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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  Honda Civic SI 2004 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By zanoomac - May 4 - 1:31 am

  What you should know. First the car is a blast to drive. I have driven RSXs, Mazda 3s, and Corollas. The SI is my favorite to drive. It handles well and the rally shifter helps make you feel like you are in control on your car. The SI transmission is touchy so you have to master it but when you do driving it becomes even better. Acceleration is moderate, although when you hit about 40mph then the car goes. Its roomy for a small car, people sit back there and always tell me how comfy and how much leg space is back there. Plus the seats in the back come down for when you want to transport a lot of your junk. And trust me I have done that a lot. All in all a great car almost about to hit 60000.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Element
  By Henry - May 3 - 10:39 pm

  We bought the SC and have gotten lots of compliments about its looks. Its very versatile. Its a lot of fun to drive. It handles great for its shape. It has a great sound system and its a killer tailgating machine. We purchased the legs for the built in table and it works great. Weve put over 10,000 on it and loved every mile.

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  Great SUV!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Suzz1234 - May 3 - 8:40 pm

  I am thrilled with my Pilot. I traded in my BMW X3 and I dont regret the decision for a second. I enjoyed the BMW driving experience but for twenty thousand dollars less, I have a roomy, comfortable, nice to drive SUV. Everyone in the family is able to ride in comfort. This is my second Honda (1987 CRX) and I expect this one to be as reliable as the first.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rooster - May 3 - 4:16 pm

  I went to the dealership to talk them out of their last S2000, however, they were still very proud of it, although it was a brand new 2008 model, and I was trying to purchase it in June 2009. I test drove many vehicles. I had previously owned an RX8 and had already wanted a NA high rev. engine. After I test drove the SI I was sold. Fun to drive, affordable, cheap insurance, great build quality. The car has a great platform to add aftermarket parts at a reasonable price. Maintenance is so much more reasonable than the RX8. Granted, the RX8 is unique and handles like a dream. The Honda is just a great value for the price!

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  Great SUV by Stan - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Great SUV by Stan - May 2 - 11:36 pm

  I put 700 miles on it so far. Mileage has been 16 w/ mostly freeway, but with the air on. Ride is smooth. Not big at all. It has more room in the front two seats than the Expedition. Very quiet inside. Less road noise than some reviews have said. Car wants to go especially when you slow down and then accelerate while in coming out of traffic. Navigation covers 48 states not just a few and its easy to operate. Screen is easy to see too.

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  Glad I bought a mini van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Texdav - May 2 - 4:13 pm

  I was really stuck whether to buy a van. But now I am glad I did. After 10 months it has been a good experience. I was also wondering about the cylinder shutdown feature but never notice it its so smooth. Mileage on a half city half hwy was 21MPG when checked. Havent really found any thing I dont like. Everyone that has driven or rode in it is impressed.

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  Practical but Fun - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - May 2 - 11:20 am

  MPG depends. Oregon uses 10% ethanol. Hwy=26-28. In non ethanol states Hwy=29-31 (moderate hills and 70 mph). My combined average after 3,000 is 25mpg with 70/30 mix. No race car but smooth and responsive. Visibility is actually good (I wondered). Im a single man who is very active. It works great: surfboards on top, bikes fit inside, etc. There is really a lot of room for the MPG. For those who think it is too female, get over yourselves - it is a car that does what you want. I was looking for wagon but US has few / SUVs are too big and inefficient (and many have no inside room). The Subaru is better AWD but smaller with same MPG and this was over $1000 less. Works for me.

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  I love my Ridgeline! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Soundman - May 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 07 Honda Ridgeline used with only 7K miles on it and it was 1 year old from date of purchase. I have driven all wheel drive vehicles before and this is the most all the time sure footed drive I have ever experienced. I couldnt go back to a 2 wheel drive vehicle again. I was driving a new Honda Element and hated it so I traded it for the Ridgeline. If you need a truck every once in a while but like the SUV all wheel drive handling then buy a Ridgeline.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Alex - May 2 - 10:27 am

  Good gas mileage. With K&N Oil Filter and Castrol Syntec getting 35mpg at 70mph on 87 regular gas. At 55-65mph nearly 40 or higher mpg. Like the cluster gauge comparing to the the 2002 Honda Civic Ex or older.

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  HondaLover - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HondaLover - May 1 - 7:55 pm

  Whats not to love about this truck? When you price a Tacoma 4 door and see that you can buy a 4wd Honda, well thats a no brainer. The ride is so much better than a Ford, Toyota, Chev. Its a truck that will last almost forever. Comfortable driving, easy access/egress, transmission is very smooth. Getting groceries and just placing them in the storage container in the bed, have something leak, no problem, just pull the plug and hose it out. I love the way the back seats fold out of the way. There is tons and tons of room for for vacation. Find an antique, no problem. Love to garden, well this truck is like a best friend (never let you down). Bottom line, this is the most truck for the money.