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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  Honda Accord EX-L - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MANISH PATEL - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Acceleration and ride comfort, Rides Smooth.

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  Truck for all seasons - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottg - March 29 - 10:44 pm

  Traded my Murano in for this truck. Very nice ride and very quiet. This is a wonderful truck on the long trips. Extremely versatile with all the extra cubbies, underbed trunk. Customs loves to want to look in the trunk.

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  Second Time Around - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Greg Aldrich - March 29 - 9:47 pm

  I had an 05 S2000 and loved it. Had to sell it when we dropped down to a 2- vehicle household and vowed that it would be replaced by another ASAP. I picked up a 2006 with 3800 miles on it and life is good (again). I looked at Boxsters, Z-4s, SLKs (I do not consider the MX-5 to be in the same class) and still could not come up with a valid, logical reason to buy any of them. For the money, this is simply the BEST roadster out there. The drivetrain is as close to perfection as one can get. It handles great and is as solid as if it were milled from a piece of billet. If you are of average stature this car is very livable as a daily driver and is quite comfortable on extended road trips.

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  2nd Time Ridgeline Owner - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda good, GM bad - March 29 - 9:14 pm

  Due to my previous Ridgeline being totaled in an accident I had to go and buy a new vehicle. An easy choice..another Ridgeline. I upgraded to the RTL with navigation. Honda was (maybe still is) having a $3500.00 cash back on new ones. I was able to upgrade from a 2 year old RTS for only 1K more. If you havent driven one, due yourself a favor and try it before you go and buy another GM clunker. Compare the fit & finish, quality of materials, and the drivetrain refinement. I use a Chevy Silverado for a work vehicle that has a 6 cylinder in it. No comparison! The Chevy revs high and sounds like its going to explode. Chevy also makes the cheapest looking dashboards with hard plastics. Go Honda!

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  Love my new Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Eve - March 29 - 2:56 pm

  After looking at the 2008 Pilot, Highlander, CRX-9, Santa Fe (any and all 3 row seat SUVs in the market to be honest) we decided to wait for the 2009 Pilot. It was so worth it! It has everything that we were looking for and more. We got the Touring with NAV and RES (more bang for our bucks) and LOVE all the features and xtra space it gives us. We need the space for family and camping trips, etc. The ride is really smooth and quite. I really feel we are safe in it (tons of safety features). So far it has been the best car that we have ever owned! If you are looking at this type of SUV you have to look at the 2009 Pilot, you wont consider any other car after this one.

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  You Cant Beat It! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 29 - 11:20 am

  Picked up this beauty 2 days ago. The vehicle so far has exceeded all my expectations. The ride is excellent, although on the firm side, but that is expected on this model. The craftsmanship and quality of materials and fit and finish are fabulous. The interior layout and roominess are premium. V6 is smooth and powerful. Auto transmission is very smooth and precise. I had considered a Pilot, but I am so happy I went with the Accord. You cannot believe how much room this car has until you sit in it. You cannot get more quality and enjoyment for your money.

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  superb - 1998 Honda Accord
  By chiffon - March 29 - 10:00 am

  its been sure pleasure

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  My E rocks - 2003 Honda Element
  By SuperJETT - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle, replaced my S-10 extended cab after owning it from new for 7 1/2 years and cant imagine I would have bought anything else. Its perfect for my lifestyle which included alot of jetskiing (Ill die before I sit), around town, our dog, and the family which includes 2 year old and another on the way.

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  A Honda for Moms with Kids! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Emily W - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great for kids. They can make a mess, spill stuff and it just wipes up in a snap. No worries going to the beach or eating in the car. Seating lets them have a great view from back seat. Wonderful and FUN.

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  An ELEMENTARY decision - 2003 Honda Element
  By anointed1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It has room galore.Its exciting to drive.We purchased it less than 5 weeks ago and have put nearly 3,000 miles on it.We will probably get a 2nd one before the year is out.Im hopeful that Honda introduces some other fun colors like our Sunset Orange Pearl.A bright purple would be great!We equipped ours with running boards,roof rack,2 bicycle racks,interior curtains for privacy when camping out,wheel locks,all-season floor mats,keyless entry and theft alarm system.We also got a 7yr 100k mile $0 ded, warranty for $900.I purchased it online via the Edmunds dealer quote system.We got everything mentioned above for $24,000 at 3.44% 5yrs.