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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  Right Car At The Right Time - Part 3 - 2009 Honda Fit
  By David - February 18 - 10:56 am

  Wrote my first review about 6 months ago & then wrote another a month later after being extremely impressed with the fuel economy. Well, Im still very impressed, as this car has managed to deliver 37.5 mpg consistently since my purchase. Bottom line, something is jacked with the EPA figures, because most Fit owners get much better mileage than the reported 27 city/33 hwy. I also think the car desperately needs a 6th gear, as the gear ratios are way too short. I can only imagine how much better the hwy mileage would be if there was a tall 6th gear. Plus if the ratios were more spaced it would quiet down the engine noise, as the engine spins at 4,000 rpms at 80 mph which gets annoying fast!

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By shariq - February 18 - 9:56 am

  WE have looked few other crossover & SUVs AND have bought this. NOT a bad decision..

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  Insight on my Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By DowneastDan - February 18 - 9:08 am

  My Insight was the 1st one in New England and was a demo for the first yr. I bought it off the first real owner. The 165 tires were dangerous and crappy on a dry summers day, so I went to 175 and have sum/win changes on wheels. I have added HHO generator which keeps the mpg at 60, but adds about 5-10 more horsepower, which saves my hybrid battery usage and keeps her charged for hills, etc. She handles very well and is a pleasure to drive. I do not drive her in the snow because at 1700 lbs I shutter to think of a sliding car hitting me. The 2 seats make it impossible to legally carry a child and not pract. for my golden. Honda put in a new hybrid batt. for $0 at 88K and will to 160K.

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  BEST MID SIZE/LARGE SUV! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Miggs05 - February 18 - 1:46 am

  We have had our 06 Pilot LX for almost 2 months and we absolutely love it! My wife and I spend a considerable amount of time driving an 05 Cadillac Sedan Deville, and we honestly think that our Pilot is every bit as nice, minus a few of Cadillacs luxury features- if those luxury features are a must, buy an Acura MDX which is basically the same as a Pilot. I have driven several different SUVs and they usually feel like trucks, but not the Pilot! Its almost like driving a large sedan. Honda has discovered SUV perfection, and its the Pilot! If you read reviews on as many web sites as possible, you will find that most experts would agree!

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  HONDA CIVIC 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BOB JERGER - February 17 - 11:40 pm

  A lot of fun to drive since the initial test drive. Love the small steering wheel and digital dash. Have had it only a month but have over 2,000 miles on it already. Love the styling and color (blue metallic). Changes color in different lighting. A few minor problems I have are the seat belts are a reach, wish both doors would open when you put it in park and the false advertisement of "XM" ready radio. The dealer said it would be $800.00 to install the XM. Were hoping to get the family pack and put it in my civic and sons car at 6.95 per month but not at that cost. Other then that great to drive.

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  ridgeline,you should be mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By robbin steele - February 17 - 10:16 pm

  very comfortable and quiet, didnt care for the $1500 blacked out edition,but sunroof is only available on top two trim levels-and anything else is difficult to find(hondas fault?) nice ride,lotsa storage-nice compromise if you need a truck that acts like a car.

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  Love My CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By crv_joy - February 17 - 9:43 pm

  I held out for a CRV with navi because I wanted the backup camera. I didnt really care about navi, but as it turns out I love it! CRV has a lot of pep and is fun to drive. I really like that you can get leather seats, moonroof, xm radio, seat warmers etc for under $30k. Gas mileage is a little less than I expected. 21.6 miles per gallon. I am a city driver and a little heavy footed.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dan - February 17 - 5:59 pm

  My parents purchased this vehicle new in August 1999, and it became mine in summer 2008, with 145K on the ticker. It now has 155K and has been dead reliable. Needed a clutch at 118K, ball joints and an ignition a year ago, and various wear items. Only non-wear items that have gone are the backlight for the clock, the left rear window switch in that door (still works from drivers door), and the green LED in the main cruise control switch. Id buy another one in a heartbeat but will hold onto this one for a while, until I can afford a six-speed Acura TL in a few years.

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  85% Perfect - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tallwoods - February 17 - 5:43 pm

  I have a Volvo V70 that I drive daily (18k miles/yr), and a Mitsu Montero that I off road. I wanted one car to do it all, and the Ridgeline is almost that car. It drives VERY well, but it needs more ground clearance for off-roading. The 4x4 system is good enough, but it bottoms out too easy. The bed should be 6" longer, same as the F150 SuperCrew (56"). The bed needs a power outlet! The exhaust hangs low and will get destroyed off-roading. I dont climb rocks, but there are rocks on the trails and 2-track roads I take... The sound system is weak. Love the climate control. Would like to easily remove the rear seats when needed. And it needs to look "brawnier", like a Subaru Brat.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dorisse - February 17 - 1:16 pm

  Its has been the best little big Suv I have ever owned. Dont think it does not have any pickup because it is a 4Cy. it will fly if I am not careful. If you want a good SUV and not lose you shirt then I highly suggest an Element.