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:

• 

  The BEST truck I have ever owned! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dynamiq - February 10 - 3:22 pm

  This truck is almost perfect! It would be nice if it got better gas mileage, but then it wouldnt have that awesome torque! I have pulled multiple cars and trucks out of the ditch (in snow), I have hauled a 26 foot camper over the mountains on a 5 hour trip, a 21 foot boat for 3 hours... all no problem for the RL! The performance in snow and ice is the BEST I have experienced! I have owned 4 Ford F-150s and 1 GMC Sierra and none of them performed this well in the snow (or mud). It is so well- designed and well-balanced that I dont think any truck can compete for overall performance. I have owned for 2.5 years and I have not had to have anything fixed! This is truly a great truck!

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Heliotrite - February 10 - 1:12 pm

  I bought the CRV for my wife replacing a Jeep Grand Cherokee and could not be happier. It offers the perfect compromise between having the size and safety of an SUV with the better fuel economy closer to a car. The fit and finish is excellent and after 30,000 miles I have not experienced one problem. I have taken numerous long trips in the CRV with my wife and two children and there is plenty of room for us and our luggage. The navigation system is very easy to use and much better than my 2008 Highlander.

• 

  Excellent buy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Shelly - February 10 - 6:50 am

  Ive owned my Civic for about a month and am extremely satisfied with my purchase. I test drove a Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but the Civic was a better sized car for me and still has the features I love.

• 

  hsnrl - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hsnrl - February 10 - 4:33 am

  No problems, very quiet and comfortable, good gas mileage,

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Tito - February 9 - 5:14 pm

  I drove this car for three years before I traded for a Honda Civic 2008. Worst decision I ever made. I wish I have my car back. The Civic 2005 is an excellent car, I never had a problem with it.

• 

  Love It! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cardsinstl27 - February 9 - 12:06 pm

  Responsive, Sporty, quick, reliable, and reasonably priced. What more could u need?

• 

  The best SUV available for the money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Kenny Dodson - February 8 - 10:10 pm

  It was between the Pilot, the Lexus RX 330, and the Ford Explorer. I chose the Pilot because it offered everything I needed and it still stay within my budget. Its been two months and I know now that I made the correct choice.

• 

  Definitely would recommend Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sherraypa - February 8 - 8:50 pm

  Car rides smoothly and is very stylish, I drive about an hr to go to work and dont use much fuel. Its very economical and cost effective. 4dr sedan is roomy and comfortable. Its a must see for single guys and gals like me or small families!

• 

  Sleeper sedan - 2nd review - 2007 Honda Accord
  By maxdriver - February 8 - 6:24 pm

  This is my second review. I now have 31k miles on my Accord. This has been an outstanding value for me. I do about 20K business miles per year in the Accord. If I am not in a rush, I try to cruise at 65 MPH on the highway and when I do, I get about 32 mpg. The car has been totally without problems so far. All Ive done for maintenance is oil changes. Third gear is a minor irritation, as it will pop out of gear when the car is cold and Im not careful with the shift action. The engine is a work of art, with a high redline and plenty of torque! I added an iPod connection and fog lights to the original package. TL sway bars and auto dimming mirror are next. Great car!

• 

  Exceptional vehicle - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Aaron - February 8 - 4:26 pm

  I have been very pleased with the quality and performance. I average about 35 mpg in a normal weeks driving on the interstate and in town. I do tend to drive a little faster than most people. I have got up to 41mpg while driving an average speed of 73 mph for over 500 miles but I was heading towards the midwest from the rocky mountains. A lot of compliments on the cars outside looks and inside looks. Everyone loves the navigation and I would not purchase another car without it. I am 63"215lbs and find plenty of room in this car. I dont think that I would be much bigger and drive this car though. I do not like the ipod hookup becuase it does not display song title or does not play all songs