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:

• 

  Useful little beast - 2007 Honda Element
  By Miamioolite - June 1 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had my Element for a month now so I feel I can review it. The quality is top notch, this is a well put together car. The interior is simple and roomy. The exterior is streamlined and attractive! (to me anyway). It drives smooth, and accelerates well for a box, you have to push it to higher RPMs to really zoom, but the power is there if you need it. The shifter looks like its in a weird spot, but it really isnt if you think about it, Honda just opted for a shorter stick and a subwoofer.The sound system is amazing, you can alter your heartbeat with the bass if thats your thing. The doors dont bother me, but Im not moving kids around. Overall a great dead useful vehicle.

• 

  Excellent Midsize SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By JH - June 1 - 3:09 pm

  I spent a lot of time looking at all the SUV in the 25-35k price range and went to look at each of them. The Honda Pilot EX-L with Navi has them all beat. The car is extremely solid and is very roomy. So far I have owned it for a week and I love it. It drives like a car but has the functionality of a SUV. To own a fully loaded SUV for under $30000 (sticker price $36,000) is amazing. It comes with all the cool gadget as Lexus -$15,000 price tag. It is truly worth the money and will keep its value over the years.

• 

  Owned for over one year - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 19ridgeline42 - June 1 - 2:28 pm

  Most reviews are written by new owners. Have had it for one year, longest trip 2000 miles. Very comfortable. Love the truck. Best recommendation I can give is "I would buy another". Gas mileage as expected. Ride excellent. Presently have in excess of 20000 miles. Lots of storage space. Meets my every expectation.

• 

  2006 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dave T. - June 1 - 12:18 pm

  My 1st SUV and probably last since I am a "car-guy", but needed this for family reasons for a few years. The airflow over the front fascia is such that every insect within 5 miles will splatter on your windshield. Ive had more splats on my windshield in the past 10 months than Ive had in 30+ years of driving. Windex, scouring pads and I have become very close!

• 

  Love it - 2005 Honda Civic
  By poppyjim - June 1 - 11:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle due to ever rising fuel prices and I just dont like handing my hard earned money over to the middle east. So far I am extremely satisfied with the perfomance and fuel economy of this hybrid. It rides pretty good for a smaller vehicle and handles very nice. I dont know if I will come out ahead of the fiel costs due to having to replace the main battery in 8 years or so but having the peace of mind that my money will go into the vehicle battery instead of polluting the environment satisfies me. I also have peace of mind that I am in a very safe vehicle every time I get behind the wheel too. Overall I feel that this is one of the best new vehicles that I purchased.

• 

  Used to like my Pilot but now.... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ckshubin - June 1 - 10:48 am

  Initially I loved this car and was glad I bought Honda for longetivity and reliability. For the first 2 months of ownership I drove rental cars. Electrical problems galore. 2 1/2 years old and still weird electrical problems keep popping up. Interior rattles galore! Clunk in drivers seat. Have to update Nav DVD to current one or it wont work after awhile. Sounds like a bucket of bolts driving down the road. Seats hard and uncomfortable. Road noise is loud. Will be surprised it doesnt fall apart before the warranty expires. Will not be keeping long term like we do our other cars (10+ years). Am looking for a new car now to replace this Pilot.

• 

  Honda Wins With This One! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Virginia - June 1 - 10:26 am

  The last Honda I owned, a 2000 Accord LX Coupe V-6, had some issues. So, I was a bit reluctant to buy another Honda. All I can say is "THANK YOU HONDA!" for restoring my faith in their products. My Accord has been a dream, from its excellent gas mileage to the outstanding sound system. And by the way. Yes, I am STILL happy.

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dmr - June 1 - 5:00 am

  This is my fourth CR-V. Each has been an improvement on the last. The 2010 model is quieter, more refined and fun to drive.

• 

  My CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By paul - June 1 - 12:44 am

  Bought it new as I wanted a fuel efficient small SUV and I believe Honda makes the best. Believe or not I actually used the hidden picnic table for some work I had to do on a leaf blower. It is extremely quick off the line, handles ok, but will get new sticky wider tires to help that. The sunroof rocks, the cd changer is great, and sound is fine but not as good as the Element. 21-22 mpg in town. On a trip, 26-28.

• 

  Unbeatable deal - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kelly - June 1 - 12:11 am

  I just bought the 2002 EX used. It is exactly like my 2001 I bought new in late 2000. It is my sixth Honda and will not be my last. As before, I am still amazed at the build quality, power, economy, layout, design and dependability of these cars. The 2002 looks almost brand new inside and out. The seats are still in excellent shape as well all other trim parts. I traded the 2001 in on an SUV because we needed a larger vehicle, but I am so glad to get back into an Accord. Compared to anything its still the best around. I love the way the fuel gauge doesnt move very much. Were planning on trading the SUV next year on a 2008 Accord.