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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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Element
  By Morad - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving it.it is a very diffent car.People look at you,and wondering what a 68 years old man is doing in an ELEment

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  Honda Civic EX (2001) Review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pcmcdonald - February 8 - 10:00 am

  An all-round good car, fun to drive with good mileage. Could be more compfortable on long trips. Road & wind noise too loud. Scheduled maintenance is expensive & my Service dept has been caught padding bills by doing un-necessary work thats not part of whats called for in manual.

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  Surprise - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By carlos ugarte - February 8 - 6:51 am

  I was interested in seeing this vehicle but was intent on buying another SUV. I was not quite convinced about the outward appearance- it looks a little homely. But once you get behind the wheel it really shines. Very comfortable, plenty of power and all the technology I really need. I need a truck every now and then. They can be very convenient but my main driving could be handled by any car. This vehicle drives like a car but has the ability to be a light truck. Perfect for me. I have read about the cumbersome technology package but I have had no problem. The nav system is much better than my previous 2006 Nissan murano. Links easily to my Iphone. I like Apple Car play. I have had it now for 2 months and the looks is growing on me. Not a single mechanical problem.

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  Ridgeline or Tacoma? - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim Faust - February 7 - 1:29 pm

  The Ridgeline is a little quirky looking. Kind of SUV with a truck bed but it is very practical with all of its features. Example- I will get much more use out of AWD then I ever would out of 4 WD.

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  Decent suv - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - February 6 - 6:50 pm

  I purchased a pilot recently and like the car. I think this is the best value of any midsize suv on the market. It is reasonably roomy with 8 people and drives verry smooth. If you are a person seeking a roomy suv, with comfort, fuel economy, size, and logic, this is the way to go.

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  No surprises! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MSH - February 5 - 12:56 pm

  No surprises as its an Accord. There is a reason why you see so many of these out there - great car for the price (well under MSRP). Dont recommend Ed Voyles Honda - they sold us a demo (4K miles) in which we found paperwork in the glovebox as we were leaving the lot that was for bodywork from an accident! ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE! Dealer made it right by offering us an identical brand new Accord for same price (under $21K) but what if that paperwork had not been in glove box? Great car, great 5-speed auto trans, nice interior. Gas mileage very good, and maintenance costs should be very low, but will NEVER return to this dealer - Ed Voyles Marietta.

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  Good Basic Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By digitalox - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Got the ex w/ side airbags for 500 below invoice plus my trade-in. Its a good car, and seems really solid. Im happy with my purchase.

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  Not quite a Acura CRX - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ja_wood - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I wanted something a bit sportier, but this car was a great compromise between styling and affordability. It gets great gas millage (EPA ratings are right on target), handles well, and has enough power to get over hills without a fuss. Dont get in an accident with this vehicle though, because although it does a good job keeping you safe, the damage to the vehicle is going to be expensive. Many of the parts cannot be easily repaired and need to be replaced (bumpers, shock absorbers, etc.)

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  Ok but............ - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HGHGHG - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Dont get me wrong, I like the car very much, but had a problem with the airbag light that required installation of tons of new computer parts. The only reason I would consider another honda after that is that the dealers service was great including renting a car at their cost when it wasnt completed. I do like the car very much though

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  On the road..... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Michael - February 5 - 12:46 am

  Only minor glitch was some chrome plating peeling on the inside of the drivers door--promptly fixed by dealer under warranty. Car is excellent in all aspects but one....with the roof rack and cross bars, there is an annoying road whistle at highway speeds. This should be redesigned.