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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  Cant beat it - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By thebigv21 - March 11 - 10:23 am

  I have owned practically everything over the last few years, not being able to be satisfied. I owned trucks (Frontier, Tacoma), cars (Forester, Matrix), and have finally settled on a Ridgeline. I chose the base model and is has plenty of equipment. I am one who likes vehicles loaded. This one is not loaded, but for a truck is equipped well enough for me. The ride is the best part. It rides like a car and is extremely quiet inside. My wife loves it in the snow. We had some snow in PA and she bragged about how she was in the passing lane while 4X4 full sized trucks were fishtailing in the slow lane. I chose the base model to try it. Now that I have one, the next time, I will go up.

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  Very good ride seats need improvement - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By James Gattuso - March 11 - 10:00 am

  On long trips the seats are not comfortable at all. Quiet ride is nice and the sound system is very good.

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  I Love my Pilot EXL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By smgbjl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The BEST SUV for the price. Sticker says 22mph highway...no way....Im getting 27mpg! Ride comfort is excellent! Does not ride like a truck like my old explorer did. Visiblity excellent...pleanty of wide open windows...makes for easy parking and loading. Only wish...Honda would have had this out when I got the Explorer!

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  The cars great. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By charles meisch - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I never though I would purchase an other forgein made car. But my daughter asked me to come with her to look at the Hondas. I left with a new Honda Accord EX. It was the first time(in a long time) I really was exsited about a car.

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  Switched from a Used RL to a new Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Novellfan - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car two weeks. I dont understand how Honda can make such an exceptional car for $23K. I also own an Odyssey so I am biased : )

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  that Honda, so hot right now, Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy Clark - March 11 - 8:00 am

  There is nothing bad that you can say about this car. Maybe a wish for heated seats (but thats only because I just moved to Chicago), other than that its great. Great body design; stylish, sensible, not too big so you cant parallel in tight spaces (a must for Chicago or any big city). Great all-around car.

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  Great all around - 2007 Honda Fit
  By CubanoRockr - March 11 - 6:10 am

  Although Id like to have a little more umph out of my cars, its really hard to complain about the Fit. The 5sp transmission shifts smoothly and the suspension hugs the road like a much more performance oriented car would. There is plenty of space in the interior and the rear seat are truly "magic" as Honda quotes them. The rear hatch is huge, especially considering how it all looks from the outside. Overall I love the car. Great fuel economy, more than ample space, and best of category handling.

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  Honda Lover - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Patricia Wieczorek - March 10 - 8:48 am

  First time owning a Honda and would definitely purchase another one. Had my previous Mazda for 16 years with 315,000 miles. I am hoping the Honda CRV will last me just as long. It has great pickup for a 4 cylinder vehicle. The interior cabin is very comfortable for my long drives to work. Cant wait for the winter to try out the heated leather seats. My mechanic said he will miss me because the Honda will not need as many trips to him as my previous car. That is why I bought it because I keep my cars a long time.

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  Great MPG in OKC - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Russell - March 10 - 6:33 am

  First sedan in 10 years and we really like it. Looks great, sporty and well designed. Mostly city driving and getting on average 28 MPG. For those who say its short on room, I have no idea what car theyre in but we have a family of 3 and were used to SUVs and this really works well. More than enough leg and head room plus the trunk holds all the baseball stuff plus chairs with room for more. Never have purchased an extended warranty but I did on this one and saved 1/2 over the dealer cost by googling online and found a dealership in Rhode Island that sells them dirt cheap and they are the exact same ones the local Honda dealer sells.

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  Great car!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RALPH D - March 10 - 2:04 am

  This is my 2nd Pilot. I went from the 2010 EX-L to the 2016 Elite and I love the navigation and all of the bells and whistles which are standard in the Elite. I cant speak of the reliability yet since I only own it for 2 weeks.