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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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ekcjwc - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Grand Cherokees and the Honda Pilot out weighs both of them. The Honda has an extremely smooth ride! The quality of the Pilot is exceptional. In comparison, the Jeeps were the same sticker price and the Honda has more features. Some of the features that the Jeeps did not have are heated seats, DVD, rear air/heat controls, seats for 8, etc. for the same sticker price. Honda gives you a lot for the money. I highly recommend this SUV!

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  Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By coco - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Honda quality. This vehicle drives like a car and is so spacious. This is my first SUV but my 5th Honda. I know why Honda markets it as The Honda of SUVs.

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By flamike772 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, peppy for only 127 Horsepower great styling and excellent interior, I brought this car a couple weeks ago after buying a 2001 4 Door EX and never having a major problem with it for four years. I had a SUV and the price of gas was killing me. I got 34MPG with this cars first tank of gas! This car is fun to drive and looks great, wish I got the door edge guards because of how wide the doors open, but you can fin them aftermarket pretty cheap.

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  The Best Machine On The Road! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By melbourne123 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars on the market. Styling, comfort, saftey, performance, maintnance surpass any competitor on the market. I had a 2003 camry before I bought this accord, there is no comparison. The v6 in the accord is a better performer and has better gas mileage. The accord also has better saftey ratings than the accord. Great overall car. I have already put 13,000 miles on the car and havent had one problem.

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  Getting Better All The Time - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Mike P - November 10 - 8:30 pm

  Ive had my Fit Sport for 2 months now, and Im enjoying it more than ever. I bought it as an inexpensive commuter car to use as an alternative to my gas-hungry Landrover. What I didnt expect was the fun factor. I love it.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By sullivana6395 - November 10 - 1:56 pm

  I really enjoy this car it is great! The performance is wonderful. It is a beauty inside and out.

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  Good Choice - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richie - November 10 - 11:07 am

  We were looking for a versatile vehicle, the Ridgeline RTS fits the bill perfectly. We didnt need a work horse like a Ford 150 or GMC mule. I dont need to run off road over rocks and through rivers. The Ridgeline is very comfortable, quiet and the styling does turn heads. Getting 17 in the city and have seen 22.8 on the highway. Use cruise control for best mileage. I enjoy having a good handling vehicle for hauling those lighter loads and towing my 20 boat If you are a not in need of a big truck and want reasonable utility, this is your vehicle. Take it from me, you wont be sorry.

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  Good Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tim d - November 9 - 11:32 pm

  My wife had one of these for her first new car. Very reliable, easy to maintain and drive. Mileage was 30MPG combined, which was exceptional. A few minor problems: clutch start interlock switch (fixed myself) and a/c condenser kept getting stopped up with leaves and spilling water on floor (dealer wanted $200 to install a screen to keep this from happening). Fairly fun to drive and reasonably fast for a basic car. We had the coupe, but should have spent the money on the sedan so we could get more use out of it after we had kids.

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  Nice little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By steverk - November 9 - 8:20 pm

  We purchased our new 2008 Honda SUV after the old Grand Marquis bit the dust. Its a great vehicle! Although rougher than a sedan, the ride is decent and the gas mileage has been good (23 mpg in town). The navigation leaves a lot to be desired. It comes up with the worst routings! The voice recognition is more pain than gain. However, the built in back up camera is helpful. Interior is comfortable a good quality. This is the fully loaded model, so I expected a few more bells and whistles (lighted vanity mirrors, automatic headlights, automatic day/night mirrors) but most of what is has works well and is well thought out.

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  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RMartinez717 - November 9 - 5:53 pm

  Well I had my 2003 Honda civic for about 4 or 5 months now and I have to say I am very glad I decided to go with a Honda for my first car. Not only is it dependable and of a high quality, its not overpriced and has great fuel economy so I could do what I love best and drive wherever I please without constant stops to the gas pump. I look forward to driving my car ever time its tons of fun and sporty! And Ive only had to do an oil change, new air filters and spark plugs since I got it cuz I dont know how the other owner took care of the car but so far seems he did ok.