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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  What an amazing truck!! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim - January 14 - 12:06 pm

  How does Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc. still sell any trucks? I find it hard to believe. I have had them all and this Ridgeline is by far the best of the group. It can only tow about 6000 pounds, but that is not my primary use. It has been getting 21-22 hwy, 18ish mixed and 15-17 around town in pure stop-go traffic. Every time I drive it, I like it even more. The things they think of and incorporated in this vehicle are amazing. I wondered in the beginning why they made some things the way they did, and over time, everything makes perfect sense. The 4x4 system and stability control are second to none, it rides like a car and it is Honda quality. Enough said. Highly recommended

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  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL w/ Navigation - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ssoelter - January 14 - 10:02 am

  I read lots of reviews before deciding what I would buy to retire my 03 Tahoe Z71. I wanted a SUV or truck that has 4WD/AWD, that is more fuel efficient than the Tahoe and priced closer to $30K than $40K. In the end, the vehicle that fit me (6-4")and my criteria best was the Ridgeline. Now that Ive had it for a couple of weeks I am confused with the two most common complaints that I read during my pre- purchase research - gas mileage and power. To the issue of gas mileage, it compares very well with every other 6 cylinder powered vehicle out there. As to power, it is very capable in town and on the highway, but again, its a 6. In the end, the Ridgeline is great at being what it is.

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  excellent - 2003 Honda Element
  By sungmin lim - January 14 - 2:00 am

  element is for young buyers, but perfect for family second car, too. easy in and out, spacious interior, waterproof floor, adjustable back...

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  NICE LiL SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By ElementMan - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The function of the interior is great. The interior is really nice for a car this price! Peppy little engine and the 5 speed is a blast. Hard to find 5 speeds at the dealer, but it is worth it. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that only needs to seat 4 or less. Not a better vehicle out there for this price (under 20K). Solid.

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  This is a gas! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ximenez - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have never driven a car so well though out and practical. The developers took some time on this one. I LOVE IT!

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  Cool. Fun. Versatile. Reliable. GREAT! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Patrick D - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Element for a few weeks now, and I love it. Great performance, the 4WD handles snow and ice excellently, and theres a ton of space inside for cargo and passengers - very flexible and versatile. Plus, its so funky looking, it attracts attention wherever it goes. A very cool car, I mean SUV, I mean van...well, whatever it is.

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  Plastic - 2003 Honda Element
  By nstern1118 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this car is great, except the gray area you see on the outside of the car, its all plastic. When i bought this car the man at the dealership said it was "scratch proof material incase of a stray shopping cart but once i put my hand under to feel the whole thing caved in with very little force. I am not too sure how safe it would be for my kids to drive.

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  loyal to honda forever - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Gaile - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second NEW Honda (my first was a 97 accord) and I am trading it in for my third new Honda this month. I have had NO mechanical problems with it in 72,000 miles. Everything inside the car MAKES SENSE for the driver and the passengers. I never had to worry about whether or not my car would start, or whether I had the power to pass a slow truck on a two-lane mountain road. In fact, my first Honda was nicknamed Balto by my kids - after the incredibly loyal and reliable sled dog from the legend. Bottom line, I LOVE this car, and you will too!

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mac Daddy - January 14 - 2:00 am

  One of the greatest cars in the world GOOD EVERY THING worth the $. Better than the Ford Explorer.

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  Mini Van that still needs improvements - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed Khalil - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Good Power train and lots of room make this van a great hauler. But needs many improvements specialy the driver seat support.