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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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By psdir - July 15 - 2:56 pm

  Traded up from a 2004 Pilot and was pleased with the power and performance of the Ridgeline. The vehicle has over 18K miles on it and has not had one mechanical repair. The Ridgeline has a smooth shifting 5 speed automatic with plenty of power to pull a trailer, carry a load or just to pass a slower moving vehicle. Everything works perfectly. The gas mileage is a consistant 21 mpg which is reasonable using 87 octane fuel. It has high ground clearance with no real blindspots. Constantly get compliments on it. I would recommend the Ridgeline to everyone.

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  2010 CRV is much improved - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Ekblad - July 15 - 5:33 am

  I carefully compared all the CUVs in the marketplace and came to the conclusion that the newly upgraded 2010 CRV is the best. It is more quiet, more peppy, more solid, and has a reputation for reliability. I appreciate the new 180 hp ULEV motor, the high quality interior materials, the chrome front grill, the quality feel of the switch gear, and the very good standard sound system. It is also good to know that since it is a Honda, one does not have to worry about excessive depreciation. I would not say that it rides as well as a typical sedan but it is close enough. Interior ergonomics are very good. The design would be better if there was some way to remove the back seat for more cargo.

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  Honda needs a few refinements - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hondaman - July 15 - 3:26 am

  Just bought a 05 Accord today and I must say although im a big fan of Honda, im a little dissapointed in the vibration in the steering wheel. I traded in a 05 Civic lx to get more room and I think the drive in it was very close to that of the Accord. I think for a $20,000 vehicle, the ride for the driver could be improved. The car has alot of great qualities and only a few negative ones, mainly the stiff ride and the comfort of the seats.

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  2005 Honda Pilot Review - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Joanne Goodale - July 15 - 12:48 am

  I love driving this Pilot. Weve have taken it on several road trips and have found it extremely comfortable with plenty of room for luggage. Also, the 3rd row seat has come in handy many times. You can split the second and third row seats which is offers different options for passengers and baggage. The turning radius is better than my volvos.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Samezmom - July 14 - 11:06 pm

  I like this car. It is my 5th Honda. I previously had a prelude. My only issue with the civic is that is doesnt ride as smooth as my prelude. It is a little higher up, so doesnt hug the road as well. All in all I am happy with the car, its very sporty looking.

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  Superb for the Money! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Borg - July 14 - 9:13 pm

  This is our 3rd Honda Accord weve owned. Our last, a 2005 Honda Accord EX-L V6 where we were T-Boned by a drunk driver going 50 mph protected our family very well. We were very impressed with how well the car protected us. Accident safety aside, this is a superb car for the money. We got the EX V6 with leather, no navigation and were very impressed with the ride, amenities, performance, and fuel economy. Our friends have an Acura TL-though a wonderful automobile, offers similar sound deadening as our Accord. We didnt need HID lamps, or other "creature" comforts. So if youre looking for a safe, well built, comfortable car, check out the Honda Accord!

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  Love my Honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By SammyDbull8827 - July 14 - 8:54 pm

  My wonderful boss who just bought a new Civic EX coupe was sweet enough to pass on his all stock 93 Accord EX Coupe to me for free when he found out I needed a set of wheels. It had only 82,000 miles at the time and in mint conditon with the exception of a dent in the drivers fender. The rear spoiler and alloy wheels really brings out the sporty look of this car. I get a lot of compliments especially from women where ever i go. I even get people asking me if I want to sell her. This car starts up everytime and runs extremely smooth and tight expecially on the highway. Getting 23/27 mpg avg with A/C on. I will not part with her and plan on driving it for another 200,000 + miles. -)

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  Old Faithful - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By 1997 Honda Odyssey - July 14 - 8:10 pm

  This van has been like a family pet. It is as tough as a bull, easy to drive, and has never let us down. My only complaint is the paint job. Our old van is looking pretty ratty as the paint deteriorates. We are considering a paint job, rather than getting a new one.

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  Part of the family - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tucson majic - July 14 - 1:10 pm

  Had A GM, wouldnÂ’t quit breaking so we went and tried the Honda Pilot. Paid sticker as there was no bartering at the time. Outstanding value for the money. Held up great as my wife is hard on vehicles. The only thing I did to it was add an aftermarket transmission cooler as we live in a hot climate. This vehicle has been that reliable that I would replace it with another. Maintaining it is easy for do it yourselfers also.

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  Honda is reliable! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Franc - July 14 - 12:04 pm

  Great car, love most of it