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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  Love my Ridge - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By LD - February 14 - 12:18 pm

  Its the perfect vehicle, its fun, rugged, roomy, luxurious, versitle, comfy, and reliable. What more could you ask of a midsize truck? It also has a class leading payload of 1550.lbs, it can tow 5000.lbs w/500lb toung. Im sold on the Ridgeline for life. The engine, transmission and drivetrain are as refined as they come. No vibration, shifts are silky smooth which you rarely feel. The only time I will get rid of my Ridge is when they redesign it with a V-8. A lot of people out there are really missing out on a great truck. If youre in the market for a midsize truck dont follow the sterio types opinions of what a truck should be you be the judge and test drive it, you will love it

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  Thrilled - 2008 Honda S2000
  By looking4acurve - February 14 - 10:41 am

  I just traded in an 06 base Corvette on an S2000. I thought I might miss the Vette, but after almost 2,000 miles on the little drop-top I can honestly say that Im thrilled with my decision. The Honda feels like it is glued to the road handling is incredible, much better than the Corvette. The S2000 isnt as fast as the Chevy. But, its quicker than my 350hp 2005 Daytona Charger RT was, and faster than a base Boxster. Push hard through a curve and the little Honda simply begs for more...and the F1 bark of the engine at 6k+ RPM is a hoot! Fit and finish are impeccable. Theres no downside to the S2000 if one uses it for what it was designed, a true, absolutely uncompromising, sports car

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  Honda Betrayal - 2003 Honda Element
  By Disappointed George - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Element in January 2003. Honda claimed that it would meet my most important criterion--safety. Safety was important because my 16 year old daughter would be driving it. No safety tests were available but I trusted Honda. That trust was misplaced. The Element did poorly in the side-impact tests. There is no excuse for any new SUV to not excel on side-impact tests. There is no excuse for a car company to tout the sefety of its pillarless design and then do poorly on the side-impact tests. There is no excuse for a father to purchase a car for his daughter before he knows for sure it is a safe car.

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  lots of miles - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rockclimber/kayaker - February 14 - 10:00 am

  i have more than 25,000 miles on my pilot. great vehicle! +10% more interior room than MDX and costs 20% less! There is not a better deal on the road today. Best Bang for the Buck and it will easily last 15++years.

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  First New Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RBell2 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We finally traded our 96 DGC-LE for a new 03 Ody EX-L. I got a discount off MSRP of ~$2,500. The leather interior is so comfortable and the power, performace, and handling really exposed my old vans sloppy ride and very poor pick-up. We like the power doors, large rear cargo area, and excellent climate control system. There were a couple of items I wish it had (temp/compass display and 60/40 split 3rd row mainly). I also feel my family is much safer given this cars on road safety record over the last few years and the crash scores (much better than our old van). We are looking forward to 6-7 years of comfortable, reliable, safe driving.

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  2003 Hybrid review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By fidlcat - February 14 - 10:00 am

  . I commute about 70 miles daily - mostly on "country roads" averaging about 50 -55 mph with, with only 5-10 of these miles being "city" driving. I am very pleased with this car. I average approximately 50 mpg and have not had any mechanical problems. I enjoying seeing how far I enjoy trying to beat my last mpg and am hoping to get the 600 mile tank as some other owners have reported being able to do. Thus far, I can get about 500 - 550 per tank. In spite of a few issues I have listed in the "suggested improvements" section, I am extremely pleased with this car and would buy another.

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  Cant go wrong... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By pjssesco - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I looked around at many different cars and found that the Si was the way to go. Im 6 and Im comfortable in this car with plenty of room all around. Car isnt the quickest but has more than enough pick up to get you where youre going. If you choose there are plenty of modifications to add the extra H.P. if thats a problem. I have no complaints about this car.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By KEN PATTERSON - February 14 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CAR. FINEST CAR MADE ON AMERICAN SOIL. I LIKE IT ALOT

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  2004 ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PAUL BAMBACH - February 14 - 10:00 am

  THE 2004 ACCORD IS BY FAR AND AWAY THE BEST SEDAN ON THE ROAD. VERY PLEASED

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  800 miles per tank! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Donald - February 14 - 4:57 am

  Lifetime 49.7 MPG over 58,000 miles driven. Regularly get 800 miles per 15 gallon tank. Easy 52 MPG in summer and shoulder spring/fall seasons, 44 MPG in winter. Zero issues with maintenance or reliability. I always drive in regen-B mode.The key for this car is the 43 - 58 mph sweet spot. The more time you spend in this range, the more the car rewards. You can do 62/63 mph without too much penalty (minus 1 or 2 mpg), but not 68/69 mph (minus 5 - 7 mpg). My commute is 30+ miles each way, mostly on posted 45 to 55 mph roads. The only cons, as others have mentioned, are the lack of spare tire and small-ish trunk. Ive had one flat, which was a pain - had to call AAA, time consuming, etc and Ive had to work around the the lack of trunk space a couple of times, but that hasnt caused delay or changed my overall trip in any way. Great car overall - if you want Prius mileage with Accord sedan looks and upgraded trim ( I have EX-L with leather seats/moonroof/etc).