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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  My 2004 Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Shree Hatton - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2004 Element. Every time I get in to it, I smile. Everyone is asking me about it.

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  My Honda! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Baybkakes101 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  i lovvvveee my new car! As a teenager, its the perfect size for me and a few of my friends!

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  Nice Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By drowe - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car, quite peppy, holds the road quite nicely. Outside styling a bit odd (that is why I bought it!. More european vice Japanese. Built in England, but with Japanese quality. My only real gripe so far is the cars interior scratches real easy and the seat material should have been all cloth vice the mesh material used. I drive it daily as my work car and it does great. When I put the wife and kids in, we still zip right along, but prefer to drive with them in the Honda Odyssey. This is my car!

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  Honda Heaven - 2004 Honda Accord
  By slick six - July 25 - 10:00 am

  More than you expect for the investment. Strong dealer support.

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  What a great vehicle! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TruckStir - July 25 - 2:50 am

  The Ridgeline is the perfect all- purpose vehicle. It was designed, engineered, and built to be versatile and it lives up to its intent. I was skeptical until I test drove all of its competitors and the Ridgeline on the same day. One stood so far out from the rest that I bought one the next day. It was the Ridgeline.

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  Lovely, cute - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Baltz K - July 24 - 4:06 am

  I talked my wife into getting a 4 door Civic for convenience, as she is hauling two grand children. (She was driving an 01 Sunfire GT). We went to the dealer to test drive it. But then, she spotted the 2 door. It was all over. Convenience no longer mattered. She loves it! "It is hugging me" she feels. The salesman also pointed out that it has the big 350W stereo (4 door EX models only have 140W). That was it! Final!

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  Love our Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Pilot Owner - July 23 - 7:09 pm

  We bought our 2016 Honda Pilot EX with Honda Sensing in November of 2015, so we have had it for a year now. So far so good - no problems whatsoever. We owned a 2004 Honda Pilot prior to the 2016, and had no problems with that vehicle either. We feel that the 2016 is quieter and more comfortable than the 2004. We make good use of the versatility of the 2nd & 3rd row seats: most of the time we keep the 3rd row seat folded down to allow hauling of luggage and other stuff to our vacation cottage, or for those stock-up trips to the local warehouse store. Often we fold the second row seats down too for added hauling space. We have also had 7 adults in this vehicle on several occasions with all the seats in the upright positions. That worked out just fine too. Everyone who has ridden in this Pilot loves it. They remark about how quiet and comfortable the ride is. The Honda Sensing allowed for an additonal discount on the vehicle insurance too. We apprecciate the lane keeper warning, and the comfort in knowing that there is collision avoidance for the front, although that has not ever deployed. We are very happy with this Pilot.

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  New 09 Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Becca - July 23 - 1:36 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about two weeks now. It truly is a "BIG" little car. Amazing how much room is inside and how zippy it is. I think it cools really well in hot sun. I am also pleasantly surprised because Im getting right around 35 mpg - and that is mainly city driving (75%). Im very pleased so far with this vehicle and would recommend it to anybody.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MNRod54 - July 22 - 10:10 pm

  First Honda I have owned but my 2 sons have both driven hondas. They were right about the seats, they are some of the most comfortable I have ever had in a vehicle. Almost 3000 miles so far and have averaged 30+mpg every tank. Its real hard to keep the revs under 6000. When you reach that point its almost like a turbo kicking in. Sticks to the road and takes the curves like a race car. Love to push this thing around the twists. Firm ride but not choppy, great sound system, it really rocks. I had the aero kit installed and it looks great super sporty in ralleye red. Nothing but compliments on the looks. Overall a great combination of performance and economy.

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  Love My Car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By LeahInLaguna - July 21 - 11:06 pm

  The last time I filled my Jeep it cost me $74, and vowed the following weekend to get rid of it. I wanted a Honda Civic, but after driving that and the Fit I was hooked on the Fit! This is an amazing big car stuck in a little car body. The outside appears to be so compact yet once inside there is so much room its unbelievable. I am happy with aspect of this car so far. The cargo capacity is huge and the comfort is whats expected of a small car, so not bad at all. The ability to maintain in traffic is there, I have no trouble with acceleration or braking; I am so pleased with the performance I sometimes forget I am driving a compact car! I would recommend to anybody with kids and pets!