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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  Perfect for what we do - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By notsnuf - August 5 - 12:36 pm

  We purchased the vehicle for use as a work truck for Land surveying. The trunk and 4 doors are perfect for securing all of our equipment. We do not use it for severe off roading, but we do use it on muddy construction sites and in moderate off road situations. It has done everything we have asked it to do and have had no problems what so ever. We are very happy with the Ridgeline.

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  Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AW - August 5 - 3:30 am

  Well my fit is about 2 weeks old now and I have to say it is a great car! I have been getting anywhere from 32-35 mpg which is a big improvement over anything else I have owned. The fit is very fun to drive, has a well designed interior with "tons" of room for people or cargo. This is my first new car and my first Honda, I will be buying another Honda in the future.

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  Amazing Vehicle to Own! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Lance Richards - August 4 - 6:55 pm

  My Prelude is just un-describable!! I purchased this car with 119,000 miles on it and it performs like it has 19,000. Its amazingly clean and will last me years to come! So go out and buy one A.S.A.P you wont regret it!!

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  Look at me!! - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Michael Lencioni - August 4 - 1:50 pm

  Great Honda quality. Spacious interior room for seating & storing. Color-modern steel, most becoming.

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  High Mileage Honda - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Honda Lover - August 4 - 9:17 am

  I purchased this car in Sept 1990 right out of college. 15 years later, it still takes me on long journeys reliably. I still get over 30 miles/gallon. Yes, the mileage is correct at 440,400.

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  Honda Civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Billie - August 3 - 6:03 pm

  Great Automobile - Fun to drive and minimal upkeep. Just check the tires and keep oil changed and engine checked.

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  A must have!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lindy Lou - August 3 - 5:16 pm

  After 3 months and 3000 miles of ownership I am wonderfully pleased with this purchase! I was the owner of a Toyota Camry for years and thought no one could match the satisfaction of that purchase until I purchase my Honda Pilot. I am totally pleased with the handling (handles like a car) and the looks are "off the chain"!! It is a wonderful ride and a joy in ownership. You will not be disappointed with this vehicle and even if you are (with some of the features) it wont matter - trust me.

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  Very reliable but not very comfortable - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By George Schneider - August 3 - 5:08 pm

  This is an extremely reliable small SUV. I understand that most small SUVs are not built for Cadillac comfort, but riding in this car is not very comfortable. For the size of the engine, it gets acceptable mileage and is reasonably responsive. It is a very easy car to drive. Would be highly recommended for young drivers, because of its ease of handling. A/C works great. So does the radio and CD player. Very good in the snow. I live in the snow belt of northern Ohio and we average well over 150" of snow each winter. Ive tried everyway possible to move the drivers seat back, but it just cant be done. Anyone taller than 6 will not have enough leg room.

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  A sweet little ride! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By rubian77 - August 3 - 4:10 pm

  If youre looking for a car that is great on gas mileage but you dont need a ton of cargo room, this is the vehicle for you! Even with only 3 cylinders, this little buggy has a good amount of get-up-and-go. Driving in the snow is trickier you just have to take it easy and give yourself more time. Some say its uncomfortable, but I dont think its that bad - and I spend about 75-80 minutes driving one way. Repairs dont cost any more than other cars, despite the hybrid technology.

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  A True judgment - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jorge - August 3 - 10:50 am

  This is an excellent suv; way much better than a Tahoe/Yukon /suburban (did have a very bad experience with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe); it is my second Pilot and I do love it; the quality is there.