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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  EX-trordinary - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jrock - October 30 - 4:06 pm

  Great commuter. All controls readily at hand, and move with precision. Efficient use of space throughout cabin. Controls and displays top notch. No problems with build quality (squeaks, rattles-as posted elsewhere). Enjoy the refined engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Have peace of mind that comes with Hondas reputation. Wonderful job by Honda engineers in all facets of design.

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  Finally, not a lemon! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By shallwechat - October 30 - 3:06 pm

  I traded in a 2006 Chevy Equinox with 2600 miles on it for this Pilot. My Equinox was a lemon. So totally different between the two! I am in heaven! I love my Pilot!

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  RIDGE HAS IT ALL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By BOB - October 30 - 2:03 pm

  The Ridgeline RTL is the best all around truck out there. Towing capacity of 5000 pounds and room for five comfortably. The inbed lockable trunk is the best feature, along with a bedliner that comes stock. The interior is plush comfortable leather and the touch screen navigation is the most technologically advanced that I have seen from any factory brand. The RTL model is truly the way to go in my opinion, a wide open moonroof and electric rear sliding window simply top off this design. And above all its a Honda so it will keep its value far far longer than any American truck that you are thinking about. Honda really did it right from the fuel economy to the rugged design.

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  Love my honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By regdawg30 - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new in 1998 and have 70K miles and running. It has enough power and good handling to get me out of trouble. Maintenance has been reasonable and overall it has been the best value for the money. Only complaint is the paint is beginning to spot in couple of places.

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  Element, not just for Gen Y! - 2003 Honda Element
  By 1manparty - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Element for month now, and have loved ever minute! I still get in and smile! This is a very practical vehicle for anyone who has an active lifestyle or lives out of their car! I would not say it is perfect for everyone but for me it works well.

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  2003 Honda Accord EX V6 with leather - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tien Nguyen - October 30 - 10:00 am

  The accord is everything rolled into one. It is fast, fun, and powerful yet dependable and you tend to forget that it is a family sedan. Sure if I had more money I would buy a Lexus, Mercedes, or Jaguar; but for the price the accord is a bargain over the camry, maxima, and passat.

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  Good solid car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hchopra - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I got the dealer installed AC and got a pretty good deal out of it. I have noticed the stiff suspension on the DX but havent driven the LX to compare it with. There is a little more road noise as compared to our 99 camry. The 4 cylinder is powerful enough for this car but after 9000 miles i have noticed the growl of the engine getting louder.

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  Best All Round Midsize Sdn - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Protein - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Drove most cars in this class before buying Accord. Conservative exterior, but classy. Roomy interior has superior quality, more cubbyhole room than I know what to do with. Man trans performs better than the AT, smoother than other cars. Solid ride, little body roll in turn/brake. Ride is comfy enough for my wife to like(not an easy task). It has more engine noise than Taurus. Price($18K) is the best for what I want. Sad that a similar Camry cost more than the Taurus I liked. MPG is supreme. Engine performance better than Altima 2.5S (ease/broader range of power). New 4cyl better than previous Accords

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  Oye Lo - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jenifer Garcia - October 30 - 3:05 am

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  Would buy again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bucky Badger - October 29 - 11:03 pm

  I do everything with my ridgeline that I need to like haul yard waste, trips to Home Depot, Highway trips, visits to construction sites AND tow trailers. Its road manners are 1st place for a pickup. While I havent buried it in mud yet;It got an A+ from me during the last few snow storms in Wisconsin. The VSA kept me going staright down the road even on ice (nice) Interior is perfect for tall people. At 6-2 250 I have plenty of room. The front seats are just fine for 4.5hour drives. And the stereo has plenty of clarity and punch (especially with the Ipod link) With towing&hauling I have yet to want more power. I put 600lbs of soil in the back and it handled like there was none.