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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  Reliable and Fun - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Nic - May 9 - 9:09 pm

  I bought my car used, at 100k miles five years ago. Since then my biggest expense has been a new transmission, but I attribute some of that to the first owners treatment. My air conditioning went out at around 125k, but other than that, I have nothing but praise for this car. I know people who have 10yr old cars that are in the shop constantly. I still get compliments from people about it, them thinking its brand new. The style is gorgeous and its a nice bit of sportiness for a young single gal such as myself. Versatile, nice to take on pleasure trips due to the spaciousness and classy looking enough to take a client to lunch.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2008 Honda Element
  By theconquistador - May 9 - 8:40 pm

  The exterior is great. The front end makes it look sporty and takes some of the boxy feel away. The audio is fantastic. It has great clarity for highs and mids. I really enjoy the fact I can see all the radio and climate controls without even looking directly at them. Everything on the inside appears to be made to last for years and still look new. When driving it sounds deep instead of whiny. Its also nice in tight corners because you see where the auto ends unlike some vehicles where you cant even see the hood. I also like where the seat belt rest. Over all visibility is great too.

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  Stupid me ... I almost bought a Mustang! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Happy S2000 Owner - May 9 - 8:08 pm

  This car is phenomenal . It is the most fun to drive car that I have ever driven. It does everything well, its fast, well balanced, corners like its on rails, blah, blah, blah and it is affordable and reliable. A combination which is unbeatable.

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  Best truck ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tj - May 9 - 8:03 pm

  Honda got it right with the Ridgeline. For 95% of Americans, a truck is something handy to have - not something necessary - and the focus should be on comfort rather than rugged off-roading ability. Honda knew this already and designed the Ridgeline around the driver and passengers rather than the load. For me, and most people who drive trucks, the bed is there to help me haul relatively big items, but not chunks of steel, engines, bricks, etc. The Ridgeline is the most comfortable, thoughtfully-created truck youll ever drive in. So why many truck die-hards may balk at its lack of body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle, Im enjoying a the quietest, smoothest riding truck ever.

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  keeps running - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By block1974 - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  Bought used from new Honda dealer, at the start pulled to the right, brought it back, they said they aligned it, but still pulls. Abs light came year later, but means nothing. Mechanic found major problems few months ago, but it keeps running. Air filter housing is a pain with metal screws in plastic case. You could call it early crossover. It is small and simple car. Now has 175,000 miles and no signs of slowing down.

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  Best Pilot Yet - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Hillis - May 9 - 6:00 pm

  This is the third Honda Pilot that I have owned and it is definitely the best. It is very smooth riding and handling. The interior and exterior finish is superb especially the liberal use of leather on the interior. The complaints that I read about prior to purchase regarding the navigation system are unfounded. I found the entertainment and navigation very easy to operate unless you object to frequent cleaning of the touch screen. Conclusion: Congratulations to Honda. This is the best Pilot that they have offered.

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  Versatile, Zippy and Reliable - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sable - May 9 - 11:01 am

  I love my Fit! I live in the city, and the Fits small size makes parking a breeze. But, Im also a performer and I need to haul all manner of costumes, props and set pieces to and from shows. Despite the Fits deceptively small exterior, I can pack a TON into the back. And, when Im not hauling a full load of cargo, my two dogs and I pile in and we can zip around town. My only criticism is in regards to gas mileage. Ive never achieved the 31-38 mpg range advertised. I average about 26 mpg in the city and (if Im lucky!) 30 mpg on the highway. Other than that- no complaints at all!

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  Best in Class - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jeremy - May 9 - 7:48 am

  With gas prices blah blah blah, yes we all seem to be in the market for small cars and Im no different. I literally tried every small car available and did not have to think twice about settling on the Honda Fit. It exudes confidence in itself on every level and matched all of my expectations. This car is a perfect fit for many.

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  Love It!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Terri - May 8 - 7:39 pm

  I love this car!!! I call it the beast. It is so much fun to drive, has great pick-up, and I feel very safe in it as well. It is a SOLID car, and as a new Mom safety is very important to me. If youre in the market for this class of car dont buy until you test drive a Pilot. We had a very rough winter this year, and I never had any problems in the ice, slush and/or snow.

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  Great work car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By SavivnGas - May 8 - 5:16 pm

  With fuel the way it is, I parked the F 150 crew cab and purchased this vehicle used, with 88,844 original miles on it. I have not owned it long, but I am already wondering what I ever did with out it. My first fuel cycle, resulted in a MPG of 40.8, mostly highway. That is a lot better than the 17.5 I was getting. Now, my wife, 2 daughters and myself are all driving Hondas, ranging from 92 Civic, 02 Accord, 04 Accord and 07 Civic. These have all been great vehicles and I can imagine owning any other make.