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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  enjoy what you drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By smitherman - May 18 - 2:00 am

  shopping for a new car,checking out whats is right for you.for me i wanted something sporty ,looks good, and best of quaity (that would last even after the last payment).so i chose the honda accord coupe,v6,leather seats,sun roof.so for ive enjoyed my honda,the only thing i dont like about my car is that my car is white and the rear bumper has a yellow tent to it.

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  2004 Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By donrvc - May 18 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. All that reserve power gives the driver security knowing that there is always plenty of go remaining at the touch of the accelerator. Very comfortable, very stylish. We love it.

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  Ridgeline Fills the Void - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By charlie1960 - May 18 - 1:43 am

  Got my RTS May 30,loved every second since. Considered the Dodge Dakota 4- door...then I saw the Ridgeline. Primary concern with a truck was what to do with luggage if the cab was filled with people. When the salesman showed me the under-bed trunk, I was sold. Then came the test drive. I was pleasently surprised, it drives/rides better than any truck I have ever driven. It rides and handles like the RX300 and is very quiet and solid. The storage features, under/bed trunk, 2- way tailgate are incredible. I recommend it for the person that needs a truck but doesnt want a "TRUCK." Nice enough to go out wearing a tux, tough enough for the hauling. My 8-yr old daughter thinks its really cool!

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  RidgeLine first Hand experience - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By TruckMaster - May 17 - 2:30 pm

  I have had the ridgeline for 2 months now and I love it. It is a great mid-sized truck and all the bells I need. It is made by Honda so it comes with all the quality, reliability and consistency Honda is known for decades. I haul my fishing boat every weekend and have had no issues. Ride is smooth and it is great to take camping with the in-bed-trunk. The back seats are very roomy.

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  The FIT id Fantastic - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ThePhlegm - May 17 - 12:33 pm

  Im 68" and the FIT has more room than any other car or truck Ive owned.

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  excellent - 1999 Honda Civic
  By maxi - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1998 Pontiac sunfire, which I had problems with, and at eight months old I tried to get rid of it and Hawley Pontiac would not even look at it because I did not want another Pontiac vehicle. I walked accross the street and bought my Honda Civic, 1999, I have had it for three years and have not had one problem. I love it and would buy any Honda again--Maxi

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  Odyssey 2001 Excellent Family Vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Anthony Mormino - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Tons of space, extremely reliable, easy to drive and configure, third row disappearing seat is incredible. Lots of power in the V-6 engine.

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  Best Odyssey ever made - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By honda - May 17 - 10:00 am

  To all dodge/chrysler fans...I bought a dodge caravan and engine blew up on me after only a week, so I trade in for a HONDA. I LOVE this van expecially the auto sliding doors, the rear seats (very clever), cass/cd player, vtec power (240), extremely advanced technology wise.

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  Best minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bjportland - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best purchase I have ever made. I would like to recommend it to any misnivan prospectives.

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  Typical Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LouTam - May 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Just got it, but already know it is well made and built to last. All the little things seem to come together just right, the car feels solid, has an excellent turning radius and does not seem "truck-like".