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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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By PBEAR - October 6 - 7:00 am

  No matter what the pundits say, I love my Ridgeline and have nothing but great things to say about, plus I have had absolutely NOTHING go wrong. Would purchase another one in a heartbeart...

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  My First Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By angie - October 5 - 7:36 pm

  This truly is an amazing car. I love it! Its fun, smooth, and I love my purple lights in my dash! Just beautiful.

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  THIS IS NO TRUCK - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By General crazy - October 5 - 7:03 pm

  1. IT CANT TOW AT ALL no more then maybe 6000 lbs. if youre lucky which i was not. They could learn a lot form Ford about trucks! 2. It has some room but the avalanche is much better! 3. This truck needs better MPG It has about as much as the american trucks but it is sissy truck! So It could have more!

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  The best SUV of 2016 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Anderson - October 5 - 9:18 am

  I have tried Highlander 2012 for four years and owning this car for 3 months and see that Honda Pilot is above everything than Toyota Highlander. Its definetely best SUV.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andy - October 5 - 7:10 am

  We bought our Odyssey about 4 months ago, at first the fuel mileage was a disappointment, but now we are getting almost 300 miles on a tank, in the city. I have a lead foot too... Last month someone backed a Tacoma Pickup into the Odyssey, it was shaking, went over to see the horrorible damage, not even one scratch! I even got the comments from friends about going over to a Minivan, but watched their jaws drop when I hit the gas and told them it has 244 horses. I didnt expect I would sneak the keys from my Wife on the weekends, but I just love the way it drives. When running around town in it, its not a chore to drive it around like the SUV I drive for work.

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  My old chevy pickup runs better - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mattvss - October 4 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this car as a comuter back and forth from la to san francisco and am not pleased. I bought the car with 300 miles and now have nearly 92,000 miles on it. 85% highway. I was driving around napa valley and my steering started to make noise and wobble so i pulled over and found my steering knuckles came out at 5k. My radiator leaked at 15k, rear brakes failed at 25 and luckily tranny went right before warranty at 34,650. My gas mileage is good but reliability is flimsy, build quality is cheap. Ive replaced the axles twice since out of warranty, brakes once, stereo went twice and then decided to add new one.. Not impressed with honda product

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJM - October 4 - 1:47 pm

  My third Honda and just as great as the others. Total quality and very functional. Flaws? It does have a blind spot where the rear pillers are but the mirror helps illiminate it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle. Lots of power and creature comforts.

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  I Love It. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By An Owner - October 4 - 10:23 am

  I liked my 1997 so much I bought a new 2006 CRV and I love it. It was between the CRV and RAV4 and I decided on the CRV. Honda was willing to deal on the price and I got it below invoice. The 2006 is comfortable, roomy, practical and the engine is "peppier" (the only real knock I had with my old one.) My gas mileage has been between 23-27 as on the sticker. It feels like a substantial, quality vehicle.

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  Catfish Mobile - 2004 Honda Element
  By Joyce - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, great for camping, very dog friendly.

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  Excptional - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By manukool - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely satisfied. We have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM. My wfe love the Honda so much that we take turns to drive. This is a usual topic of debate between us. Unfortunately I dont win enough!!