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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  great for me - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Pete - December 4 - 6:16 pm

  So far so great. This truck is everything I hoped it would be. I got it after having driven a Jaguar for a number of years. I wanted something comfortable, practical, fun, good looking and capable of handling my move to the mountains. I needed a truck that I could enjoy as both a vehicle for regular use and that could handle weekend warrior stuff. I ride a motorcycle so I wanted something that could tow my bike when needed.The Ridgeline had it all. I have had the truck for just a week so there is a lot to learn. I love it so far

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  IT GOT MY ATTENTION - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Emspirit - December 4 - 12:08 pm

  If you havent been inside the new Pilot, then I suggest you give it a try. This thing is in a different ballpark than the pre 2009 designed Pilot. Heres the thing with the Pilot. We looked at a ton of crossovers, we have 3 smallish kids and when youre looking for room, utility, comfort, a truck feel with a car-like drive, this is it. Take the Mazda CX-9 for example. We climbed all over it but, in the end it was a car pretending to be a utility vehicle. Same with the Ford Flex. The Pilot feels like a truck but drives like a car. When we sat in the Pilot it felt huge. We traded in our Honda Odyssey and feel at home in the Pilot. Im thrilled with it so far.

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  CR-V EX 4WD - Japan built model - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GKUCHER - December 4 - 10:13 am

  I have not test driven too many cars, but this one was perfect. It has all the features we wanted, except for the ones I listed below. Seriously - we got this car knowing that I would miss automatic on/off headlights, knowing that it would be a little nosier than my previous car. There is just no one else who can deliver better designed and more attractive small SUV! (Ill also miss a bigger storage area between front seats, but I guess its available on the EX-L model).

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  Bang for the BUCK!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Febrezee - December 4 - 10:00 am

  The Honda S2000 out hanldes everything in its price class and Is and absolute dream to drive top down!!! -JB-

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  SI LOVERS - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SDC R21 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR, THE HANDLING THE SHIFTER, JSUT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE HAS COMMENTED ON IT... ITS A NEW FEEL AND NEW LOOK. THE SEATS HOLD ME IN PLACE WHEN IM FLYING THROUGH THE TURNS. ONLY THING I DONT LIKE IS THE TIRES, THEY CHIRP IN 2ND AND THE WHEELS NEED TO BE A BIT BIGGER. I DID HAVE ONE PROBLEM THE MOONROOF LEAKED.. HAD TO BRING IT BACK...BUT THEY DID THAT QUICK AND GOT IT BACK TO ME

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  I am so Happy!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tfulton2 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had any problems with my car. I love the way it drives, the only thing I miss is having more cubby holes to put my stuff. The sound system is great. It would be nice to have more than one intermittent speed on the wipers.

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  great car, feels like luxury - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sliggettcreel - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great. THe handling and performance is that of a BMW or lexus type. I have an 2001 accord also and the difference is tremendous. The interior is sleek and nice with the gray leather. The navigation system is also very nice. The only drawback is for my self who is 64" 300lbs the front driver seat become uncomfortable in the mid back area and requires some readjustment regularly. This is not a problem for my 57" 120lb wife. Great car which make you feel you are driving a 35K vehical for great price.

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  Havin Fun Now! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By brann - December 4 - 10:00 am

  For the money, its a solid "10". I have a very small problem with "window trim bubbles" and will ask Honda dealer to fix. People cannot believe its a Honda. A few asked if I paid less than $35,000. The people that stare the most are those that purchased last years model.

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  One to buy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wbe - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a awesome car with a bargain price. Handles great with exceptional ride quality and corners like a sports car. Great 2.4 VTEC engine that has adequate power for any driving condition. The 5A transmission matches nicely with this engine.

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  We love our car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Scott and Laurie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2003 Honda Accord to replace our 1991 Accord. Its much nicer than the Camry which we also considered. Several reviews have not liked the road feel, but I really like it. You can feel the road, but the suspension is tight and handles the bumps very well. Its way too nice of a car for it being our commute car, but I really enjoy driving to and from work now! I would definitely recommend the EX-L version to anyone considering an Accord purchase - the extras are well worth it.