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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  The Need For Speed - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Selena - August 20 - 1:48 pm

  I first looked at the S2000 in 1999. I had to have it! I finally bought it in 2003. I still have it! I love the way the car feels, especially after driving a larger vehicle. It corners like its on rails, it feels solid at all times and the sleek, sporty design is an amazing attention getter! I will drive this one for another few years, give it to my daughter and get me a brand new one. The Honda car is the best for dependability!! Hands down! And the sports car has class, depenability, style and best of all speed!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Aimee - August 20 - 12:15 pm

  My Honda Civic VP is a very reliable vehicle. It gets great gas mileage, up to 40 mph by my estimates. I drive 70 miles roundtrip daily for work and we use this car for every trip around town and out of state. Weve never had a problem.

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  Very Fun & Great Looking - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jeff D - August 20 - 8:50 am

  I bought a black Civic Si sedan. Its very fun to drive and is pretty quick if you rev it to 8000. I wanted white but all they had was a black one with 4 miles, right off the truck. Its great looking but black is a lot of work.

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  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Element - August 20 - 8:06 am

  Get past the ugly looks. Yes, we know. If the trunk was up front wed call it the elephant. Really, this little SUV (?) is the most practical vehicle Ive owned in 50 years. The only problem encountered is a little wind noise from the window gasket. Try it, youll like it!

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  Honda Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - August 20 - 4:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive and extremely functional. The hidden trunk with sideways opening back gate makes access a breeze. Great for groceries. Only negatives are the sun visor was an after thought. Its a bit cumbersome to manuver. Gas milage is not that great either. Also there are blind spots but this is my first truck. Overall the interior is loaded with storage and the back seats fold up to allow for a ton more storage in the back. Buy the moonroof option so you receive XM Radio. I am really enjoying this new feature. I added a Billet front grill and chrome side boards. So far lots of people have made postive comments.

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  Coming Back to Honda II - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Luis - August 20 - 2:03 am

  After 7,000 miles, the car is performing good. Nevertheless, there are some poor quality issues related to details, such as loose door panels, seats springs noise, and paint scratches in the bumpers. Brakes squeak and road noises are very annoying. In the positive side, the fuel economy, engine performance, car design and Cd changer/radio sound are great. If I decide to buy another Accord would go for a thorough road test and read more carefully the car reviews. Overall, I have mixed feelings, because I had greater expectations for a car like this, but still think the Honda Accord is a great car.

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  13 Accord Sport all the way!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sss39 - August 19 - 11:04 pm

  Just bought the Accord Sport less than two weeks ago and so far its met all of my expectations. This is coming from a Ford family. Just got tired of Ford products falling apart and feeling cheap, and you know its time to move on when the rest of the family doesnt want to drive/sit in it. Test drove the Sonata, Optima, Altima, Fusion, and Accord, and the Accord just felt right from the get go. Honda isnt the flashiest but thats ok, what it does do is build good, solid, reliable cars and the 13 Accord Sport, to me looks sportier than the other cars in its class. For all the standard equipment in the Accord Sport, I am sure the other vehicles in its class would be quite higher.

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  Amazing value for $28K - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Nimbus gray_Pilot - August 19 - 9:59 pm

  After much research and comparison shopping, we decided on the EX-L w/AWD, and feel like we hit the jackpot-especially in the value category. I am more fond of this vehicle each week. It now has 5K miles, and has really proven itself to be the ultimate in practical suburban family vehicle. We also looked at the 07 Highlander, and nearly fell asleep at the wheel in the showroom. Also considered a certified X3, but cargo area way too small. The Pilot is no Ferrari, but it is predictable, comfortable and sure footed. We have taken it on several comfortable weekend road trips. When my died-in-the-wool car snob father drove it (drives a Lexus GX & BMW Z3) said "wow, this is impressive!

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  900 miles with my Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Shellenberger - August 19 - 9:00 pm

  The Pilot is what it is. No pretension, a good solid care. Not a fun driving experience, but that is not what most are buying it for. It is reliable and safe to operate. Exterior is fine, interior materials and finish are fine in this trim level. Not flashy but not a lot bling to get broken or damaged either. The phone and info display systems seem a bit less intuitive than I would have liked, but I am 56 and not computers and phones are work for me, not the center of my personal life. Younger people may like it fine. I looked at the a lot of three-row SUV and bought the Honda. Had to look around for a decent deal because stocks are low, at least in Delaware. The only vehicle I liked as much was a Ford Explore but with similar equipment that would have cost much more.

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  Nice Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By stogie - August 19 - 8:10 pm

  This is a nice truck. If you havent checked it out..you should. It will tow your runabout, store your stuff in the bedtrunk, and all the nooks and crannies inside to put your stuff. Four lights make looking in the bed easy after dark. Back seats fold up with one motion and fold back down with plenty of room for passengers. Exterior design is nice sets itself apart from those that want to look like a tractor for an 18 wheeler. Interior very nice and its comfortable you dont feel as though you are riding a truck hauling lumber. Magic 4 wheel drive push the button. It comes standard with features you will pay extra for on other models. Its a fun, working truck.