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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  Highly Recommended! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Louis - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  I recommend the Honda Ridgeline to anyone looking for a nice Truck. It rides and handles like car, but it is a truck. Great in the snow! The gas mileage will remind you that it is still a truck, but it is better than most trucks out there! I am getting about 18-20 mpg, compared to 11-12 on the Durango that I previously owned. I dont have as much power, but I dont need all of that anyway, especially with $4/gallon gas! I am very happy with my purchase, and I anticipate that Honda may change the styling a bit by the time my 36 month lease ends. I definitely plan to purchase another one!

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  BestTruck For A Country Boy In The City - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By thedirector62 - June 17 - 11:20 am

  I bought this truck after wrecking my RX8. My wife said I needed something safer. I was pleased with the ride quality and build quality of the Ridge. This vehicle is very versatile and handles great in poor weather conditions. Actually when it iced and snowed here (doesnt snow much in Texas), the truck handled like it was on regular pavement. Also handles great in a pasture and some moderate muddy conditions. Just a good versatile overall vehicle.

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  Car for the me - 2009 Honda Civic
  By afhonda - June 17 - 2:33 am

  I love the new LX-S version. It has the seats of an Si, and the leather wrapped steering wheel that you have to get an EX to get. I would suggest this car for anyone that has a little sporty nature, but wants to keep the gas tank full. Remember, its no V8, it is however a peppy I4 thats why I gave it the 9 on performance. The Brakes are also impressive. There are also little things that I like too. An auxiliary jack for my iPod, good cup holders, tilt/telescopic wheel, and the cool speedometer.

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  Great car, if only gas mileage better - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Slurban - June 16 - 10:14 pm

  5 of last 6 cars my wife & I owned were Hondas. We are very satisfied with them and the Pilot is no exception. It rides well & has great drivers seat room (I am 6 4"). You definitely wont feel cramped in the car. It also is very quiet. After 5000 miles I average 13 miles to gallon, but I only drive in the city. I was looking more for the 17 it said on the sticker. If it were not for the gas I would say this car is fantastic!

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  Good all around Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sneeky127 - June 16 - 2:56 pm

  I waited until a nice long road trip to rate this car. Car was awesome on a 2400 mile round trip to FL and back with two kid,two strollers three big suitcases and all the stuff that goes along with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Car got a little over 21 mpg. I think that is pretty good as I was averaging 80 mph with a loaded down car. Smooth, tight ride with plenty of power. I love the V6, lots of torque. I would improve a little on interior styling (which Honda may have already done). We were shopping for the 08 highlander and bought the 05 Pilot as the used highlanders werent big enough and the used pilot had similar space as the new Highlander and a much better price! Certified used.

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  Me, in a minivan??? You bet. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stevek - June 16 - 2:56 pm

  Never thought wed be caught dead in a minivan, but took the plunge after wagons and big sedans. Looked at Toyota, Dodge, Nissan, and Mazda. Only the Toyota came close in features and perceived build quality. Van feels and drives like a car. Handles minor bumps in the road like a dream. Excellent power, absolutely no reservation needed to merge into traffic or the highway. Very comfortable in all rows. Lots of room to store and haul stuff.

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  Frozen gas flap. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel floody - June 16 - 11:40 am

  The truck is great. Very happy with our purchase. We have own it for 6 months. We didn’t have any problems until we had a deep freeze. The temperature outside was 20 degree. We went to fill the truck up with gas. We open the gas door . We tried to put the gas nozzle thru the flap and the flap was frozen shut. We called the dealership. They told us to purchase Lock deicer. We were afraid to use it. We used a small screwdriver to break up the ice. We are hoping that this isn’t going to be a problem in the future. The dealership said they had many calls about the same problem. We also are worried that water might be getting in the tank then from the build up of ice.

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  Good car with a few faults - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Travel Junkie - June 16 - 11:11 am

  I have had my 2007 Accord for almost 10 months now and have 23,000 Miles on it. I love the car, but it leaves more power to be desired in the low rpm. My g/fs 08 Civic seems more peppy and feels quicker in the low ranges. I do not abuse my car and have had all services done by a certified Honda dealer. Recently, I have had trouble with the brakes "Clunking" when applied at low speeds. I also hear a clunk sometimes when making low speed turns, but not in curves. Overall, I am very happy with the car. I average 34 mpg (more than double my truck.) This is a highway car even though most people will probably use it as a city car. If I had more city driving to do, I would buy the Civic.

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  Easy Manual Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By valerie - June 16 - 10:26 am

  The manual transmission on this is easy and fun to drive. Great gas mileage, and comes with a lot of features for an LX. The only thing Im not used to having from the accord is the remote trunk release and volume controls. Other than that, Im pleased with the 08 civic coupe. Rides smooth, and has a nice dash design.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joy Vogel - June 16 - 3:13 am

  I love this truck -- it drives like a car, but is so versitle -- with the bed and the trunk in the bed