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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  THE MOST FUN TO DRIVE!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DAVID ELLIS - February 15 - 8:13 am

  The Honda Civic Si is an excellent buy and extremely fun to drive. The pick up speed in the Si is very good and the shifting is very smooth. I have driven the STI Subaru and found the shifting ruff. I love my 2007 Civic Si!! Handling and the options on the vehicle are great. Love the interior colors and design. This car is a must have for those who like performance with a small price.

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  Great car but missing some stuff - 2007 Honda Fit
  By gerard - February 15 - 6:53 am

  Ok...I traded my car for this one just a few days ago. Believe it or not, I had an 05 Acura RSX Type-S. I wanted the extra room and the gas mileage as well as a more user friendly package and lower insurance rates. I was impressed with everything with this FIT. The instrument cluster is BETTER than the RSX, theres a ton more room, and the ingress and degress is what sold me. Power is lacking but thats whats sacraficed for MPG.

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  I love this car - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Jenn - February 15 - 5:06 am

  This car is so much fun.. No only is it a head turner but it also gets down and dirty when it comes to showing someone up! I love it.

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  Great Car v6 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By daveral - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car

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  Great car, but far from perfect - 2000 Honda Civic
  By bloomer98 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love almost everything about this car. The handling is nice, you dont have to change the oil but for every 7500 miles, good size/feel, good mileage, lots of good things No repair issues. The only things I dont like are the brakes (they have started to make lots of noises but are only at around 50% wear, just an annoyance) and the acceleration. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. You dont buy a Civic for a performance vehicle, I guess. Again, its not awful, but I wish it had a little more giddy-up going uphill.

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  Best Riding SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By asu1981 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot were very similar with their car-like ride, space and features. Both of these vehicles were head and shoulders above the others that we tested. We went with the Honda Pilot due to the higher cost of the Acura MDX. In our minds, we could not see paying the extra money for the extras that the MDX offered.

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  From a Lincoln to a Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By winevisit1 - February 12 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned or leased Ford/Lincoln cars for several decades. I admire Ford Motor Co. for standing on their own during the financial crisis. I was preapproved for any vehicle I wanted from Lincoln. So, what did I do? I leased a Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L w/ Navigation. We are empty nesters and dont need 2 large SUVs anymore. I am extremely happy with my Crosstour of 1 month! It has excellent acceleration, has a quiet and smooth ride and the voice activated navigation system is awesome. You can actually tell it to change AC temps, change radio stations, or find a gas station, with 1 touch of a button on steering wheel. The only drawback I have found is poor gas mileage in city.

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  No Contest - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MDFUZZ - February 12 - 8:05 am

  Was skeptical at first because of its peculiar styling and V6 engine. 23 thousand miles later I am sold! Ride and reliability are a dream! Ive tested her with my 500 mile a week commutes and long distance interstate trips, but it still drives & handles like the first day. Its a V6 dont be fooled. She has more passing power than my 2004 Hemi Ram 1500 had & gets way better MPGs! Ive had many trucks in my life made by the big 3 when I only bought American that later had me sitting at the dealership for repairs, recalls & excuses. Not to mention losing my shirt when I traded up at the dealer because nobody wants used American trucks or cars. This truck has yet to let me down. Bravo!

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  Love my Element - 2007 Honda Element
  By blauvelt.jm - February 11 - 7:23 pm

  I love this car. It is perfect for my outdoorsy lifestyle and works great with my big dog. I cant wait until this summer to take it on more road trips. And cant wait to be able to camp out in it. I love being able to fit all my gear plus my dog plus a friend and their gear in a car that gets great gas mileage.

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  great utility vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Matt Bowman - February 11 - 4:54 pm

  Our Element has been GREAT! Very dependable and versatile- will haul most anything you can fit into it! The stereo, heater and AC work very well, and the controls are very easy to use. Snow and icy road conditions have been no problem at all. Even after owning all brands of 4-wheel drive vehicles, the Element performs as good as any of them. It seems that the gas mileage should be better for a four cylinder (ours gets a real-world 21-25) and the sunroof would be much better if placed over the front seats. The interior passenger room is amazing- everyone who looks inside is surprised at the amount of passenger/ cargo room. Our two teenage kids can even stretch out.