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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  WOW - What a first impression - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bblh627 - June 6 - 11:10 pm

  I have only owned my Ridgeline for a couple of days, but what a couple of days it has been. I was not sure I liked the looks of the truck when I first saw it. But after comparing and reviewing other models and trucks I decided to take one for a test drive. I was hooked as soon as I started to drive. The cabin inside is luxiourious, comfortable, and well thought out. Storage space is close to overwhelming with the coolest center console I have ever seen. The truck truly drives like a fine tuned machine with no shacks, shimmies, or jolts: I think it rides better than my Accord EX I just traded in. The power is good and strong and will not leave standing at a stop light. I love my truck

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  Great Car for the Price - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Michelle - June 6 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle under the asking price so I got a great deal. I love this vehicle. I do not miss anything by getting the LX model. The base model for the Pilot has everything I need and want in a car. We test drove other SUVs but nothing compares to this for the price and for all the standard options.

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  Fit for a King... a Queen, and 2 dogs - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Chirsg619 - June 6 - 11:20 am

  When we went looking for a car, we had never heard a Fit much less saw of one. After having seen one, my wife said "It looks like if got punched in the nose." Needless to say, we were less than impressed; at first. Once we saw the type of room inside, you can fit an Alpaca for Gods sake, we were intrigued. After the test drive, it was time to do some online research. A week later, we drove home in our new little buddy. I parked my Mazda RX-8 in the garage and was able to pay for the Fit with gas savings alone. After 6 months, we already have 20,000+ miles on it and it still runs like a champ. The only issue was a dent received in a parking lot and a cracked windshield. We love it!

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  Bubba STILL Loves This Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bubbalovesthiscar - June 5 - 9:23 am

  Its been several months since I first purchased this car and wrote my first review (4/3/10 original). Ive got nearly 7000 miles on the car. I hate when Im NOT driving it. I cant help it. Its a fun car to drive and its still turning heads (believe me: It aint ME theyre looking at!). Its the perfect combination of style, class, performance, and usefulness.

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  Really Nice Car!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By razorman04 - June 5 - 5:17 am

  Ok Im a Honda and fan and Ive owned several Accords over the years. This 2016 Accord Touring is the best most sophisticated Accord yet! I really love everything about the car EXCEPT the interior room. Im 65 and this model has the least headroom I believe ever. Im tall but very lean and I feel tight and a bit cramped when I drive. My 2009 Accord V6 was way roomier and I sat far more comfortably. People complained that model was too big but I loved it. I still love this car and highly recommend it except for really tall people like me.

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  The Pilot works just fine!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Atlanta Pilot - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Got my new LX Christmas eve. Quality Honda product. Loads of room and very easy to fold seats down. Mileage is about 21 on the highway. Interior styling is spacious... has lots of console room with storage space. It does drive big but the Pilot is a big vehicle. The engine is very quiet.

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  Worth the money - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ArtC - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is going to be bias since it is my 11th Honda. Why not when the reliability is so good and resale near 50% after five years. The NAV system is awesome, very user friendly. This is my wifes car and she insisted on a standard so had to wait a couple months. Traded in a V-6 Accord. She let me take it today while she drove the Oydessy. Amazed at the power of a 4 cylinder and how smooth it is. The Acura TL would have been nice, but couldnt justify the cost. Bought the car from Bruce in fleet at Honda Cars of Mesa. Call act to deal with, couldnt say enough about him except...fifth Honda Ive bought from him.

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  best value in family sedans - 2004 Honda Accord
  By saavr - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Finally after two months of reviewing (like a fanatic) every family sedan on the market, I bought the EX 6 cylinder Accord. Great value compared to Camry, Taurus and Mazda 6. Major complaint is that the suspension is very rigid and you feel every bump on the road. exceptional interior and exterior design compared to the mid sized mid priced competition.

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  Upgrade from 2007 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JOHN - June 4 - 9:53 pm

  Finally handed down our 07 to one of our kids. What can I say other than a huge improvement in tech, drivability, fuel economy, performance. Turbo and cvt are a great combo. Highly recommend it.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 1991 Honda Accord
  By lstpierr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Well, what can you say, 11 years later, and just about drives like the day it came off the lot. Peppy for a 4cyl, handles great, just totally reliable. I had to replace a valve 110k in, it now has 130k and still going strong. As you can see by others in this column, its still a baby. It still has an excellent exterior as well, no rust, paint job still holding up, very stylish, just love the car!!!