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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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Al - September 12 - 3:23 pm

  I have a silver RTL with Nav and 11k miles on it since May 05. Previous vehicle, 2002 Toyota Landcruiser (Very well made, I liked it very much). The Honda has better gas mileage, 17 to 19 mpg, and almost 1/2 the price of the Toy. I enjoy driving the Ridgeline and often take it to Oregon (I live in the SFO bay area.) Its quite comfortable but I have to duck my head to get in it, probably because it has a sunroof and I am 6-3" 250lbs (same problem with the Toy). I back my 2000 Artic Cat 500cc ATV in the back, tailgate down and tow it with no problem. A great truck for me, I am a devoted fan so far.

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  Finally got my Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By deb - September 12 - 1:50 pm

  I have wanted a Pilot since they first came on the market, but I wasnt willing to pay MSRP. I finally bought one in 2005. Overall, I have been very pleased with my Pilot. It is very roomy, even when I have been in the back seat between my two children in their car seats. The pick up when merging onto the interstate has been great. I love the great visibility to see other vehicles around you. So many other SUVs have very limited visibility out the side and rear windows. Only negative I have found is the gas mileage...I get only 14 miles to the gallon in the city.

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  So Glad I bought a Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Perry - September 11 - 2:43 pm

  Ill admit, I havent had this vehicle very long, but have driven Hondas for quite some time. The 4WD EX-L is very quiet, smooth riding, and simply a pleasure to drive. Get ready for the shock if youve been in a Civic and getting 35 mpg. Although I do get 21 mpg on the average. This aint bad! Extemely comfortable ride.

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  Boxy, unique.....and FUN! - 2004 Honda Element
  By wamba - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Needed a commuter type vehicle that would be fun to drive, get adequate gas mileage and that would accomodate a 66" driver (me) and a 65" teenager in the rear seat.....not many to pick from given those criteria. The Element delivers! Tons of room, fun to drive, so unusual that it is "cool", and loads of honda durability and utility. Made in the US by Americans as well. Most other small SUVs dont come close on delivering this kind of package.

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  E rocks - 2004 Honda Element
  By ramblerdan - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Especially good for large people. Not for families with more than two kids.

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  Honda Elemental - 2004 Honda Element
  By merry - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This new vehicle is easy to drive, easy to maintain (even near the coast), and fairly economical. It is not meant to be a Soccors Moms car, but it serves as a good alterantive to a pickup.

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  Good Replacement for PASSAT Owners - 2005 Honda Accord
  By VJ - September 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking and test driving the Accord competitors like Altima, SOnato and others. We liked the Accord compared to others in all aspects. Interior color, design, outside color and shape. Good cabin compact and fun drive. It has got some improvements like fog lights, optional shifter etc., to do comapring to PASSAT. But I hope it will be trouble free car than PASSAT. We liked the Graphite Pearl Color. Its has nice look into it.I will surely recommend to others..

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  2012 Honda CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Hawks - September 11 - 6:45 am

  Everything about this car is excellent. Low road noise...great mileage per gallon...great handling....great comfort...stylish and so much more. Very reliable car with low mileage.

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  My jellybean crv - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Retired om - September 11 - 1:04 am

  Great SUV excellent gas mileage,comfortable. Not a quiet ride able to hear road noise

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  Awesome quality car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By austin - September 10 - 9:46 pm

  I currently have about 800 miles on this car and computer indicates average of 48mpg which is a few mpgs lower than calculated fuel economy. Coasting in neutral on downhills will improve mpg. I had to change driving habits to get the high fuel economy. Driving like a granny also means I am less stressed out driving. The dealer had the tire pressure set to 25 psi which is very low. Once I increased to 40 psi, my mpg increased by about 10%. Back seats are comfortable and roomy. Styling is beautiful. Handling is also excellent. I test drove a Prius which I also liked but the Civic beats the Prius in styling and handling, as well as pricing.