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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  Great Little Car For Sure! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bernice Arnold - August 11 - 8:21 am

  Leased in 2006 and best decision I ever made. Had an oil leak in the first week of leasing but Honda was fantastic in replacing with all new parts and havent had ANY problems since. Mileage is great and this car handles like a charm. Highly recommend a civic to anyone who wants fuel efficiency, a reliable vehicle and doesnt cost an arm and leg.

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  Best One Yet! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rick Brown - August 11 - 7:03 am

  I have had many Hondas as well as the competitive models in its class and this is the best one yet! I LOVE IT!

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  First foreign car, let alone truck. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave Sanders - August 11 - 5:46 am

  So far its been great. Everything that Consumer Reports and Motor trend state about it is accurate. Looks great, rides great, ergonic layout and the base model is pretty loaded. Im lovin it.

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  Nobody wants this truck, and heres why - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Drew S. - August 10 - 9:57 pm

  This truck is not what Americans want to buy, and Im going to explain to you why. 1) Styling - This truck is styled to look sleek and urban... when Americans buy trucks, they want something that looks mean, aggressive, and tough, never-mind 99% of usage is commuting to work. 2) Two Rating - Americans want trucks that can tow over 10,000 lbs, never-mind 95% will never tow anything and 99% will not exceed the 5000 lbs this truck is capable of. 3) Cargo Capacity - Americans want a truck that can hold at least 1,500 lbs in the bed... wait, this truck can do that too. 4) Handling & Ride Comfort - Americans want a truck that sways to the side when turning and rides rough, this truck will never do. 5) Wide Bed - Americans dont want to be able to fit a piece of 4x8 plywood flat in the bed, they want it to have to be angled-in... it just makes sense. 6) Drives like a Car - This truck handles like a mid-sized SUV and corners like a champ thanks to torque vectoring. Trucks are supposed to be difficult to drive, to ensure you take corners slow. 7) AWD - Real trucks have 4x4, that way the power is never there when you need it in real-world conditions like rain covered roads or spotty ice/snow. 8) In-Bed Storage - Americans know all they want to haul in their truck is landscaping bricks and hay bails, what would they ever use the lockable under-bed storage for? 9) Compact Spare - Americans need a full size spare, for the once-every-five-years they get a flat with a loaded trailer or in off-road conditions. 10) Swing-open tailgate - Tailgates are only supposed to open one way, we want to crawl in the bed to get to items in the front. 11) V6 - It doesnt matter this truck can tow 5000 lbs and carry 1500 lbs, Americans need to support the oil and gas industry - we need V8 power! 12) In-bed-Inverter - Americans dont want 110 volts in the bed, keep it in the cab, and well run extension cords for our tailgating activities. 13) Go-pro mount - How do you expect us to capture our drive to work without a go-pro mount in the winshield? Everybody on youtube wants to see my drive to work! As you can see, this truck clearly isnt built for Americans... but if youre arent American, or if you want to buy a truck for the specs/features youll use instead of the specs/features that look good on paper, then you might just enjoy this truck as much as I do.

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  2005 Honda Accord EXL V6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ray - August 10 - 2:26 pm

  I have only owned and operated this car for a week. My initial reaction is that this is one terrific car. It has the feel of a luxury car. It is solid, smooth, responsive, quiet and exudes quality. It is my second Honda and if the reliability experience with this car is similar to my first Honda, I will be one very satisfied Honda owner.

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  Element does well. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve D. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Well designed function over form vehicle which just happens to look great.

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  Great car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By edsirya - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The civic SI is a great value. You cant beat this fun-to-drve coupe in terms of its combination of economy, performance and reliability. I highly recommend it.

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  My Family Loves Our Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mr Notre Dame - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Very roomy and smooth to drive. Tough and solid! Feels somewhat luxurious yet so reasonably priced.

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  BEST HONDA EVER BOUGHT/THE PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By OLIVER - August 10 - 10:00 am

  WE DID A LOT OF RESEARSCH ON THIS HONDA,BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT. IM 6 FOOT 3 AND I STLL HAVE 5 INCHES LEFT.

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  A year of enjoyment! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PleasedPilotOwner - August 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had our Pilot for a year and are extremely pleased with it. We just returned from a 3000 mile road trip to Seattle and back through Yellowstone NP. The Pilot never hesitated climbing the steep mountain grades. We passed many Toyotas and Fords as they bogged down on the ascents. The Pilot never flinched as the cruise control kept its setting. We find the Pilot to be very comfortable on long trips.