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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  My 2013 Honda Sport Review - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Roy Higgins - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I highly recommend getting a bed cover. It will help with the mileage. Only other complaint is that the radio reception seems worse that most cars. I love all the storage. You give up some getting a four door short bed, but the truck (under the bed) is huge. I was able to put a table saw in it with plenty of room. The fold up rear seats are great too.

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  one and only - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By marty5950 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. I would love to have one that wasnted full time 4WD

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  Not bad but needs work - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Martin - May 4 - 8:50 pm

  Civic is a good commuter car with great gas mileage, decent handling, and pleasant design.

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Hatchback Sport - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Giovanni Parlato - May 1 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome car to drive

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  Not sure yet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JOE - May 1 - 6:43 pm

  Great style, looks great in Black. Nice interior, great radio and A/C system. Nice performance from the 190 HP 4 cylinder. Smooth ride and handling under 60 mph.

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  You have to Drive it to Like it - 2005 Honda Element
  By michael riedel - April 30 - 7:33 pm

  It doesnt grab you on its looks - unless youre the type of driver that likes to set yourself apart even when standing still. The real love comes when you get behind the wheel and drive it. It has very nimble handling, a cavernous interior, versatility par excellence and simply solid quality. It is a bit buzzy on the freeway @ 3800 RPM but other than that, youll fall in love with the features, mileage, durability and versatility. Great for picnics, shopping, dogs, camping, etc. Love the stadium seating for 2nd row passengers. Great gas mileage. Only wish I had waited until the 2006 models when they will be all body color paint and not the gray plastic body panels.

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  Nice car SO FAR - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Terry Thompson - April 30 - 2:02 pm

  Nice car so far

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  Why this was my last Honda ever - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - April 30 - 6:40 am

  Even after Honda issued a TSB for the 3rd gear problem, I couldnt get the infamous 3rd gear TSB done,after writing and talking with HCS on the phone, etc., the service center continued to deny any 3rd gear problem, "even an intermittent one." All HCS offered to do was give a loaner car while I kept my SI at the dealer for a few days in the hope that they would admit to the problem. But they just didnt want to fix it. I traded in the car. Ill never buy another Honda again. This was my fifth. It was in the shop constantly, first for the oil leak, which took months of visits and letters/calls to Honda to get fixed. And I got tired of trying to get the 3rd gear issue fixed. Dont buy one.