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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  civic lx special ed - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kevin - April 15 - 7:06 pm

  purchased this car last week..absoulutly love it. its an se coupe auto shore mist metalic..paid 15,300...im 6ft 1 and have plenty of leg room..and head room the car is very quiet handles very nice and the best thing ..it barely uses any gas...it also comes with a pretty good radio.

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  Love thecar...but it is noisy above 55 mph. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jerry Rowan - April 15 - 4:09 pm

  Test drive the Accord at speeds above 55 mph to be certain you can live with the noise. Other wise it is a good car. I am tall and on the fat side and find it comfortable. Two months now with the car and in mixed driving it is getting just over 30 mpg.

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  Dogmobile - 2008 Honda Element
  By Sheels - April 15 - 2:34 pm

  This is my dogmobile, where it is OK to have sand all over the floors and yet is easy to clean out. Several things could be better: 1) the window visor is too small in the LX, it does not protect from the sun. They provide expanding visors in the EX, but not in the LX, weird! It is about a foot long, and should be at least 2 feet. 2) there is a blind spot on the left windscreen panel. 3) a large clunking sound when breaking or changing gears, Honda told me this is normal.

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  05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jay - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Ive wanted this car since I sat in it in August of 1999 while taking delivery of my new prelude. It was well worth the wait. This car is everything you could want in a sports car and more. My face hurts from smiling too much every time I drive it.

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  Honda Pilot Rocks!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Rocks!!! - April 15 - 11:28 am

  At first I was nervous about driving an SUV. But when I got my Pilot and started driving it, I loved it. I wouldnt go back to driving a car for anything. Awesome drive, safe, roomy, and great in the winter snow, windows never fog up!!! This is the one of the best SUV out there must test drive.

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  5 months and counting - 2007 Honda Element
  By new honda buyer - April 15 - 11:00 am

  Bought new SC in Nov.07, now have 36,000 km in 5 mos. No problems. Power/handling fine. Gas consumption fair as to be expected, but much better than previous Titan. Interior space and utility of overall vehicle unmatched by anything else out there.

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  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL with NAV - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By larry - April 15 - 9:50 am

  You have to drive this truck to truly appreciate it. Its economical for a truck with all wheel drive yet feels more sturdy and rugged than other crew cabs such as the Colorado and Frontier. The leather seats are very comfortable with adjustable lumbar. Sticker was 36,002, invoice was 32,401 and I got mine for 28,285. That did not even count the 7,000 trade in I got. Im moving to Oregon next month so well see how it does in the snow. They are great trucks and now at unbeatable prices.

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  Satisified - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By E.L. Mac Donald - April 15 - 3:00 am

  The long distance mileage is as expected, the local driving is not quite up to par. (maybe the a/c is pulling down the mileage. The shift control does not give the read out of what gear you are in, you must look at the dash board. Do not care for that feature.

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  RTL Vs Tacoma - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jack Lewis - April 14 - 10:51 pm

  Only had my RTL for about a week, but it was a good choice. I drove a 2004 Tacoma, 4 door, Pre-runner, V6 (3.4)2 wheel drive. I read from some that the RTL has a large turning radius. Every try to turn a Taco around on a regular street? Can you say 3 pointer!! The Taco was a great truck, reliable, rock solid, but it no creature comforts standard. Manual seats, absolutely no storage in the cab, cramped rear seats, a crappy ride and over all cramped feeling, wimpy A/C and expensive to maintain. The Taco also got 17 MPG, uphill, downhill, city and hi-way! The Ridgeline beats the Taco in all areas, hand down. Plus its cheaper from the get-go. Honda got it right! Ford/GM not even close!

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  Really Great Small Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nanny Sue - April 14 - 10:46 pm

  Having never owed a Honda before, and used to driving a large American car with poor mileage, the car was an excellent change of pace. I love the colors and the stereo. I do a lot of freeway driving and it is wonderful on gas. Not so great in stop and go traffic. It handles really well although it took some getting used to after driving a large car. Havent tried the paddles yet. I love this car!