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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  Best car on the road - 2008 Honda Accord
  By AZSoonerfan - January 14 - 10:56 am

  This is my second Honda (first Accord). I love it so far. The V-6 delivers plenty of power and is very smooth. The VCM feature is great, when I see the green ECO light pop up I know that I am saving gas. Great leg room in the back and the seats a very supportive.

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  Great Suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By djf98 - January 14 - 10:00 am

  rugged looks, nice ride and made well inside and out. paid list, and added the following: side steps, fog lights,auto diming mirror, rear mud guards, wheel locks,trim grain and rear cargo cover. very satisfied (compass comes with the auto diming mirror)

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  honda pilot--2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By yabiz1 - January 14 - 10:00 am

  we have the ex-l with dvd player. it drives and handles more like a car but has the versitility of a truck--seats fold easily, there is plently of space for larger families and their gear. kids love the tv and its easy to run from the front seat. for heavy towing and off- roading its not as well suited as the trailblazer and its cousins, but for light camping and home depot runs, its perfect.

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  Honda Accord EX Sedan - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mjgrdms - January 14 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd honda product- love them. Extremely reliable except that the brakes dont last. never had any other problems.

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  sick sivic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By S_Elliott - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I baught my civic as my first car. The thing now has a little ove 6000 miles on it. As you can tell i like to drive it. Its fun, has great breaks and an easy clutch. I have put many upgrades like intake, exhaust, wing, rims things of that nature. And the car looks so clean. I would advise of purchasing a new honda civic.

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  Better Than Expected - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Chad - January 14 - 10:00 am

  The feel of the car takes a while to get used to, but when you start driving it a while, it becomes very easy and manageable to drive. When the engine shuts off at a stop sign or stop light, you have to be aware when on hills because it rolls back like a manual transmission vehicle. It has better acceleration than a 6 cylinder Mazda that I owned, and great interior comfort. I have been able to max out the storage capacity of the vehicle, and it has turned out to be very adequate for a smaller car.

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  Excellent, a car for everyone! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Silly boy - January 14 - 8:53 am

  I love this Element! I would buy this SUV again. The gas mileage is perfect and the price I was given was just awesome. This suv couldnt get any better! The comfort was superior. Anybody who thought this car was a poor decision to get, well, they thought wrong. I am really glad that Honda came out with an SUV that would put up to many customers standards.

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  Fun car with economical personality - 2008 Honda Civic
  By reedhands - January 14 - 4:56 am

  I love this car...I bought it brand new off of the lot and have loved it since! I have the manual and love it...only negative feedback would be it needs a stereo with more output for when you really want to rock out. Everything you could want in a car, great price, great gas mileage, roomy truck and big enough to fit four...awesome!

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  Getting Better - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By rwf - January 14 - 1:13 am

  This is my second PILOT. The first was a new 2004 LX (great vehicle). The 2007 EX-L however is an outstanding vehicle. Honda has refined the design. Listened to the customer and made small changes that make a big difference in the PILOT driving experience.

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  Loved it from Day One - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 13 - 7:22 pm

  This is the most enjoyable truck Ive owned. To the point my own father is thinking of getting one for himself. Consider hes a loyal GMC fan. Anyhow Im in the military and its a dream to drive, it reminds you of driving a car. But you have to convince yourself your in a 4x4. Take one on a test drive and you be the judge.