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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  No Heat - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By tom - December 25 - 12:26 pm

  the 2017 Ridgeline interior heat is poor. When you stop the interior heat drops off. Honda stated that this is a design of the vehicle and has no fix. Do not purchase for use in cold climate areas.

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  Accordo Gordo - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Caren - December 24 - 2:12 pm

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  Solid, uninspried alternative to SUVs - 2004 Honda Element
  By kingchupi - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The looks arent for everyone, so be prepared to explain yourself. I think the consensus for why people buy the Element is universal, the combination of value, reliability, and versatility. The ride has no sporty intentions, so slow it down around turns. The 160 hp engine feels great, the Element never feels underpowered. Overall Im very happy with my Element. Here are some improvements that wouldnt fit below: 5) The gas tank holds 15.9 gallons, but the nanny fuel light comes on after using only 12 gallons. Abiding by the fuel light, youll be filling up after only 300 miles. 6) The recommended load capacity is something like only 680 lbs.

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  Great car cheap reliable car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Joe McFearsome - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The car has served my family well. No problems we have had it for a year and were at 25,000 miles and no problems. The performance is nothing special, but ride an comfort is great. Gas mileage is a dream even with the gas prices were they are.

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  Hey, its a great car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 500lbman - December 23 - 9:09 pm

  Honda makes good cars, and this is no exception. Is it German in its build quality? No. But for the money, it is comfortable, has lots of room inside, and drives very sporty for a big car. V-6 has good power. Leather seats are very comfortable, and the overall design remains appealing. The trunk has adequate space. Couple of minor rattles, but still very solid. Great when carrying 3 others. Some people have gotten in and said "Nice car". I bought with 31k miles, put 10k on it in 6 mos. Needs brakes now, but nothing else. I have owned 3 other Hondas, very pleased with this one. Will continue to drive Honda.

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  Honda El Camino - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - December 23 - 12:08 pm

  I have had this Car/truck for about a year and a half, drove it of off the lot new. Nicely executed interior, excellent stereo and nav. Real size seats for a change in a Japanese vehicle. All wheel drive is great when the going gets slippery. The trunk rocks. Terrible gas mileage. I get 14 in the city maybe 16 on the highway. Dealer says this is normal. When I tow 2 atvs on a 12ft trailer, I have had as low as 8mpg on the highway. This thing hates to tow. If you are planning on regularly towing anything do not get this truck. For the occasional run to the home store youre probably good.

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  I love my Honda - 1990 Honda Accord
  By jayjay24517 - December 22 - 1:49 pm

  I have owned a few Hondas and they last forever. My 90 accord has 180k miles and counting. I havent done a thing to it but drive.

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  The 2008 Honda Civic Coupe - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matthew - December 22 - 1:43 pm

  Good news and Bad news: The Good news is that the Honda Civic Coupe looks hot, reaches 36 mpg on the highway, it was pretty fun to drive, and costs under $15,000. Bad news: The car LOOKS hot, but it really isnt, the headroom makes people annoyed, and it isnt a luxury car (at all). The Civic coupe is best for teenagers who want 0 to 60 times of under 8 seconds, but who dont want to break their budget. Its a nice compact car that isnt so show-offy. It gets good gas mileage. It was pretty fun to drive. If it was given a grade in school, it would be given an 85%. Its a solid car, just nothing special.

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  problem with low beams - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Sang - December 22 - 10:00 am

  alright i got this babe roughtly 2 months already... the only problem i have now is the low beams... I dont understand why when i turn on the low beam. Only 1 beam on even both of them not death, but when the engine running both of them only on when the daytime running lights is on.. otherwise if daytime running is not on.... only 1 beam on... sometime both on sometime not... Can anybody explain this???

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  firstintown - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By boston - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the bus, as I call it, as this is a true kids car. Dog also likes the big back deck.