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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  07 Honda Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Vu - February 6 - 11:42 am

  Great Truck! Very well designed comes with almost everything youll ever need in a vehicle. It drives like a champ! I live in Alaska, where roads are rough and icy in the winters. The AWD system works great! It delivers great traction on slick icy roads.

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  Buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By scottnjenk - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well built SUV. There is plenty of power for the weight and you barely feel the transmission shift. The seats are very comfortable. Plenty of headroom. I am also pleased to find that the fuel economy is very good as advertised. 20 mpg in the city. I have driven and priced all of the competition, this is by far the best deal in a four wheel drive SUV on the market.

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  A great small SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By okchonda - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the nicest, affordable vehicles I have every owned. Much better than the American-made trash Ive driven before.

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  The Accord coupe has it all!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By lphantom7 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  2000 Accord Coupe EX. You get a lot for your bucks and that comes with the Honda reputation of reliability. Performance is top notch, from steering and road feel to acceleration on highways. This is the most well thought out interior I have ever experience. All the controls and buttons are well placed and visually uncluttered.

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  As Expected from Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Wei - February 5 - 9:01 am

  Great car to own. Love the design and the look of this car. Enough power for its size. Getting around 30+mpg no matter how I drive it. Surprisingly spacious for a small car (I am 63, 200+lb, and this is a coupe!), comfortable ride for short/long trips, for the amount of money you pay this car is well worth it.

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  This car rocks my world!!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By somma - February 4 - 11:42 pm

  What a great little car! I can fit my mountain bikes, snowboards, backpacking equipment and the kitchen sink if I needed to in this awesome car. If you are a person who loves the outdoors, this car will DEFINITELY love you too. If you are a little bit messy - muddy or spill- prone like I am, just hose out the inside and get on with your life. No tent? Thats fine. Just recline all the seats and sleep under the moon roof with the doors wide open. I love how the doors swing wide open so that you can put whatever you need to in the back seat without shutting your front door and opening your back door. Oh - and it makes a great changing room on cold snowboarding days, too!

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  No longer a Ford Fan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By new honda beliver - February 4 - 6:40 pm

  With recent gas prices hovering around three dollars a gallon I needed some thing with better fule economy. I have been a loyal Ford owner since I started driving. But Ford doesnt have any thing close that will get the gas millage of my Civic. However I have not seen the advertised 40 mpg on the highway. The best mileage I have gotten is 38 mpg. Which Im not complaining. The vehicle handles excellent. Smooth ride but a little bit of road noise. I like how the instrument cluster looks and how the interrior is made. I have enjoyed my first Honda and I am planning on getting rid of my Ford Explorer for the new Honda CR-V thats comming out this fall.

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  2016 Honda Pilot Redesigned - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy Schiavone - February 4 - 5:09 pm

  Love the 2016 Pilot. Rides and handles well. Economic features include idle shut off when at traffic lights or stopped for short periods. Takes some getting used to and was annoying initially. Push button gear shifter and heated seats are a nice feature. Electronic controls for navigation and phone are also voice activated. Good cargo space with rear seats folded down. Would have loved the panoramic moonroof but only available on the Elite model. Overall good value and worth consideration when shopping for an SUV.

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  My first new car & I love it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kmarie - February 4 - 1:06 pm

  I just recently purchase my Civic yesterday. I waited a week trying to decide over a Acura RSX or the Scion tC. The RSX insurance was insane since Im only 20 and its a sports car. Hondas are known to be excellent cars and so far for the 24 hours that Ive had mine, its great. I love how roomy it is for a civic. The silver paint is beautiful, and I love the overall design.

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By John - February 4 - 10:23 am

  Very good suv, fun to drive and has the honda reliablity. Very good interior space and easy to drive. I am very happy with my purchase, sold a ford expedition and like the honda better.