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 accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sonelon - December 19 - 1:56 pm

  its a pretty good car overall, but it doesnt drive smoothly and isnt comfy

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  Perfect for my needs - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - December 19 - 11:10 am

  I dont haul gravel and bricks, but Im always hauling kids to basketball and often picking up something from Sears or Home Depot. Just the right combo of comfortable SUV-like features and truck utility for me. Its not a workhorse, but its stylish, comfortable, utilitarian, and reliable.

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  04 ODYSSEY EXL AS SALES VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BTBUTZ - December 19 - 1:17 am

  After driving a 02 Caravan Sport with the 3.3ltr engine & 4 spd trans., test driving the 04 Honda Odyssey was a real eyeopener and proved to be very reliable for my Midwest sales rep. territory. The Honda was hands down smoother in every way and more powerful to boot. I liked my GC, but the Odyssey has me sold and I will buy the 07 Touring for our family vehicle soon. I will buy another Dodge GC also, to run til it falls apart, hopefully later than sooner for my work vehicle. Utility van, this time bought with 80k miles, depreciated all the way out. Would recommend Dodge or Chrysler owners at least drive the Odyssey before making the choice

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  Bogus Ratings - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dennis Vidal - December 19 - 1:10 am

  I am a genuine Ridgeline owner, and not one fabricating stories to sell a different brand or discredit Honda.This truck is not perfect but serves my needs very very well. My landscaping business and the tools that come with job can be hauled by my truck as if their is nothing at the back and surefooted in snow. The many awards this truck garnered is a testament to its merits. Anyone accusing Honda of bribing the award giving bodies is hogwash. I mean you can bribe one or two award giving bodies but close to 12 award giving bodies unanimous in praising the Ridgeline meant one thing, those awards arent bought and much deserved. Kudos to Honda for reinventing the truck.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Al - December 18 - 11:10 pm

  This is a great truck. I have owned several different trucks this is by far the best built I have ever had. Great ride. Good Fuel economy. The truck in the bed is an excellent feature.

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  very cool - 2005 Honda Element
  By elemental-00 - December 18 - 10:30 pm

  Its just me and my son. We are always putting a seatup and stuffing large items in the back. We just came back from the beach and it was not a problem, just hosed the car out. I can even leave the sun roof open during a rain and hardly get any water on the inside. We relly like our element!

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  #444 - 2000 Honda Insight
  By michael - December 18 - 6:58 pm

  I bought on of the first insights produced. I purchased because of its unique feature, but now because of high gas prices it is a very practical. I drive it to work and city over 5O miles each way on a regular basis. It handles well in all types of road conditions. My lifetime mileage is 57.6 mpg. My best trip mileage is 76+ miles per gallon with air conditioning on. I like the way it accelerates in traffic and zips along on the highway at 70 miles per our. I have not had one problem with the car. The only thing I have done is replaced the tires and the car battery(not the battery pack), and changed the oil on a regular basis. This Honda product is awesome.

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  honda vs. chevy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By groundeffx - December 18 - 6:06 pm

  i traded in a chevy colorado for this truck. the honda is wider and can fit 3 kids in the back seat better. the chevy got 19 mpg with a 3.5L 5cyl 220 hp vs. the honda 18 mpg 3.5 L v6 244 hp.

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  Luxury but affordable - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Q52CT - December 17 - 11:36 pm

  Before buying the CT, I checked out Venza, RX350, Q5, and RDX. Each one has positive and negative features. I like the Q5, too, but after learning about the transmission issue from Edmunds forum, I decided on the CT. Quality of the CT is also comparable to RX350 and Q5 but less expensive to buy and own. I bought EX-L 4WD with Navi, Tango Red color. So far, I have 150 miles. I love the ride, quietness, comfort, space and quality.

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  Like it, but... - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ann - December 17 - 9:04 pm

  I have always been a big Honda fan. This is number 3 for our family. However, I have to say that the quality does seem to have gone. I have numerous rattles and noises, and this very annoying window chuffing sound when I drive in windy conditions. I like many of the features, particularly the safety features, and it sure beats my 05 Dodge Grand Caravan. However, I am a bit disappointed in the little things such as the rattles...I doubt the dealer will do much about it...no money to be made in doing so.