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 tool I own - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By aaanders - November 26 - 12:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after LOTS of research. Not only did it meet all of my requisites, but exceeded most! A true joy to drive, it handles inclement weather like it was born to be in the rain. Comfort for five with no hump in the middle! 900 lb payload still had over 17.5 MPG. Clients love it on road trips. Valet parkers ask if I wouldnt mind having it left in front. Regularly exceeds 21MPG on extended road trips up and down the State of California. Trailer of 1500+ lbs to Vegas...no sweat. Its a Honda.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By huggy - November 26 - 12:33 am

  This has to be the best car/SUV I have bought! You would never know you were driving an SUV. Cant wait to get up and go for a drive!

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  Great buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Gatlin - November 26 - 12:10 am

  I have owned many Hondas over the years. I still can find a vehicle that beats them for the price. Fit and finish inside and out beats all the competition. Switching from a 2000 Trans Am to an Accord, I thought would be a hard change. But I donÂ’t miss the rattles and road sounds I used to get out of the Pontiac. Going from a 305hp engine to a 160hp was not bad at all. The Accord it quick and gets out of its own way. Just a note it is a lot easier to get my two year old in car seat in the Honda. But when I bought the Pontiac I was in a different situation.

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  Accord is one solid car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By thockman - November 25 - 11:53 am

  After driving my new Accord for two weeks, Im still impressed with the solid feel of the car. I can tell that this car is well built and will last many years before starting to creak, rattle, and ding like all aging cars do. The 190 hp engine is more than sufficient most of the time, stereo sounds great and road noise is not problem. The EX has all the Must Have conveniences, but I do miss have an outside temperature indicator. The drivers seat is not comfortable in the lumbar area, but I am continuing to test lumbar settings for perfect fit. I highly recommend this car.

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  So easy to drive - 2000 Honda Accord
  By howardc64 - November 25 - 7:00 am

  This car is so easy to drive. You feel like it is driving itself. You feel firm and in control with the car interpreting every steering input precisely. Reliability is as advertised. In 5 years of ownership, I have had 1 failure (light for the clock, $3 part and trivial to replace)

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  What a great car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By cruizinone - November 24 - 6:41 pm

  Since I owned this car, I put a total of 650.00 into repairs (brakes & tires) This is one GREAT car. Never lets me down and does not need a lot of maint. Thanks GOD, the car is lucky if I remember to put oil in it. This car is so much fun to drive. Even my friends ask to drive it. I have been told that this car will run for 200,000 + miles. This is my first honda and I am looking to get another, if something should ever happen to his one.

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  A Great truck with style - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lenny - November 24 - 3:50 pm

  This is a great truck. It has all the features and luxury options that my Acura TL has and more. Besides it is very stylish and a pleasure to drive. It is capable of more than I will put to use; off road capable, heavy towing, etc. Honda high quality and long expected life are a plus over the competition. The gas mileage is not bad considering the size and weight of the vehicle and it takes Regular gas!

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  Why I cant sell my 2000 Civic Si Coupe - 2000 Honda Civic
  By J W - November 24 - 2:35 pm

  Honda really hit a nerve in the 1999-2000 Si Coupes. I will admit that I have done a few suspension tweaks to the rear, upper rear tower brace, and lower rear tie bar. Sportline springs, and opened up the lungs of this little race car with a cold air intake, 4-2-1 header, and cat back exhaust. Short throw shifter, Sorry Honda, 5th gear had me scraping my knuckles on the glove box. Oh and the front seats belong in a Buick. Overall evaluation is that this is still one of the greatest little cars of all time, it makes me smile every time I drive it, and with my specs added is the perfect ticket getter for me.

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  Love my new Accord! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Owner! - November 24 - 4:33 am

  I am a long time GM car buyer and last night I purchased my first new Honda (Accord EX-L 4 cyl) and I am just blown away with the quality. So far the car has over exceeded my expectations in every way. I was afraid I would miss my Grand Prix but that is not the case. The 190 HP 4 Cyl is plenty powerful. Very pleased with the new Accord! Way to go Honda!

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  Never wanted a Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Isaiah - November 24 - 2:53 am

  I never wanted to buy a honda before, but after the new design of the 06 I had to take a test drive and look from the inside out. The new design and motor is what made me buy this car, also the fact that I was driving a 2005 F-150. Gas is not cheap as we all can see. Honda had been around many generations and that says a lot for a car and their company. I do love my Honda Civic LX 2006.