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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  awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Brady - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the best suv in the world

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  the 2004 handa accord sedan ex/l - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Oneil - February 1 - 4:26 am

  this vehicle handles superbly and its acceleration is fantastic even though i have a 4 cylinder engine accord.The interior is more spacious than the earlier model i had

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  Great Fun and Great Value! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dap2006 - February 1 - 1:23 am

  I absolutely love this car! It zips around without noticeable effort, the suspension is tight but not jarring, and the steering is precise - what fun to drive! Honda made exception use of all available space and used high quality materials. I never feel like Im in an inexpensive box sacrificing comfort for economy - its small but not cheaply built, and Im fairly large @ 6 and 215 lbs. The headroom is incredible and the seats are just right. Throw in Honda reliability (Ive had several and also own an Acura TL) and you have an incredible car - it just happens to be small. What a blast!

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  2014 528 XI replaced with Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike Cole - January 31 - 2:40 pm

  This RTL-E is amazing, replaced my BMW 528 XI with this truck. So much more comfortable and user friendly. Apple Car Play makes up for the cartoonish Navi, if you can afford the extra $2K step up to the RTL-E you wont be disappointed. In bed sound system seemed like a gimmick but sounds great.

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  Love This Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By likegolf2007 - January 30 - 11:53 pm

  This is my 5th Honda product and they keep getting better. I just traded an 06 Accord for this 09. It is much better - bigger, more horsepower, and quieter. Love this car and would buy another.

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  I LOVE MY MISS ELLIE - 2004 Honda Element
  By R. JACQUELYN - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE TO DRIVE HER!! MY HUSBAND LOVES TO DRIVE HER TOO!!! SHE IS GREAT TO GO ON TRIPS IN!! SHE IS THE BEST!!!

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  My New Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TIS74 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow! I absolutely LOVE it! Fun. Sporty. Affordable. Safe. Efficient. Just a great car. So glad I bought it!

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  Best Car for $20,000 - 2005 Honda Element
  By jim - January 30 - 9:36 am

  The Element is fun to drive and has a lot of excellent features for a cheaper car. Its not quite a real SUV but its not quite a car either but it has many of the best and qualities of both. You would be hard pressed to find a car in this price range that has its cargo space, utility, and built in features. Plus it has a lot more character than the CR-V, a Civic, or a Caravan. This wagon is great if youre looking for a versatile vehicle but understand that for this price it wont have everything: as a car it has mediocre gas mileage (but if youre used to driving a bigger SUV - then you will probably love the gas mileage), and a somewhat rough ride.

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  Glad I bought a Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JohnMcA - January 30 - 7:43 am

  What a perfect vehicle. It handles so well, has get-up-and-go, has room for everything and is fun to drive. Honda did a great job. Considering it the first model year it sure is well thought out. I used to drive a 93 Accord DX coupe. What a step up in every way, except gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle. Im really picky too.

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  Most bang for your buck! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lou - January 30 - 7:43 am

  I evaluated the Toyota and Scion models prior to purchasing the Honda Civic. In the end, it was the build quality and my previous knowledge of Honda reliablity (and a great deal of homework and test driving) that resulted in this Honda sale. I enjoy the peppy drive of the manual transmission and the gas mileage is great (so far, 31mpg in mixed driving). If you read this, stop, and go buy one, you will not regret it! It is truly the biggest small car you will ever find.