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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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By KenVW - September 6 - 12:38 pm

  This is my best car I have bought. I have had many cars and this is by far the most comfortable and quality SUV I have had. I also own the Odyssey and it is fantastic too. I love Honda. This is a car is extremely fun and reliable to drive. The gas mileage isnt that bad. Anyway if you are looking to buy a SUV the Pilot is the way to go!

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  This is a great truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By dog - September 5 - 8:23 pm

  It will pull my ski boat, and looks good doing it. Interior room wonderful lots of magic places to store stuff, comfortable ride..the 245hp goes great, comes standard with all the good stuff. It is a good buy. For the price.. its a good purchase.. you want rear splash guards.. buy some.

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  Vantastic - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Quilter - September 5 - 7:58 pm

  Weve had a great experience with this van -- no problems at all. With 104K miles on it we are selling it to my wifes sister and we bought a new Odyssey van. Its all in how you drive and take car of your vehicle. We used this van on long trips mostly and it performed beautifully on the highway. We consistenly got 27 mpg on the road and 21 in town (unleaded exclusively). Changed oil every 3K miles. Kept it clean followed the service manual waxed it 1-2 times a year, and never had a lick of trouble. We dont work for Honda and dont own their stock either. We have had 3 Chrysler vans, but think Honda builds a better van.

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  Pick up done right - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mark - September 5 - 6:49 pm

  The Honda Ridgeline rtl-e will most likely revolutionize the way that America thinks about pickups after OneDrive youll realize that why should you put up with Radley teeth just to be able to say that you have a pick-up. From the storage in the trunk to the Kevlar bed to the speaker actuators in the trunk the Ridgeline offers so much more than the other conventional body-on-frame style that I dont know why anybody would choose it unless they have an extreme towing capability requirement. Ridgeline smooth gets great fuel economy it knows how to handle any type of weather but its Advanced all-wheel drive system that is engaged at all times. Storage is abundant it feels like Im in my pilot rather than in a pickup and when I do look to the rear I see such Innovation with the gate that folds down and opens up like a car he gives me so much more access to the bed for those needed things that you might find during a camping trip or during the construction project. The Ridgeline truly is the thinking mans pick up thank you Honda I almost went out and bought a Toyota not that its a bad truck its just like buying an old style vehicle when theres something much better out there.

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  pilot exl no nav.no dvd - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ross - September 5 - 1:26 am

  I picked up my pilot a week ago, love driving it. It drives like a car, not a truck.

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  2001 Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By VINCE - September 4 - 2:46 pm

  8 years of well balanced performance. Great drivability, great reliability, low cost maintenance (only regularly scheduled), excellent comfort & safety features. Just replaced tires, brakes & 1 headlight + 1 tailight bulbs.

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  Different Type of Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mark - September 4 - 11:33 am

  I traded a 2007 F150 Supercrew for this Honda, I love it. I looked at all makes and models, I have owned trucks for almost 28 years. This is not a solid rear axel truck, its not designed to be one either. What it does is handle very well, like a car, while providing the option to tow and haul. Its not perfect but it meets all my needs in what I really need a truck to do. I am glad I choose this Honda, I hope it is more reliable than other trucks I have owned in the past. For a truck like vechile this is a dream to drive, period, easy to park too. I had it a month now, so far I have found nothing I cant live with as is. I wish I had bought it sooner.

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  Glad I made this choice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vcaser - September 4 - 9:26 am

  I have this car in Nighthawk Black Pearl and it turns heads everywhere. People tend to think its a Lexus for some reason and are shocked to learn its an Accord. The fit and finish are wonderful, its obvious a lot of thought went into it. Its a "large" small car, too. My friends say the ride in the back is not bad at all.

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  A Truck That Rides Like a Sedan - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By jetmail17 - September 4 - 8:53 am

  Moving from a sports car phase to a Home Depot phase, I traded in a Porsche Boxster for my 2007 RTX Ridgeline. I confirmed what many reviewers say: this thing rides like a plush sedan. Even Consumer Reports had but one gripe, "pronounced road noise," which I cant pick up anywhere. I wasnt expecting the 250 hp 3.5 litre V-6 to be racy, but a buttload of horses rear up when you prod her to merge in with the interstate stampedes. Keep in mind I had the acceleration of a Porsche before. Riding up high with front and curtain-side airbags makes me appreciate the impressive safety ratings. Roomy interior can seat 5 easy! Honda has created the perfect vehicle for metro-truckin.

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  Love Affair With An Odd Duck - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bald Eagle - September 4 - 8:30 am

  Havent enjoyed a "car" this much in a long time. Roomy, versatile, fun to drive, and above all, unique. Four cylinder engine provides good acceleration with decent gas mileage, and you cant beat Hondas reliability. Its not meant for serious off-roading, but the on-demand AWD is great on snowy roads. Seating for four may be drawback for some, but those for passengers will be comfortable and there is a ton of room in the back seat. The ride is firm, but not jarring. Quite nice for a small SUV, but if youre used to a Buick, it may be a little rough. Designed for active young adults, at 63 years old I dont fit the demographic. Maybe Ill take up kayaking.