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 Mid Size Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oregonbound - November 24 - 3:06 pm

  This truck seems far larger than it actually is, and is a joy to drive. I have found the gas mileage to be what was expected (too bad) but the quality and drivability of the truck, especially in traffic, is much better than anticipated. A telescopic steering wheel is all that is lacking in the vehicle. Pick-up is quite good, and I love the front wheel drive-AWD system. Storage is great, and it is very comfortable on long drives. The truck is rock solid!!

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  Fits great anywhere - 2009 Honda Fit
  By ragingbull - November 24 - 1:52 pm

  My previous car was a 2000 Saturn and that car gave me decent mileage about 30mpg the fit is getting me 37 combined city and highway. The Saturn got me used to small car driving and Honda just makes me want to drive small cars. I dont drive far to work but the nearest mall is an hour away and thats when all features kick in. Love the ipod interface. Love the Navigation. Love the controls at the wheel. Im 6 1 and I feel that have more than enough space in the front seats. If your looking for the bang for your buck look no futher. If you mind spending an extra 10k look at the Toyota Camary.

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  The Fit is indeed go! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Christian - November 24 - 12:40 pm

  Great vehicle for the price and (in my opinion) competes with vehicles costing much more. Ride is quiet, (given wheel base and vehicle weight) seats are comfortable, available seating and storage space is amazing (given the exterior dimensions) and the car is just plain fun to drive. Automatic is not fast, by any means, but more than adequate for around town driving and highway cruising speeds. Some interior materials are flimsy, but the main gear (AC and radio controls, gauges, dash) is very well put together and solid to the touch. Everything is well laid out and easily accessed from the drivers seat. Overall build quality appears to be excellent. Honda has really done a great job!

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  Fun to drive pocket rocket - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Al R. - November 23 - 11:36 pm

  I enjoy my S2000 to the limit. The seats are as comfortable as any seat could ever be. The power isnt bad at lower RPMs but the car is awesome when revved to 6800 RPMs. Brakes are very good, the car handles like nothing Ive ever driven before. The Prelude was a fun car to drive, but a Prelude could never satisfy anyone that has driven an S2K! The S2Ks mileage is extremely good considering how much power it has and how I end up high revving it fairly often. It has all the power you need to come up any hill in any gear you choose without losing speed.

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  Supercrew Convert - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By R Nuckles - November 23 - 4:00 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline about a month ago while traveling with my family from Cincinnati to San Antonio. My 2001 F- 150 Supercrew 4x4 5.4L with only 79k miles experienced a repeated stalling problem that my dealer at home, and the one I stopped at in Memphis could not diagnose or fix. Being fed up with my second unfixable Ford of the year, I walked 3 blocks down the street to a Honda dealer and purchased my Ridgeline that afternoon. Though I had read its reviews,I was absolutely dumbfounded by how incredible it was to drive, how roomy its interior was. I own a boat, have a wife, 2 sons and 2 dogs and the Honda handles them all as well or better than my F-150, and handles like a touring sedan.

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  2009 Honda RT Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed - November 23 - 9:38 am

  I bought a Ridgeline 3 weeks ago. Have used it for hauling dirt bikes, firewood and took it deer hunting in the woods. This thing does it all for the everyday man. Not for the contractor worker. Runs great, peppy, hugs the road - no lean. First out I did trip displays, got 18.2 - 20.3 mpg. Not bad for 500 miles on it. Compares to mpg on my Chevy silverado. Roomy front and back seats and lots of storage. Love the trunk idea. Works great for locking the chain saw in and other valuables. A good all-around multi-use vehicle for the everyday dad/man.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Trent - November 23 - 7:48 am

  I previously owned a tuned 2003 Ford Mustang GT, but got this Civic because I was driving 70 miles round trip to work everyday. The civic gets great mileage, 35-40mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, Ive had to have the water pump and ac compressor replaced. But that was done under warranty, and other than oil changes, tire rotations and gas, I dont have to spend any money on her. The only downside is that there are some serious blind spots around the C pillars in the back that make it extremely difficult at times to change lanes. I love the two tiered instrument cluster and the Ipod jack. I wish she had more power, but I love the great mileage.

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By big guy - November 22 - 8:00 am

  It just runs great in all weather conditions and is fun to drive and is comfortable

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  The Honda E - 2003 Honda Element
  By DJWAK - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Im a weekend DJ who used to have a mid- size van to lug equipment around. Gas prices were starting to empty my pocket fast,I needed something smaller but everything I looked at that was smaller couldnt even hold enough equipment for a small wedding! I found the Element online one day and I knew that if it was big enough inside, Id end up buying one. Im 44 and this is the first car that I can say I love. It has everything I need.

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  Comfortable, safe, we love it! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Idahomom - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Only a month ago, we went from a mammoth SUV to the Pilot -- great move! So far the Pilot has been fun to drive because its easy to maneuver and it responds well. Visibility is much better than in taller vehicles or air tunnel-designed cars. Inside the Pilot, changing from the third row to more cargo space is a breeze! The optional cargo mat protects the third row and rolls up easily when the third row is in use.