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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  Amazing value for $28K - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Nimbus gray_Pilot - August 19 - 9:59 pm

  After much research and comparison shopping, we decided on the EX-L w/AWD, and feel like we hit the jackpot-especially in the value category. I am more fond of this vehicle each week. It now has 5K miles, and has really proven itself to be the ultimate in practical suburban family vehicle. We also looked at the 07 Highlander, and nearly fell asleep at the wheel in the showroom. Also considered a certified X3, but cargo area way too small. The Pilot is no Ferrari, but it is predictable, comfortable and sure footed. We have taken it on several comfortable weekend road trips. When my died-in-the-wool car snob father drove it (drives a Lexus GX & BMW Z3) said "wow, this is impressive!

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  Nice Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By stogie - August 19 - 8:10 pm

  This is a nice truck. If you havent checked it out..you should. It will tow your runabout, store your stuff in the bedtrunk, and all the nooks and crannies inside to put your stuff. Four lights make looking in the bed easy after dark. Back seats fold up with one motion and fold back down with plenty of room for passengers. Exterior design is nice sets itself apart from those that want to look like a tractor for an 18 wheeler. Interior very nice and its comfortable you dont feel as though you are riding a truck hauling lumber. Magic 4 wheel drive push the button. It comes standard with features you will pay extra for on other models. Its a fun, working truck.

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By HC - August 19 - 12:06 pm

  We love our Ridgeline. Everything about it is practically perfect -- only exceptions are a bit of windshield noise and a bit of a blind spot on the drivers side. It handles like a dream, it fun to drive and is unusual enough to garner attention wherever we take it. The trunk is especially fine -- very handy on roadtrips. All in all, one of the best Hondas weve ever owned.

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  2010 Pilot Touring - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Skjeveland - August 18 - 9:00 pm

  New Pilot feels much larger than the previous model. The windshield is narrower and the hood sits much higher. The truck feels very solid and rides more quietly than our 2004 did. The center console can be a little confusing to operate until you have studied it a little while. The voice operation of items takes a little practice, but is great to use.

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  Absolute Perfection - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Sean - August 18 - 6:10 pm

  This car is precisely in spirit of what Ferdinand Porsche had in mind when he designed the 911. Unfortunately German manufactures turned to more profitable manufacturing schemes and lost the true passion of a sports car. This car is 100% designed for drivers who are passionate about driving and wouldnt use navigation even if it was a free option. Many owners complain about low end power, although I agree with Hondas design of this engine completely. People that just want a car to look good in and occasionally drive moderately hard should buy a boxer. Very true this car rides hard and is loud but that is because it isnt over engineered for people who really dont like driving to begin with

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  Great car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Luigi Borrelli - August 18 - 2:39 am

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  06 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - August 17 - 11:17 pm

  Overall my odyssey has been pretty good.. I had to take it it for a recall for the power steering pump about 6 months of ownership. The pump was making a whining noise like Fords Ive driven in the past. This is my first Honda. My wife and I hope to keep it a long time.

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  Almost perfect - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jason A - August 17 - 7:13 pm

  If you want a fun reliable car this isit with no doubt. I love the car and am a huge fan of it. There are a few issues to be aware of before you buy. I have had mine for a couple of months and it doesnt like going into reverse sometimes and the driver window neededto be tightened. The cup holders are great (even the one by the drivers window). There isnt very much storage space and the little place near the drivers shin will hold CDs w/o the cases but not with them and they fall out when you accelerate. There is no armrest but you wont want to take you hand off of the shifter long enough to rest your arm. In a nutshell this car is fantastic to drive and I do not regret buying mine!

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  Totally Satisfied... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Simba - August 17 - 7:10 pm

  I am totally satisfied with my 2002 V6 Accord! This is my 4th Honda and they have only gotten better. Its totally fun to drive...very stylish, very reliable ...and for a V6, it still gets descent gas mileage. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody!!

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  Hard to believe this is a truck!! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda - August 17 - 3:19 pm

  Once my husband and I got past the exterior we found this to be a fantastic family "car". It is another one of Hondas wonderful vehicles. Weve owned several Hondas before this and have found it to be as great as the Accords and Civics. It can boast of great usage of space and a comfortable interior. It drives better than our other truck and the 4 WD has come in handy. Five people ride comfortably with plently of luggage room. We love the "trunk" in the bed. The instruments are easy on the eyes and most everything is within easy reach, except the cruise button was a little hard to find.The tonneau cover keeps everything dry and secure. I most definitely can recommend the Ridgeline!