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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  New but loving it. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By MK - June 6 - 10:17 am

  Took receipt of the vehicle and took it on a 3000 mile vacation drive. Although new it drove great and averaged between 22.8 and 24.4 mpg for the trip. No problems at all. Very comfortable.

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  best auto on the road - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By papadad913 - June 6 - 9:50 am

  we just traded a 2003 pilot ex for a 2005 ex. we put 50,000 miles on it, and it was still perfect. in fact, with very little touch up, it was put out the next day as a honda certified used car. 100,000 mile guarantee.

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  Balanced - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vin - June 6 - 9:31 am

  Has been 1.5 years and still running well. I like its practicality, roomy interior and simple dash layout make it easy to control - too simple that it looks a bit dull. Good engine performance for its class, although the AC lacks it sometimes (good maintenance would be to minimize it). Having much trouble with its huge front pillar, making a blind spot when turning.

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  Nothing but impressive - 2009 Honda Element
  By Canadian Steve - June 6 - 8:12 am

  Wow!! Had our heart set on the base Element but the dealership had an SC they were trying to unload and we picked it up for less then the basic Element. Mileage is rated at 8.1L/100km and we have been consistently UNDER that number. We are getting about 30 MPG highway. This vehicle is so versatile. I was worried about it measuring up because I traded in my Acura. The ride is very comfortable, the seats are VERY comfortable, its easy to clean and really fun to drive. Turning radius is tiny, really easy to park. If the sideview mirrors are adjusted properly there are no blind spots. Havent come across anything that Im hauling that doesnt fit in it. Two thumbs up!! Excellent vehicle Honda!!

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  Good to Go - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By righton - June 6 - 6:10 am

  Overall, this is the best car/truck I have owned and driven for a person who has owned and driven 50 plus cars. It is practical in regard to doing a variety of things really well. It is very solid and safe with 5 star ratings. It tows well with an excellent tranny match. It has good off road ability in the sense that if you are not looking to get stuck you wont. It rides like a car. My only real complaint is that it is short on after market options.

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  Fit is great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nascartrash - June 6 - 2:36 am

  I love this car. I am a mechanic and I have worked on almost evey type of car out there. I chose this car because it just made sense for my needs. And of course you cant beat the Honda reliablty and resale value. In my humble opinion this is the king of the econo boxes.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By bill - June 6 - 1:56 am

  Needs smoother ride. It has high RPM when you drive in the 70s - could be geared better.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - June 5 - 9:28 pm

  So far I have owned my 2008 CRV for 8 months. After my Mitsubishi Galant was totaled in a fire, I bought this baby. I was surprised how well the vehicle handled, how well the fuel economy was, and how comfortable the interior was. I achieve about 21 mpg in the city on average, while achieving an average of about 28 mpg on the highway. Overall, great vehicle and I certainly recommend it to others.

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  Practicality Rules--DO NOT IMPROVE - 2003 Honda Element
  By MrH - June 5 - 8:19 pm

  I love the design, the economical materials, the cool looks, the quick handling, the adequate power, the acceptable fuel mileage, the adequate acceleration, and the big windows . This is one heck of a vehicle--there is nothing else like it. It is (relatively) cheap, the design is way cool, the practicality is unmatched by anything short of a pickup, and it will haul four passengers.

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  You wont go wrong buying this Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Cliff - June 5 - 12:03 pm

  Negotiated price was $200 over invoice. Absolutely love the 5 speed manual. Overall, the car is outstanding in everyway. Handles like a go-cart with the 16" tires. Quite, solid, great radio. Dealer was great to deal with. Mileage appears to be in range of mid 30s, but car is still in break in. Like my wifes 2005 Honda Oydessy, expecting many a reliable carefree motoring mile from my new Civic.