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 it! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kim G - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I would like to just say that my car is awesome! I love to drive it, I save on gas, and its so cool looking. I customized it slightly to fit my personality, but it is one of the best cars Ive ever had.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Baby-G - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. The 160 hp engine is really fun to drive. If you step on the gas this baby goes! No need for the V-6. The XM satelite radio is a great addittion to an already sound car. The heated seats are great and act as great compliments to the comfortable leather. The 6-disc in dash cd player makes a long road trip not seem so bad. I have been a Honda owner for the past 8 years and dont see myself switching anytime soon. Recommend purchase. Hard to beat all the extras you get for this car for the price. Also looked at an Acura TSX, not enough difference in the overall car to allow me to justify spending the extra $.

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  2005 Element EX Standard AWD - 2005 Honda Element
  By elementred - August 29 - 9:20 am

  I expected lower gas mileage with the lower gear ratio on the Standard. BUT, we received higher gas mileage 25- 27mpg. Very peppy engine, Great to take bikes in. Rear seat is more like sitting in a limo. Handles very well.

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  Happy Accord owner - 1997 Honda Accord
  By hnk000 - August 29 - 12:10 am

  Ive had my Accord se since it was a year old/25k miles. It now has 250,000 miles on it. Ive done every maintenance requirement on it. And had only a few problems all things considered. Brought it from la to ca and back. After all this time the only problem I have is the leaks. But after so much wear and tear what else could anyone ask for. A great car. Im attached still after all these years. And it still looks perfect. Word.

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  What a fun little Go Cart - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lesson - August 28 - 10:30 pm

  I traded in my SUV for a car that will get excellent gas mileage and be reliable over the years. I got more than that! This car is great. It is a lot of fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. My friends and family have always owned Hondas and have never been disappointed. I have owned BMWs, Jaguars, Saabs, Land Rover, and Mercedes. This car beats them all in fun factor. I am more satisfied with purchase than all of the others.

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  2008 Ridgeline RTS - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 28 - 3:25 pm

  Truly enjoy this truck! Was looking at a Tacoma, but decided on this for the price and the trunk inside the bed, which justified getting a truck with 2 small children.

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  Proud New "Mini Van" Owner - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Griswalds - August 27 - 8:52 pm

  We are new to the mini van world coming from the large suv gas guzzling world. After 3 months of research and 6 months of ownership, we are very glad of our purchase of the Honda Odyssey. This is truly the vehicle that honestly is the best way to travel with children from ages 7 to 11. The RES is a savior on the highway and the Navi is an argument saver between me and the wife. Fuel mileage is a best of 27.6 on hwy and 19.8 in town. I was hesitant on the PAX tires but a local retailer will sell them for $160/tire. (whew) Recently went on a "Vegas Vacation" to see the in-laws and loved the trip because of this van.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Traveler7 - August 27 - 6:03 pm

  We bought a 2008 EX-L just over 4 months ago and my wife (and I) couldnt be more pleased. We compared this vs. the Toyota Sienna, and while my wife liked the "softer/smoother" freeway ride of the Sienna, the Odyssey handled better than the Sienna when making any turns over 15 MPH. Around-town fuel economy averages about 19 MPG). The big test came last week when our family of 4 took a trip from So. Cal to the Bay Area. The Odyssey was *extremely* comfortable over the entire trip. The kicker was that I calculated that the van got **27.9 MPG** on the freeway. Avg speed: 75 MPH cruise control on when possible A/C on about 80% of the time. The variable-cylinder technology really works well!

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  This RTX truck is fit for a KING! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Elvis Ray - August 27 - 5:08 pm

  I am not your average truck owner. I am an Elvis Impersonator. I carry lots of music and lighting equipment in this truck very often and Everything fits! This RTX handles like a car but feel very safe, quiet and secure. Starts, steers and stops with precision handling. Inside, it will surprise you with its "Roomy" feeling. All controls are within easy reach with No fancy frills. Engine is smooth as silk, trans too. "Pound for Pound" comfort & value, over other full cab brands, is off the charts with this truck! Will seat 5 adults adequately & have full cargo in back too. A lot of guys will complain about gas mpg, I dont. Go drive a U.S. made truck and you wont either! RTX..fit for a KING!

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  Love my Civic EX! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Laura - August 27 - 10:01 am

  Bought my Civic EX Coupe with a manual transmission just over 2 years ago and still love it. Not only is it a great looking car, its fun to drive. Very economical on gas and seems to get much better than stated in the reviews. Im averaging about 33 mpg and thats mainly driving around town!