June 24 - 7:40 pm

  great utility car .. quiet .. comfortable ... economical 23-25 mpg ...extremely well built room for 5+ .. space for weekend trips to the mountians or Home Depot :-)

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  Make That V-Tec Noise - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rev Happy - June 24 - 6:23 pm

  As we pass the threshold of middle age, we decided that life is short to drive a boring car. Enter a S2000, extreme fun, not practical. So our test drives, (What didnt we test drive!) reviews, (thanks Edmunds) lead us to two choices, a GTI and the Si. We bought both(his and hers). I got the Si. Comfortable, extreme handling, braking, snick snick shifting, confidence inspiring, what a blast. Drive it like a Civic, than hit that Vtec, it becomes the S2000.(well almost) Ride comfort who cares.Do 20 MPH or 90 MPH the car feels and responds sensationally. Plenty of room for this 6 footer plus a trunk and fold down seats make this a everyday joy. Outward vision excellent. Note: Buy a radar detector

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  Im sticking with Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Karen - June 24 - 4:09 pm

  I love this car! It goes in the snow quite well and gets great mileage. Ive had this car for seven years. Problems have problems with the trim (inside/outside) heat shield keeps falling off-power windows seem to be questionable and manifold was found to have a crack in it within one week of the 80,000/8 year and was fixed for free by Superior Honda of Uniontown. The service from the dealership has been excellent. The A/C seems a little sluggish to me but all in all I expect to have this car for at least another 8 years so long as the snow and salt dont do it in first.

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  Replacing my Acura - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lilly - June 24 - 2:22 pm

  Knowing that I couldnt afford a new Acura, I decided that a Honda was the next best thing and I wasnt disappointed. The car is cute, comfortable, safe, and reliable. The gas mileage is fantastic - I have never gotten under 32 mpg and I have gotten up to 39. Turning radius is good and the brakes are very tight, just the way I like it. The clutch is solid, allows for a broad range of shifting times, and is fast and easy to use. Cant wait for my first road trip with it!

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  The Fit fits! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By ZZZDMD - June 24 - 12:53 pm

  Just picked up a beautiful white 2016 Fit EX, only have a couple days driving it, but great so far. As far as Im aware there was little to no change from the 2015, since it was completely redone at that time. I love the styling, the EX level tires and wheels look great. Im not a big fan of Firestone tires in general, but these seem just fine. I dont need nav, and the leather seating and heated seats were not important to me. The trim upgrades from the LX model add the right amount of niceties - wheels, sunroof, better sound, bluetooth, cameras, keyless, etc - really offers a great value for the money. So far in town driving is getting 33-34 mpg. Im excited to see how it improves as the engine gets broken in. Rear seat comfort and room seems really good, as well as cargo room. My two teenagers fit fine in the back. Three smaller kids would fit fine too, but if you have a carseat, fitting two more back there would be a squish. I guess I should say its perfect for my needs (I haul medical equipment around Phoenix metro, the cargo capabilities are more than adequate for me). Honda did a great job with this, there are a few nitpicky things, but as a whole this car is fantastic. Cons (in my opinion) - When driving, even with the shiny, well thought-out facade, its obvious that its still a subcompact economy car underneath. Its not an Accord, or even a Civic (but I new that going in, and im fine with it). Honda did a good job with muffling sounds, but the doors still close with a slight tin-can feel, road noise is pretty evident, ride is pretty firm and a bit choppy over bumps, and the CVT does drone on initially. My old trusty 2005 Civic has a plusher ride, but to me its not a deal breaker. I do worry a little about seat comfort on long road trips, im 61" and could use even one more inch of legroom while driving. The most annoying thing for me is the lack of volume nob. I really thought that would be the least of my worries, it does bother me more than I thought it would. But if this is the worst thing then ill be just fine! Overall an excellent economy car. If you are shopping, make sure you drive one to get the feel of it. I highly recommend!

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  Disappointing can find better - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By mickey - June 24 - 11:59 am

  This is truly the most disappointing car that I have ever owned. First we got the sage green and the bumpers do not match the rest of the car, they are a totally different shade and color. Honda states that this is normal due to the type of material. I have never seen this before. Called several times on this matter with the same explanation. No other cars in my area seem to have this problem. Several makes and colors. The bumpers also keep falling off been to dealer 4 times. This car is very noisy inside while driving, cannot hold a conversation at normal voice. This is also the same for my friends 05 Ody with different tires. The car also is getting lots of rattles. MPG poor 15/1 6city 24 hwy

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  Great vehicle for the family - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sparkland - June 24 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my 2008 Ridgeline for about 3 months now and appreciate it more than ever. It is a great vehicle for the family--lots of room for people and cargo. The storage is substantial. The swing out tail gate makes it much easier to reach the load in the bed. Rear seating is more comfortable than the competition. The MSRP is expensive, but the discounts make it affordable. Fuel economy is normal for a 4X4 truck. I am consistently getting 17 mpg in daily city driving. Very nice vehicle for a combination of uses.

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  Welcome to your new "sports" car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Nyame Lavan - June 24 - 10:13 am

  I absolutely love my 2016 Honda Civic. Its a real powerful, fast, fuel-efficient ride with a beautiful design. When I pull up to a stoplight or am just cruising around town I feel cool..Im in a new slick ride and whats not to love? Id highly recommend this car to anyone who loves that sporty feel with the luxury comfort.