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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  "My Beautiful Truck" now 1 year old - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nick - April 30 - 11:28 pm

  Very comfortable & appropriately sized truck. Very useful for my urban driving & use. Good Visibility. Appreciate the simple & well thought exterior details. Driving on all roads is stable & firm. Direct vehicle response from steering input. Good road feel. No mechanical problems. Very quiet motor almost whisper quiet. low wind & engine noise at high speed. Brisk engine response when you need to move quickly, & then you realize how fast you are moving! V6 is appropriate. Moved the truck nicely through hills & motoring through long high speed turns was comfortable & inspired confidence. 42 fill-ups later, avg 17.2 mpg overall. Purchased through broker & saved $K. Very happy!!

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  Cute CUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - April 30 - 9:39 pm

  This is a great little car. It is super for going to the grocery store or cruising for garage sales. The car is super dependable! I love the short turning radius. One even feels comfortable on long trips. One note: I had a clicking sound in the back at 23K and they changed the differential fluid for free. My wife had the same problem with her 06 cr-v at 39K and they charged her $159 because they said it should have been changed at 30K. My next car? Another Honda CR-V!!

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By 2008 Honda - April 30 - 7:25 pm

  Ive had this truck for 3 months and I can honestly say this is the best truck Ive owned!! Ive mostly had Ford trucks and I can tell you the ride and quality is great. I owned a F-150 for 4 months prior to the Ridgeline and I wish I hadnt. Im about as "American Pie" as they come but if only the big American Truck companies put a better product, I would have one. Especially, w/gas prices and economy!

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  Ridgleline has Some Neat Surprises - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By galvang - April 30 - 1:36 pm

  Just bought the RL with Navi and XM sat. radio. The build quality has been excellent honda style. Pretty smooth riding vehicle up to about 80MPH beyond that it gets a little less smooth. The Navi system is incredible with the touchscreen and voice activation for all of the major cabin controll systems. The XM sat. radio is also excellent especially traveling in the rural areas. Overall comfort is quite good with supportive leather seating. Overall, Im pretty impressed with the vehicle so far.

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  Great car. I love it.and the civic 2 - 1994 Honda Accord
  By I Gotta Need 4 Speed - April 29 - 9:18 pm

  So I have this car a couple of months ago and that car is great, is fast, is sexy, and everything else. Someone hit it in the front I cry for it, the guy thought that I was injured. But I still have it. Im going to make it nicer and faster now. Is red Im going to drop it a couple of inch to the floor... Everyone like my car everywhere I stop people ask me how much I want for it... But too bad is not for sale... LOL....

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  Back to Honda - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - April 29 - 10:15 am

  We had Hondas before, and glad to be owners and drivers of one again. This Honda had 150,000 miles (now about 155,1115 miles) when we bought it. It had been well-maintained, and runs great. After about six months, still no problems (other than a cracked windshield and headlight bezel). Just a few weeks after buying the car, we drove it 490 miles in one day when we relocated from Scranton, PA to Norfolk, VA. Im now commuting 16 miles to work round trip daily, five days per week, in addition to a lot of running around when not working. We had Hondas in the past (1990 Civic DX, 1984 Civic), and very happy to be back into Hondas, where we will stay. Have several kids who also drive Hondas

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  arjmds Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By arjmd - April 29 - 1:43 am

  Good looking, handles well. The stereo would be hard to beat. Easy to park. Easy to insure

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  Endless Fun - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Old Goat - April 28 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and there has not been a day when my daily driver hasnt caused a broad smile on my face. And then there is the grin caused by a winding mountain road. Priceless. The engine is a little miracle: sedate if you like, or an angry little monster if you punch it. Undoubtedly the best manual transmission around. The handling is fantastic. The pedals are perfectly placed (heel-toes all day long). The soft top is the fastest and simplest around. Totally reliable. Totally Honda. A perfect auto enthusiasts car. No good if you are looking for creature comforts.

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  Very nice! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By poorwhitefolk - April 28 - 9:42 pm

  I am a diehard Honda lover. I seen that we took in a 05 Honda s2000 with only 2k on it with the factory hard top and I had to have it. It is a well built and well rounded car. Very fun to drive and handles great. I bought a turbo kit for mine a it really awakened the beast. Wow is all I have to say. Almost 500 hp. I would recommend this car to anyone that doesnt need the room and that is not over 6 ft. Tall.

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  Little Suv that could - 2008 Honda Element
  By Terenia - April 28 - 6:10 pm

  Just bought my kiwi green Element( named Froggy).Had a CRV prior, as a lease.I wanted a manual transmission and the CRV no longer comes in manual so leased an Element instead.For the most part I really love this " toaster on wheels"..My sister, who lives in Cleveland has one and really likes it.I love its versatility and its fun to drive. If i had to change a few things it would be to have the sunroof up front and have more storage space... thats it.All in all I really love the car and would definitely lease or purchase one!