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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  Love this truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By amy - November 24 - 10:57 pm

  All the best features of a crew cab truck and a station wagon combined. Room for 4 adult passengers, dry cargo area, towing, sheet goods and lumber-friendly bed, dual action tail gate. 58,000 miles in a little over 2 years, its been great.

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  Stop complaining about the seats! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tom in kc - November 24 - 8:10 pm

  Ok....I get it...a few do not like the seats but less attention needs to given to the subject. I always do homework to ensure I will arrive at the best price and get the most value. I shopped Altima, Camry, Maxda6 and obviously the Accord all with 4cyl & automatic. The Altima came in the cheapest with the 6 and the Accord coming in both at $19,800 and last the Camry at $21K. All drove excellent but in the end I bought my first Honda. The LXP is a great value pkg and brings the msrp to $23,225.00. After a dozen domestics in my past I am happy to own a Honda. The car drives great and just got 390 miles on my first tank...driving in around city makes that 21mpg. The car is a pleasure to drive.

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  One Dependable Buddy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Red - November 24 - 12:39 pm

  I drove this model from 1997 to 2007 when I was still in the Philippines, and I tell you, it was such a dependable car that I never had any breakdown at all. I had to sell it because I moved to the US, and recently I bought exactly the same model - and a very much used one with 173,000 miles - and I have been driving it around with no problems at all. My friends asked me why I bought this very old car, and I told them I just trust it. I know every nook and cranny of the car and I believe and trust that it will give me another 100,000 miles and perhaps even more. It is not as exotic as the modern cars now, but it still looks great to me.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By REVELLE - November 24 - 10:36 am

  Perfect for where i live in the winter. Perfect for carrying my dogs good but not great gas milage i have owned 3 crvs and i love them all

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  Wouldnt buy any other kind. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rog - November 24 - 6:19 am

  We bought our 05 Odyssey 4 years ago and have since logged a little over 80,000 miles with it. We love it! Ive always said not to buy the first year of a new model, and there have been issues, like having to replace the front brakes in the first 10,000 miles, and a few recalls, but over all, Im glad we bought this van. It has sufficient power, handles great, and looks good too! I noticed on another review about the need to replace a noisy power steering pump, which Ill have to do as well, because of the noise it makes. Overall, there have been a few minor issues, but I would still get another one. My advice would be to get the extended warranty like we did on a first year model.

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  The Best - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Mitchell - November 23 - 9:47 am

  This is a terrific vehicle. It rides well, handles well, has lots of room and has every feature you need. Reliability is top notch and you cant beat the value.

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  very good car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hondamack - November 23 - 12:00 am

  This is my second honda civic , it is a 2004 si sedan. the buld quality is very good,but it is lacking power, especially when merging onto the highway.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda08 - November 22 - 8:11 pm

  I have owned Dodge Dakota, Ford F-150, and Chevy, none compare to the Ridgeline. This is a great truck it rides great no problems. 247 hp engine plenty of power, very nice.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Grifon - November 22 - 5:41 pm

  We selected the CR-V over the Rav4 and could not be happier. We especially enjoy the build quality, the real-time mileage gauges, and gas mileage. Although the stated highway mileage is 27 MPG, I recently achieved 31 MPG with careful driving management. In spite of the 4 cylinder the CR-V is plenty peppy enough for onramp acceleration. There is plenty of room in the back for our 6Â’ plus sons.

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  A Fine Touring Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fibblefester - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Top notch, though some ergonomic weaknesses.