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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  Great minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CD Fortier - September 12 - 11:06 am

  Had to wait 2 months for this van, and couldnt get any of the colors we wanted because it was in short supply at the time. Car was worth the wait it has more room for passengers and cargo, either alone or together, and you cant beat the leg room! Dont like the way the front seatbelts lock up at the slightest movement, and the sliding doors freeze shut in the winter. Has nice smooth, quiet ride, great for long rides.

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  I lvoe my ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bjleau - September 12 - 10:36 am

  I have had my Ridgeline for 7 months now and love it. It rides great, has plenty of space, gets good fuel mileage and has had no mechanical problems in 10,000+ mile (canÂ’t say that for my last Chevy or Ford) My fuel mileage is usually 20 - 22 on the highway and drops to 18-19 when pulling two heavy 4 wheelers. This is the first truck that I have had that might wife likes to drive which is also a bonus. I like it much better than my previous full sized Ford or Chevy as it feel and is finished like a nice SUV rather than a pickup truck.

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  Cant touch dis - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By accelv - September 12 - 10:20 am

  I drove practically all the competing small SUVs and the CRV came out on top for many reasons: safety, value, economy, reliability, design, and price ($20,300 out the door, including tax!). Its a nearly perfect vehicle, just as good as my previous 98 Odyssey, the top rated vehicle in the 1998 Consumer Reports auto issue. I just wish I could have waited to see the 2007 model. Honda packs a lot of vehicle into diminutive dimensions and has cleverly designed the rear seats to adjust back and forth, recline, split, and fold and tumble forward for massive storage.

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  GR8 S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dwight - September 12 - 9:28 am

  Wow. All cars should have "the package" like this one does. economy, reliability, quality, performance. This is a "fun time" doing what used to be called "just driving". The best 5 speed gearbox on the planet! 23 to 28 MPG with 240 horsepower and only 2800 pounds!! but its not stripped down.. its got all the "stuff"!

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  caries review - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By carie - September 12 - 7:36 am

  love how this vehicle handles turns, curves and small parking spaces. i always say the power of this small vehicle is excellent. my first import car, i am very impressed.

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  SINCERE, HONEST REVIEW - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gene - September 12 - 7:26 am

  This car is fun to drive, has a lot of sex appeal, and gets good gas milage (about 30 mpg) Quiet engine, and driving experiance. You might feel tiny at a light sitting next to a Ford F150. This was a step down for me. I owned a loaded 02 Impala LS since new. So, I added almost all assesories except front and side spoliers.I miss Traction control,Lumbar support, ONSTAR, heated seats,ashtray,lighter,heated side mirrors,but this car rides better,handles better,better fuel milage,the differance in horse power is not that notice able from a 200HP v- 6 to a 140HP DOHC 4. the Civic is surely peppy, and fun to punch the throttle open.One of my concerns will be this winter in the snow, and ice. Well see

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  An honest, objective view - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Victor Tongco - September 12 - 12:32 am

  I have been happy w/this car from the day I bought it. The performance and economy it delivers for the price I paid are outstanding. I love the elemental feel of the car, the absence of a bunch of bells and whistles and especially the way the car looks, handles, and accelerates. I would recommend this roadster for any enthusiast that doesnt want to pay an inflated price for an outstanding sports car.

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  Yippie - 2006 Honda Element
  By sum1 - September 11 - 10:30 pm

  owned a jeep and rav-4 in the past niether compare in overall driving excitement. good gas mileage, tight turning radius, small in length and fun to drive, me being a tall guy and still have plenty of room to relax both up front and in the back with room to spare. A+

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  my Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Bill - September 11 - 7:45 pm

  Great all around car. Good in snow. could use more power. Controls well laid out. Had problems with Ac, starter, fuel injectors.

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  pleased - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim davis - September 11 - 4:49 pm

  am 67,tall body short legs,but in the ridge i can wear a tall hat. my ridge rides like a accord not a truck. stops quickly and in a straight line ( rain or snow ) . pull a 17c nash trailer , a little added rpm ( live in wa.) up any hill. lockable trunk (golf clubs ) waterproof & clean doesnt blow around in cross wind. easy to park and drive in city traffic (portland,or. )