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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  minivan converter - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By willki - October 18 - 10:26 pm

  I am a former minivan driver (toyota sienna) and loved my minivan, but wanted AWD. I have three little boys and was worried about switching to an suv, but I absolutely love, love, love, this pilot. My kids fit easily in the three rows, and love the dvd. It drives live a dream and is a beautiful car.

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  Great little car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Janet - October 18 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought my first Civic and love it! It fits me better than any car I have ever driven and is so fun to drive. Honda has done a great job with lumbar supports in the seat, the interior design with smooth metallic buttons instead of cheap plastic dials, and cruise controls in the steering wheel. The engine is very quiet and peppy. The split display with blue lighting is easy on the eyes and the more I drive it, the more I like having the spedometer at eye level. I drive about 3000 miles a month and am getting 38 miles a gallon this first month. I like the wide view from the windshield and how it comfortably fit four adults. I highly reccommend this car!

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  Ritas Hard Rock Vehicle (HRV) - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Rita Williams - October 18 - 12:54 pm

  Great little SUV

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  Wow! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By steve - October 17 - 1:15 pm

  After 6 years with my Toyota Tacoma, I felt it was time to change. After comparing the Tacoma, Frontier and Ridgeline, I went with the Ridgeline because of the ride, comfort and storage room. All three are solid bets, depending on your need. Some say the Ridgeline is not a real truck but I have had it off road with no problems. I love this truck.

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  Love this thing! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Skeeter919 - October 17 - 3:33 am

  The family is soon to grow again so we decided to swap out the 03 CRV. While the mileage suffered (not surprisingly), were so happy with our decision to go with the Pilot. Its a blast to drive and has so many handy little features that we didnt realize we were missing out on. Incredibly solid on the road -- feels very substantial without feeling just plain BIG. Were just hoping this thing performs as well in snow as the CRV did (Ive read less than stellar reviews on the Goodyear Integrity tires that come on the Pilot). So far, we love it.

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  1st New Car, and Im LOVIN IT!!!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Tenya M. - October 16 - 11:13 pm

  My old SL Saturn has been showing signs of dying for years, so I hit the internet looking for a new replacement. I stumbled upon the Fit completely by accident, but fell in love with it after reading several reviews and the specs on it. As of Jan. 27, Ive been having a blast with my new Blackberry Sport and it just seems to be getting better! Driving to work is fun again, fuel economy is fantastic, and with all I can do with the back seat/cargo area, Im set for just about anything! I will admit the price was a bit much, but just over 5k after, this was the BEST investment I could have made! To quote the commercial, "The Fit Is GO!!!!"

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  Look of a Jeep, Quality of a Honda - 2007 Honda Element
  By Kahnabus - October 16 - 6:48 pm

  We purchased this on a whim. We were looking into the CR-Vs but when I got in it It was too small, o we checked out the Element. What a nice ride. The seats are very comfortable and the "theater" style seating is cool. Much better stability than most SUVs. To be honest, seeing these on the road didnt seem appealing to me, but the moment I test drove this car I was hooked. Its a fun car to drive. This is the 4th Honda we have owned (5th if you include the 1990 Acura Integra) and I wouldnt trade any of them for another vehicle. We got the Nighthawk black pearl. So far this is the only vehicle I have owned that I didnt noticed a ton of before and especially after purchasing on the road. Im so satisfied with this vehicle I will probably buy a second one later on down the road But will probably have to pry the Keys to our 2 door Civic from me.

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  Great in place of a minivan - 2005 Honda Element
  By John - October 16 - 6:23 pm

  Great car only drawback is that it seats only four. With kids great with the plastic floor and the waterproof seats. I would recommend

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  Supa Fun! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy - October 16 - 4:51 pm

  This a fun car to drive! Beautiful dashboard. Practical. Great gas mileage. Roomy backseat while not squishing knees in front.

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  Tech. needs to be refined. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kingmydas - October 16 - 4:13 pm

  It is going on approx. 2 wks, so the infatuation has diminished. It is still an excellent vehicle, except for the glitches btw. the voice command, radio, and navigation. Sometime the navigation freezes up and will not respond. Sometimes the radio will just stop playing for no apparent reason. I believe it is all occuring from the voice interface. When everything is working correctly, the vehicle is magnificent. When they are not, it leaves a little to be desired.