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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  Just buy it - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By larry - May 20 - 1:46 pm

  I have owned my ridgeline for a week now. LOVE IT. I was looking at buying a Toyota fj cruiser. On the ridgeline the back windows go down. Though I cannot climb a mountain, The ridgeline gave me the comfort I was looking for with a lot of features I would not have with the fj cruiser. Same towing capacity the same mileage, with a lot more comfort and class.

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  New CR-V after 2500 miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By asapguy - May 20 - 1:36 pm

  This is our first Honda, in fact our first car other then one from the "big 3". The CR-V is a real pleasure to drive. It replaced a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 170K miles. As of now the MPGs are at 22 but this is only local driving. The voice recognition system needs some improvement. It rarely gets the command right the 1st time. Im surprised at the amount of road noise inside & this might be a factor with the voice commands. We also have a new 09 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2dr. The Jeep is much quieter & has less road noise at 60MPH. We usually keep a vehicle for 15 yrs or more so I hope itll last. My wife drives the CR-V 90% of the time.

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  Love My Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ssangelljr - May 20 - 4:56 am

  The Civic is a great car to drive. It provides excellent power and handling for a small car. I sell cars for a living and have experienced the "drive" of many cars, but nothing in the class with the Civic even compares.

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  My Wifes Ridgeline RTL. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By James Cameron - May 20 - 4:30 am

  Comfortable, smooth, quiet, and enjoyable ride. Handles extremely easy and drives like a dream for a large vehicle. Everything is right at your finger tips. It appears wider and higher than the SUVs but very easy to drive. We have had Hondas since 1987 buying Accords, Civics and CR-V for ourselves and children because of the safety and reliability of Honda vehicles. Ridgeline is a great addition to the Honda line and has met our needs in an all around vehicle cant wait for the snow.

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  Still tough to beat the Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Tommy B - May 19 - 1:15 pm

  This is our 2nd Ody. The first one, an 03 EX-L, was bullet-proof. Got as much as 26 mpg on the highway. Our new 2009 is even more refined. Much more plush interior, nicer exterior colors and lines. Features like power liftgate and backup camera are super useful. Some complain that their new Ody rides rough. Actually, it reminds me of the driving feel of my Bimmer. You can definitely "feel" the road but its a good refined feeling, not a "rough" feeling. Interior noise about the same as the old one. The one complaint I have is with the Plus-One center seat for the 2nd row. I find it nearly unusable. First, you cant stow it. On earlier models you could, but no longer.

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  my civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By joe - May 19 - 11:03 am

  sharpest new car design on the road, great improvements to an all ready great line

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  Dont knock it till u try it.... - 2007 Honda Element
  By in love w/ a element - May 19 - 10:27 am

  I fell in love with the Element when the very first one came out, with the exception of the panel on the vehicle. In 07 when I saw the SC I fell in love all over again. This car may look like a toaster, but from the inside out it is an exceptional vehicle. I love the room it provides on the inside to how theres no panel on the outside. Ive had my SC since Nov. 06 and still have it today with over 37,000 miles on it and I havent had to this day any problems with my SC, except taking it in for regular maintenance. I feel its one of the best investments ull ever make and u wont regret it one bit. For everyone else whos had problems I think its the driver not the car!

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  Civic exceeds my expectations! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By da_doo_dah_man - May 19 - 9:00 am

  I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for a more gas sufficient car. I was considering getting the Hybrid Civic, but after seeing how the hybrid engine sounded with 3 people inside I decided to go with the Civic LX. I am very happy with the purchase. The LX exceeds my expectations in every way. The only thing that I feel bad about the whole deal is trading in and leaving the old car behind, after so many years together it seems like such a cheap way to go out.

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  Honda did it again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Raphael - May 19 - 1:06 am

  It took Honda engineering a few years to come up with what I call the best truck on the market today. I test drove the Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma and the Nissan Titan and when I drove the Ridgeline I knew that was the one for me.

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  Odyssey Excellent!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Olavanman - May 18 - 10:22 am

  We just love our 2009 Odyssey EX-L with RES. It feels just like our Accord. Drive: The drive is smooth and comfortable. Accelerates well. Comfort: We just love the leather interior, really comfortable seats. One drawback though is - the Steering Wheel should extend out a little farther for a little more comfort. I am 5-6" and sometimes I find it hard to rest my arms on the arm rest and still be able to grip the steering comfortably. Anyone looking at buying the Odyssey should consider this. Interior Design: We just love the design. The fold-away center tray in the first row is a great thing to have. It makes moving from the front to the back so much easier (especially with kids).