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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  Fits Our Family of 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KeriAnn - February 10 - 2:54 pm

  We were not looking for a Honda. We test drove Town & Country & Grand Caravan. They were too small. We have 2 teens, a preteen & a 5 year old. When looking at vans, I happen to see an Odyssey sitting by a Town & Country. We took it for a spin & loved it. With leather,navi,dvd & more it had all we wanted plus extra storage room. The feel of this van is great and it drives like a dream. This is a 4 year old van, however, it rides and looks like a new van. We love it!

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  Ridge I - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridge - February 10 - 6:29 am

  Great small truck. Great ride. Great interior design and trunk under bed. Needs auto lights and memory seats

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  Rocket Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Brandy - February 9 - 10:51 pm

  I bought this car new and have had it for 5 years now and mainly do city commuting. I love my car---feel like I am sitting in a cockpit when flying down the freeway. Car has startling zip when punching the gas pedal can easily overtake on freeway. Routine maintenance is all I have had to do on this car. I rarely use the back seats. Great trunk space. I can easily shop Costco and Lowes and have carried home 6+ lumber by flipping down seats. My dad calls it my "origami car".

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  GREAT Truck!! Very Happy Again - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy with my Honda - February 9 - 5:23 pm

  This is my second Ridgeline and my son now has one too. We are both very well pleased! I love the Accord like ride. The handling is great on dry roads or in snow. The towing is respectable for a smaller truck. The in bed trunk is something that everyone seems to mention. It is very useful. I can easily put two sets of golf clubs in it. My Ridgeline offers a quiet ride, comfort, and class. I have had other trucks and this one is by far the best. It is the most versatile as it is good at everything and it doesnt take up the whole double side of the garage. I am hoping that Honda does offer the V8 that they are considering for 2012. A little more power would be nice!

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  Completely Rad Vehicle - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Walsta - February 9 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased my Honda used with 130,000 miles on it. I havent had any major problems. My only complaint is the power windows are dying and the parts are very expensive. My Accord had the same issue. The car handles very well even in tight spaces. My turn radius is better than that of my sisters compact car. I use cruise control whenever I can to improve my gas mileage. Visibility is very good in this model. My car seats four adults very comfortably. I wouldnt suggest a fifth person on a long trip because there isnt a head rest for the middle passenger. This car is excellent for road trips and has plenty of storage space and a table! It handles well on and off paved roads (I have 2WD).

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  200k and still strong! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Heather - February 8 - 8:38 pm

  I am a Honda Fan! My 98 Civic has over 200,000 and is still going strong (this is my 2nd, the first was a 1990 with 109K). Shes had a few problems, but who hasnt? The A/C system was replaced when she was 7. I had to replace the odometer cable. When she was 10, the radiator and ignition coil was replaced. Understandable at her age. Overall, she has been a wonderful little car. Fairly zippy, shes not a Porsche, but she gets me onto the freeway with no problems. The interior is completely intact, nothing broken or fallen apart. In the last year (shes now 12) the dash lights for the air system have faded...havent asked the dealer about it. I give the Honda a 10 star rating.

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  A nice upgrade from the old mini-van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kdrew - February 8 - 7:41 pm

  We recently decided to upgrade from the old Windstar so we investigated the few remaining mini-vans out there. We had nothing against the others but it was clear that the Honda Odyssey was best of the bunch. Smartly designed by Honda to take into account features that make life easy. Lots of space, lots of storage, a very nice stereo system. We liked the sunroof option and that the windows in the doors roll down. Smooth ride. Goes when you need it to. While we would prefer another type of car, for a family with multiple children (plus their friends), you cant beat the mini-van. I would suggest this to any family looking. We opted NOT to have the DVD system. If your kids cant deal, then.

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  GoodBye Soccer Mom! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy - February 8 - 5:46 pm

  The 2010 AWD Touring Pilot is a great vehicle. After looking at EVERY 7-8 passenger vehicle on the market, this vehicle not only offered looks, but most importantly the room and comfort we need. It has the Honda quality and value that we want as well. Hondas rock!!!

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gapster - February 8 - 11:34 am

  I love this car! its my 3rd honda...never owned anything else. The one complaint I have about this car is it is terrible in snow! it seems to slip around a lot. Looking into buying some better tires that what it came with. other than that....I have nothing but great things to say about this car!

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  I smile whenever I get behind the wheel - 2009 Honda Element
  By Madison - February 7 - 6:51 pm

  I have been wanting one of these since the first year they came out. I am not disappointed and would have taken the plunge sooner but my 97 Honda Odyssey just would not wear out. I finally passed it on to someone who appreciated it. The Element has it all - my dog agrees. Plenty of space, fun to drive, Honda reliability and goes thru the snow and ice in Wisconsin like youre driving in July. The clamshell doors are kind of a pain in a tight parking lot but you figure it out. The stereo system is great and the satellite radio rocks. I like being able to just take my bike at the end of a ride and roll it into the back end. The floor cleans up from muddy dogs with ease.