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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  Best Truck on the Market! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Fredrick Barber - May 5 - 11:50 pm

  I can only say that I am a 33 year old man that swore that he would not buy a non-american truck. Honda changed that after I personally drove every truck on the market I could except the Ridgeline. I have been stationed in Iraq so I never knew that Honda started building trucks. I had my mind made up to purchase a BMW X5 until my brother told me about the Ridgeline. I could not believe how much "truck", "SUV" and "High" end car Honda stuffed into one vehicle. It takes ten minutes to name all of the features. It is clearly the best truck on the market for the money...even if it cost more.

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  Best car yet - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jorgem1959 - May 5 - 9:00 pm

  After having over 13 new cars this is my first Honda and I really enjoy this car, I really dont know why I did not get one before It would have saved me thousands of dollars. Plus I love the way the people at Tampa Honda land goes the extra mile to help the costumers feel great at every visit for service. I love my 08 Civic

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  The Little engine that could - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Freddie Kwok - May 5 - 6:06 pm

  I brought this car brand new. Right now, this car has 132K miles. I never have any mechanical problem with this car. I usually take this car for long road trip. For instance, I would drive from Camden, Maine to Key West, Florida with this car. I usually get 42 MPG on highway (I-95). 40 MPG from Pennsylvania to Kentucky (Appalachian mountain man) No one cuts me off. I am usually the one that does that. Now, this car has really small engine, but timing is the key, you gonna know when to press the gas pedal and turn your blinker when you are doing 80 mph on the highway.

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  Space and fuel economy - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Nicole - May 5 - 1:00 pm

  I have one of the first Pilots to hit the road and have already put 1600 miles on this vehicle. My family and I moved out of a 2013 and love our new Pilot. The positives: for this size "minivan" I average about 19 city and 22 highway (actual). This is way better than my old pilot and most SUV and minivans on the market. I would average about 13/15 city on my old pilot. The drive and ride are smooth and it is enjoyable to drive. I like cruising down the road , even in eco. I am happy they added the eco button. It is nice to cut it off if you want a little power behind the wheel. Car has a decent get up and go. A little sluggish depending on how many bodies are in the car. Once the car is moving its nice and smooth and maintains its speed well. Like the interior materials and space in the 3rd row. Can definitely say its nice not to have to use the 3rd row for space since it has room in the trunk area. Most cars in this class have no trunk space and quickly become a 2 row car. Cons: the arm rest in the front do look flimsy. They feel dine but I miss the big bulky one in the middle. I feel smaller in this Pilot. I guess I was used to my big box because I feel a bit dainty in my new one. Not really a complaint. I do not like the touch screen. It is a bit confusing and I miss the volume knob. For the finger prints, I use a 8 inch screen protector. Works like a charm and I reduce the finger smudge imensley. Finally , the USB outlet placement is a litrue strange. Im not sure what Honda was thinking as far as functionality and usage. Overall, I love my pilot. I have had no issues. Very pleased with out quality purchase.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - May 5 - 4:13 am

  The 2007 civic is SO fun to drive, it is hard to park it and go in to work in the morning. The instrument layout is excellent and the way it handles is amazing. Seats are very comfortable and provide excellent support. Interior trim is very well engineered and looks very elegant. Drive this before you buy a BMW 3 series or you will kick yourself.

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  Great all around vehice - 2006 Honda Element
  By alaskachow - May 5 - 12:09 am

  This is the perfect car for dog lovers. The floor is entirely plastic so there is not worry about hair removal. The seats are waterproof and tough for excellent wear. I love driving it.

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  Tuned 2002 coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Leszek - May 5 - 12:01 am

  I did only 15,000 miles on it, but I know the car since it was 1 year old. That 1.7 liter engine was almost all the time pushed to the redline. The car was tuned a little bit, but it was almost like glued to the road when cornering. 0-60 is about 8.5\9 sec. I owned a manual transmission and I had to rebuild it (with 90k miles on it) but only because of track use and power shifting ($1000). Around 90k miles I had to change all front bushings ($450) and shocks ($300) everything else works perfectly. I have experienced an accident on highway going about 60mph and I can tell you that the car is very safe. It just started to burn about a half quarter of oil for every oil change. Mobil 1 5W-20

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  Hondas are the best - 2004 Honda Civic
  By SCF - May 4 - 10:16 pm

  Purchased in fall of 2003 and now have only 26,000 miles on the car. Super reliable, great gas mileage, supportive and comfortable seats. Whats not to love about this car? We took the car on a trip in southern Colorado on mostly secondary roads with speed limits of 55 to 65 mph and got 43 mpg! Have only had to do oil changes and had one small rattle near the dash that the dealership fixed. No other problems. This car is not a hotrod but set the cruise control at 78 on the interstate and thats where is stays. If you want a car with bank vault solid reliability, great resale value and excellent gas mileage you wont go wrong with a Civic.

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  Top Down Performance - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Mike K. - May 4 - 6:15 pm

  Last year, I sold my motorcycle and wanted to fill the empty void in the garage with a rag top. I considered the Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster and Honda S2000. The Elise certainly performed the best, but unfortunately suffers from kit car looks and limited dealer access. The Porsche, holds its own in terms of performance, but brings with it high maintenance costs. The S2000, combined stellar performance, excellent visuals and rock solid Honda reliability. The VTEC engine is a treat to listen to and continually begs you to drive it at the top of the rev band!

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  Great SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By JC - May 4 - 2:30 pm

  As far as the mileage - this vehicle is a great downsizer from larger SUVs. I guarantee it will hold more stuff than your larger SUVs out there- due to its design. And still its power only drains about 22 \ 24 avg mpg. Great vehicle- very happy with it.