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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  Its a Honda!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Its a Honda - March 27 - 6:50 pm

  This is one sweet ride. Have owned two other Hondas in past 10 years. Both sedans, needed more room to haul more people and stuff. The Pilot is just the ticket. The ride is smooth and very quiet. Leather heated seats are a nice plus. Room for 8 if needed. Smart styling and Honda reliability. I looked at other American made SUVs and could not do it. Honda reliability has a powerful way of keeping customers coming back. Hondas do seem to sell themselves. Well done Honda!!!

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  Great SUV/ Cross Over - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lynns SUV - March 27 - 4:03 pm

  We purchased our CR-V in October 2007. I love this vehicle. Easy to drive, handles the road well, ergonomics are great. The CR-V gets 25-26 MPG in the city. AWD was very good up in Michigan. They had 14" of snow in late January went thru it like it was nothing . My husband I are very pleased with the CR-V. We have 8800 miles on it and love it . Very easy to park also !

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  Retirement Gift to Self - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Steve Carroll - March 26 - 11:56 pm

  This is the best bang for the buck for a true sports car. When I run it in the mountains it wants to go harder than I am willing to take it and I run it pretty hard. The Corvette I drove had more power but inferior fit and finish compared to the S2000...and a much higher price tag. This is a fine true sports car in every way.

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  2004 CIVIC HYBRID - 2005 Honda Civic
  By DJL - March 26 - 9:03 pm

  Ive thoroughly enjoyed my Hybrid. Going from a minivan to a subcompact, I thought the transition would be difficult, but the trade off has been worth it. The paint seems to be extremely delicate, nicking if you even look at it! I am not getting the mileage I was led to believe Id be getting; however, as I do a LOT of highway driving, Im getting anywhere from 40-44 mpg, which compared to my minivan is excellent. I fill up twice a month whether I need to or not. Overall, Im very glad I went Hybrid. Even if Im not getting the mileage I think I should be getting (50+), I have on occasion hit 50 (rarely) but I still feel as if Im doing something positive for the environment! Win-Win

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  A Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By David - March 26 - 3:09 pm

  I have owned this truck for about a month. I get a lot of positive comments when people see the truck. My truck is silver with the RTX package. The gray painted alloy wheels look great. We had 20 inches of snow here in Ohio a couple weeks ago and I didnt have any problems getting around town in this truck. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Great looking truck and drives even better!!

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  4 Years & Still Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By John McQ - March 26 - 2:32 pm

  If you like a practical vehicle, not showy, but tough, durable and fun to drive - The Element is for you. I have gone through 4 bad Michigan winters and was very impressed with the dependability and the way it handles in adverse weather conditions. This is a great little truck I plan on driving it until it falls apart and just cant be driven anymore.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ken - March 26 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car May 31st and have put approximately 5500 miles on it since I travel all over southern Oklahoma for work. I have been very pleased and have avg. between 36 - 38 mpg on the road and 32 - 35 in town. I drive as much on the freeway with 75 mph speed limit as I do in small towns at 35 and am pleased with performance of both. Not as comfortable as my Odyssey EXL van, but not as costly either and I am not tired after a long day of driving so it is fine. I would buy it again and consider it a great decision for a car.

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  Slick Compact - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mark - March 26 - 11:53 am

  This car is loaded with attenton to detail and lots of amazingly slick little refinements. The split instrumentation is a treat and makes you wonder why nobody thought of this trick before.

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  Pleasurable Motoring - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Levster - March 25 - 4:44 pm

  Purchased the Insight in 2004 with slight damage and 32,000 miles from a private seller. After repairs, enjoy driving and average 60 MPG with no operational or repair problems. I love driving this car and passing the gas pumps. Originally used hi-test, then found that it ran just fine on regular. Drove to Florida & back from NH with no problems and averaged 61 MPH. Have replaced brake pads & tires. Friends wonder why I love this car after driving BMWs for 15 years...let them wonder !!!!!

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  "Great Running truck" - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - March 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned several trucks, and none compare to the Honda Ridgeline it is a smooth riding truck. It has a car like feel but still has the performance of a full size truck. I can have my family in the truck and still haul everything else.