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:

• 

  Honda Pilot Rocks!!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Rocks!!! - April 15 - 11:28 am

  At first I was nervous about driving an SUV. But when I got my Pilot and started driving it, I loved it. I wouldnt go back to driving a car for anything. Awesome drive, safe, roomy, and great in the winter snow, windows never fog up!!! This is the one of the best SUV out there must test drive.

• 

  5 months and counting - 2007 Honda Element
  By new honda buyer - April 15 - 11:00 am

  Bought new SC in Nov.07, now have 36,000 km in 5 mos. No problems. Power/handling fine. Gas consumption fair as to be expected, but much better than previous Titan. Interior space and utility of overall vehicle unmatched by anything else out there.

• 

  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL with NAV - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By larry - April 15 - 9:50 am

  You have to drive this truck to truly appreciate it. Its economical for a truck with all wheel drive yet feels more sturdy and rugged than other crew cabs such as the Colorado and Frontier. The leather seats are very comfortable with adjustable lumbar. Sticker was 36,002, invoice was 32,401 and I got mine for 28,285. That did not even count the 7,000 trade in I got. Im moving to Oregon next month so well see how it does in the snow. They are great trucks and now at unbeatable prices.

• 

  Satisified - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By E.L. Mac Donald - April 15 - 3:00 am

  The long distance mileage is as expected, the local driving is not quite up to par. (maybe the a/c is pulling down the mileage. The shift control does not give the read out of what gear you are in, you must look at the dash board. Do not care for that feature.

• 

  RTL Vs Tacoma - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jack Lewis - April 14 - 10:51 pm

  Only had my RTL for about a week, but it was a good choice. I drove a 2004 Tacoma, 4 door, Pre-runner, V6 (3.4)2 wheel drive. I read from some that the RTL has a large turning radius. Every try to turn a Taco around on a regular street? Can you say 3 pointer!! The Taco was a great truck, reliable, rock solid, but it no creature comforts standard. Manual seats, absolutely no storage in the cab, cramped rear seats, a crappy ride and over all cramped feeling, wimpy A/C and expensive to maintain. The Taco also got 17 MPG, uphill, downhill, city and hi-way! The Ridgeline beats the Taco in all areas, hand down. Plus its cheaper from the get-go. Honda got it right! Ford/GM not even close!

• 

  Really Great Small Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nanny Sue - April 14 - 10:46 pm

  Having never owed a Honda before, and used to driving a large American car with poor mileage, the car was an excellent change of pace. I love the colors and the stereo. I do a lot of freeway driving and it is wonderful on gas. Not so great in stop and go traffic. It handles really well although it took some getting used to after driving a large car. Havent tried the paddles yet. I love this car!

• 

  Hybrid Civic beats Prius and cheaper too - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TimBar - April 14 - 4:53 pm

  Bought Honda Civic because liked design (wife liked the blue gauges especially). Friends say it seems like a regular size car unlike past Civics. Im not an aggressive driver but car has all the acceleration I need. Its got good space and easy access

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ken zimmerman - April 14 - 2:52 pm

  I was specific in what I wanted in 2003 with the Honda Coupe six cy. manual. I am glad that I did. It has been a truly exceptional car to own - a real joy to drive. Until the 2008 remodel, there was no real reason to consider trading because the 2003 has been essentially the same as the 2007. But the 2008 is a looker.

• 

  Fun Big Little Car - 2008 Honda Element
  By Ted - April 14 - 1:00 pm

  Fun and versatile - Mileage 25 trip, 20 around town - Plenty of room for my 64, 285 lb frame :-) Looks like a toaster but is fun to drive.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Amber - April 14 - 5:36 am

  Overall, this is a great car. Drives very nicely & is comfortable. Two things I wish it had though are automatic one touch sunroof control, it would be nice. Also, the road noise is a little loud when traveling on the highway. Other than that, it is a great car for the price.