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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  So far everything is as I wanted in a vehicle. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Norbert Lague - October 21 - 2:23 am

  This is my second Honda Ridgeline and so far I would highly recommend the vehicle. There is just one more issue that I have to resolve with the dealership but do not expect any problems as they have been great so far.

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  Disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ian - October 21 - 12:10 am

  This is my 1st Honda. I have been disappointed with some aspects of the car. 1.) Hwy fuel economy was a boasted 42 mpg. I have eked out 35.5 mpg with a tail wind, egg shell under the throttle, not exceeding 100 km/h. You start driving with a heavy foot and the hwy numbers fall into the 27-28 mpg range. 2.) No shiftronic/manumatic mode. This is a nice feature for sporty driving and saving wear and tear on your brakes, Honda does not offer it on the 08 Accord. I had a 2007 Altima V6 for a few months and it was faster, more fun to drive and smoother than the Accord. 3.) no cargo nets in the trunk? 4.) A/C stopped working due to Puron leak other minor quality problems need work.

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  My beach buggy - 2005 Honda Element
  By Donald Wildes - October 20 - 6:43 pm

  Great beach vehicle and for going antiquing. Plenty of room and love the adjustable back seat configurations.

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  Me and my wifes ody 08 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By me and my wifes ody - October 20 - 11:33 am

  The transmissions seems to seek when driving around town. It seems to like quicker takes offs rather than driving like granny would. The steering wheel shakes when turning around in parking lot speeds. Say turning a corner and the wheel begins to unravel. Like the 4wheel independent suspension. AC is not up to par when in slow traffic. Much better when going down the road.

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  I love my Natzi Mobile - 2004 Honda Element
  By baran-arndt - October 19 - 10:00 am

  exactly what I need!

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  Great Car... - 2004 Honda Element
  By JoeSchmoe123 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  No complaints. One thing I would change is an increase in MPG, but it is better than most other SUVs.

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy Holland - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Have purchased many cars and this is the best service I have ever received. the people are friendly, helpful and prompt with service.

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  Leased an Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By caves - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I needed a minivan and decided the Honda leasing deal for this model was cost-effective. This is my first Honda. I owned a Ford Windstar. After using this van for 15 days I had noticed some things I find strange for a six year old design. The quality of the interior materials look good, but is hard and not padded. The interior of my Mits. was padded. The armrests on the doors are hard. The dash hood is not lined up with the steering wheel and the sun produces a lot of glare on panel gauges. The speaker covers rattle at moderate volume levels and the vehicle has a lot of road noise

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  Very Happy With My Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Truiz - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Pilot. I looked and reviewed plenty of SUVs. And I ended up very satisfied. For the price it cant be beat. Fuel economy with beat out many of the big boys out there. The rear seat is big and comfortable for adults. Need to go shopping? This is your ride. Long Trip? This is your ride. The only problem that I had was the audio system. But Circuit city took care of that for a few hundred bucks.

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  accord coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By pmsturgill - October 19 - 10:00 am

  where do i begin, this is the best car i have ever owned, the only thing i can complain about is the tail end looks strange without a spoiler and the 4cyl wheels are some of the ugliest wheels i have ever seen. the car drives amazing hugs the turns, i like the hydraulic clutch but could stand a performance upgrade. this thing is pretty zippy and good speed for a 4cyl. all i have done is put a cold air intake on it (it was free) and general maintnence recommended car.