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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  The Best SUV EVER! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By thenewguyrulez - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV ever. I knew Honda would come out with this soon. I am very happy with the SUV. There is no problems at all. I would buy it if i were you.

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  excellent mid-size suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 0115agata - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the paid price (exact MSRP+destination fee). The powerfull 3.5/6 cyl VTEC engine with well- designed 5-gear AT provides great acceleration at every speed. Superior stability during rapid turns due to a wide span of the wheel base and very rigid chassis. Spacious interior will satisfy the needs of sport-oriented family with a bunch of kids.

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  2000 accord lx 4dr - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Zooppee - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda

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  LOVE MY HONDA! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kate - August 23 - 10:00 am

  this is the third Honda I have owned and the first Accord. The seating is VERY comfortable and stylish and the exterior is classy looking. Even though everyone and their brother owns one, its easy to see why. Just a great, dependable car all around and inexpensive compared to some competing, less reliable models.

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  LOVE MY HONDA! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Kate - August 23 - 10:00 am

  this is the third Honda I have owned and the first Accord. The seating is VERY comfortable and stylish and the exterior is classy looking. Even though everyone and their brother owns one, its easy to see why. Just a great, dependable car all around and inexpensive compared to some competing, less reliable models.

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  RTS GREAT DEAL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTS OB - August 23 - 6:00 am

  This truck handles like a dream. It is the only truck Ive driven that drives and rides like a very well made suv. It reminds me of a BMW suv without the price tag and the unreliability. I have managed 18 mpg.

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  Grand car for all - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Nic - August 22 - 11:00 am

  Couldnt decide if I wanted the Audi A5 or this the price was holding me back but I figured I would let the car sell itself I am young at 22 and need a car that can fit my needs and is practical without breaking the bank. The Honda Accord is just this it is very impressive and sleek. I recommend this car to anyone around my age. The coupe that is. Read the safety reports received perfect for front side impact that is something that is very important to me.

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  I wanna throw a Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve - August 21 - 3:03 am

  I had to drive my new Fit 1100 miles home from where I bought it. EPA said 38mpg hwy and it achieved 44mpg on one leg of the trip. On hilly sections it got as low as 36mpg. City mpg does stink though. If the AC is on, itll dip into the 27mpg range with ease. My only beef with the car is the AC system. The day I bought the car I had to shell out $200.00 to have it tinted as dark as was legal and it is still hot as hades driving it. The second the AC system cycles off, you can tell it and it almost blows hot air at you. To describe it; just like you cracked the window on a 95+ degree day. It stays on 4 to drive comfortably. Overall, the car is awesome.

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  Great Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Alan - August 20 - 1:13 am

  This is my first Honda and I got it loaded. I have 4800 miles at this writing and I get 34.1 mpg on freeway at 65 mph, and my commute to work speed of 32 mph around town nets me 24.6 mpg. Nice interior and roomy trunk however back seat is two adults only. Acceleration is good both off line and mid speed for passing. Dont waste your money on the iPod link, it does not work worth a darn and my dealership had little experience with it. Had to take it back twice just to get the main unit to see the iPod and forget searching for your favorite album or artist they cant make it work right. Stereo is decent but could be better. The ride is firm but sporty.

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  fun and functional - 2004 Honda Element
  By larry west - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for my business. It has become my "drive everywhere" car. My friends love it. We take road trips and we all feel relaxed. Because of the massive leg room and because the back seats recline, the passsengers in the back seats are just as comfortable as the front seat passengers.