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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  Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Ridgeline - August 29 - 11:50 am

  This is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned! I have had it 8 months and it is fantastic! I have owned other 4wd vehicles but this one came equipped with everything! The flexibility that comes from having a lockable trunk, comfortable 5 passenger seating and bed built for hauling 4 x 8 sheets of plywood, in addition to having built-in tiedowns, bed lights for loading at night and the power to pull my 20 ft fiberglass boat with extra motor and gear is unique!!! I would definitely recommend this vehicle to my friends!!!

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  05 Accord Hybrid 30 MPG actual - 2005 Honda Accord
  By E. Roeder - August 29 - 10:46 am

  At 3000 miles the mileage is increasing as it gets broken in. Currently is at 30 MPG. Mileage judged by electronics in car and by miles ./. gallons used. Excellent quality. Only downside is rear seats dont fold and slight loss of trunkroom due to Hybrid Battery location. Roomy interior, 255 Horsepower, 30 MPG. The ideal car for me

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  Very, Very Nice!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stevie P - August 29 - 6:13 am

  Just bought this car for my son that is away @ college. He will be driving it around 200 miles each way to and from school about every 3 weeks. This car fit the bill perfectly. He loves it and so does his parents (safety, reliability, economy. Considered the Mazda3 also but the new Civic edged it out. Have added aftermarket wheels and window tint (car is silver) and it looks like an Acura. Very nice looking! Again, very impressed with this car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ralph - August 29 - 2:43 am

  I just purchased my Honda Accord Ex, and it was love at first test drive. I recently had a Nissan Altima, and this is so much more comfortable. The ride is so smooth, and its hard to believe that a 4 cyl engine is under the hood. It is so responsive. I really love the dashboard layout, as all the instruments are so convenient. The controls on the wheel are really nice. This is a lot of car for the dollar. It is the best deal out there. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quality car, at an affordable price.

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  Dontcha Love The Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mellyssee - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car, or thing, whichever you like to call it, runs very smoothly and comfortably. You get a great sound system and there is lots of room for long distance driving. People love to ask why my husband and I bought it because it is so ugly, some call it a spaceship even. My husband and I love to rave about it to those people and tell them how fun it is to drive and we can laugh at the people who stare. They just dont know what theyre missing. Never judge anything by its cover, right?

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jimmy2456 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle!!! Bought this for my wife and Im getting a little jealous because it has exceeded our expectations. Smooth ride with a smooth interior. I would recommend the tan interior if you can get it. For some reason it makes the car look a little richer. Honda Cars of McKinney Texas made us a great deal. Stop in and see Elbony, she will hook you up.

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  We bought two - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crv x2 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I looked for several months as we needed to replace both my wifes car and mine. We had a 97 crv and a 2001 outback station wagon. We ended up with a new 2003 and a new 2004 CRV EX. The 04 has auto door locks on the passenger side, but otherwise is the same. I wanted AWD, good mileage, side air bags, a roof rack, and a nice driving, comfortable car. I think I got it.

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  Exceptional Vehicle V6 Accord EX! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Accord in Marin CA - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all! Totally impressed. The ride, the power, the comfort! Drove the 2004 Acura TL & TSX,BMW 3 series, & the Lexus 330ES. Have owned Nissans and would not buy again. No need to spend 7-10K more to obtain the quality of the 2004 EX Accord in another vehilce unless your ego needs the snob appeal our you are trying to impress the 19 year old valet a your favorite restaurant

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  An awesome vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob49 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2001 Accord EX 4cyl for the 04 EX V6, and can only say that the new Accord is awesome. Ride is a bit stiffer and more sports like. Leather interior is great and XM satelite radio is an excellent system and a good alternative to CDs. Am 64" and there is ample leg room and seats are very supportive. Best feature is the 240 hp V6. It is very smooth, quiet and really responsive. Veh is an excellent value overall.

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  Poor Materials and Build Quality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By grizzleybear98 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Got 800 miles on it. Been to dealer to correct issues. Interior headliner improperly fit and of inferior material; rattles and squeaks in dashboard corrected at least temporarily. Odd noise in steering on return to center (sounds like a plastic tube is untwisting) yet to be corrected. Build quality far below my previous 5 Hondas, particularly on the interior. Strange exhaust noise that dealer says is not a leak; sure sounds like a leak. Several paint flaws in front bumper -- paint budbble became pock marks. Dealer is being helpful as possible, but problems remain. Not like the Honda quality from days of old.