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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  Glad I got one - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken young - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  Still like the truck get to blend in with everyday pickup trucks , when people notice it they come up talk to you about it

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  One of the best in class - 2008 Honda Civic
  By g - October 29 - 5:26 pm

  I love this car. I love it when the engine hits the 6000- 8200 rpm. It makes me want to Pound it everywhere I go, and I still get 24 mpg. The transmission is smooth. Some people complain about third gear but I havent had any problems. I would like to have more power, but who doesnt. The one thing about this car you have to be in the right gear to get the most out of the engine. Not a perfect car but very fun to drive.

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  Honda 2016 ex-l - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Js - October 29 - 2:18 pm

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  Worth EVERY Penny - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jeffandheather123 - October 29 - 9:06 am

  Great lease special, comfortable ride, enough power to get by, although Id like a little more, great gas mileage, unbeatable deal considering no one else makes a coupe (nissan, toyota) to directly compete with this. For those who are looking for more features, the EX-L is a great car, a little pricey but excellent value.

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  #1 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed L. - October 29 - 6:53 am

  This truck has been so much fun and works great on the sand as well on the pavement. If youre looking for a truck with pizzazz and durability the Ridgeline is the answer!

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  I love it - 1999 Honda Passport
  By cav - October 28 - 6:47 pm

  I really like it for being a foreign car. I have heard nothing but the best about Honda so I bought one. Its great except I dont like how they go through a quart of oil per month that bugs me. I have tried my hardest to get it stuck but that 4x4 low comes through every time. Im excited for the snow - see if I cant get stuck in that.

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  2009 Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By beth - October 28 - 8:20 am

  Because I lease a new car every 3 years and because I research everything there is to know about a car, I can honestly say that this is one of the best SUVs on the market today. The ride is great and it is comfortable enough for a 64" 250 lb. guy. It holds the family and everything you want to haul and its residual value is far greater than its competitors.

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  Happy with Honda! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By happyhonda - October 28 - 7:24 am

  This is our second Pilot, our first was a 2004 EX and we loved that pilot! So we have comparison experience! First of all this is our 5th Honda in 10 years and have never had an issue out of some small recalls. This new pilot drives and is more comfortable than our 04. For an LX model it comes loaded with features. The power is OK but my wife drives it mainly so she thinks its good enough. The seats are more supportive and comfortable. The steering is tighter without that small dead spot that the 04 seemed to have.

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  An ex Ford Taurus Owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Steve48 - October 28 - 3:23 am

  A traveling salesman by trade, my first Honda Accord has been a very good purchase. This review should touch on my previous experience buying Ford Taurus as the previous cars uded for the last ten years. All I can say after many painful years buying and fixing Ford products I can not believe it took me so long so finally buy the Honda. I just hit 100,000 miles on my 2003 Accord Lx with no trouble what so ever. I performed the standard maintenance items and drove the car this long with no troulble what so ever. If this was my last two years typically I would get maybe 36 to 40 thousand miles before serious trouble with Transmissions or electric problems would occur. I will buy another Accord

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  Good quality car in its class - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jjyjj - October 28 - 2:00 am

  In general, after little over 5 years of purchase, Im very satisfied with this car. The engine power is still there with no problems at all. Noises while driving is almost same as when first purchased. I was going to trade- in for another car when paid-off, but I decided to keep it for another couple of more years, then trade-in with another Honda or Acura.