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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  Worth the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NOLA Owner - January 15 - 1:11 pm

  I love my CRV. I will never own another brand vehicle. I have so many positives, so Ill tell others about my negatives. You cant roll down the back windows without hearing a horrible vibration. The exterior panels around the wheel wells are fading to a gray while everything else is black. The intermittent wipers need more variety/speeds. I would like another power outlet up front...for 2 cell phones. POSITIVES- very spacious, drives great, fast acceleration for a 4 cyl.,good gas mileage, quiet. I love my CRV

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By MyNewHonda - January 14 - 8:54 pm

  If youre looking for the utility of a truck with the ride of a sedan youve found the right vehicle. Its comfortable handles well, acceleration is more than adequate, has great visibility, and gas mileage is good for a vehicle of this size. Interior is spacious, having plenty of, leg, shoulder, and head room for all 5 occupants. Controls are well placed and made of quality materials. Side airbags all around, brake assist, and stability control standard. Its hard to beat this vehicles list of features for the price. Simply put, a great vehicle.

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  Id buy another one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy Ridgeline Ownr - January 14 - 12:37 pm

  I use to own a Chevy Avalanche and I thought I loved it. This Honda is a far better choice for "me". I work in construction and the Honda was a much better work horse. The only draw back is the short 5 bed and the pass through cargo into the cab, but I learned to work without it. So far, other than scheduled maintenance, one headlight bulb burnt out, vs broken and worn out parts on the Chevy for the same mileage/time frame. I wish it had more horsepower for my own needs. Looking online now for a Turbo kit. In 2008 I will be ready for a new one - maybe they will change the style then.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By revhighsi07 - January 14 - 12:23 pm

  I started working at a dealership and 2 weeks later I found myself trading in my 05 Si Hatch for the 07 Si sedan. Man what an awesome car everything about it is awesome performance, styling, even comfort and EPA is above average for the type of car it is. It gets better gas mileage than my 05 and the seats are much more comfortable, AND ITS GOT 4-DOORS.

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  Follow up - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 2nd Timer to Honda - January 14 - 11:02 am

  Follow up tp be to my earlier post, 12/28/06. Confirmed that this car has an ABS, another plus point. Came across an exhaust crack issue. That was fixed by the dealer, no charge. I came to know that Honda was aware of this issue and they have extended the warranty to 15 years or 150K for this issue. Please dont be fooled to pay dealer approximately $1000 for this repair. Fixed pulley in the engine and now this car is at a point that I dont need to do any repair. I like driving it. Yes, it would be nice to have a little more horsepower but overall I am happy with this car.

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  Awesome midsize SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By PilotN In Richmond - January 14 - 10:59 am

  Just recently purchased my gentle used Pilot and been enjoying it ever since. Had a little over 16k miles and seem brand new. Very tight construction. Much better mileage than you would expect for its size. Very spacious, storage galore. Firm but comfortable ride. Quiet cabin and even still with windows open, impressive. Awesome engine and 5 speed. Silky smooth running. Typical Honda quality aplenty.

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  Honda v6 1998 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By frpa - January 14 - 2:00 am

  What an excellect car!

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  Our Black Lab Approves - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bostonian8 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  A review from a couple 15+ yrs outside the Elements target demographic. This SUV exceeds the great reviews,and expectations my wife and I had. Trading in my 5-speed Acura Integra for this vehicle, I was pleasantly surprised by the carÂ’s peppy performance and road manners. Parallel parking in Boston- NO problem! Very much looking forward to taking the Element on VT ski trips, and humble AWDing ventures on the Cape and islands. Most importantly, our slightly spoiled black lab fully approved of the Element, and how easy it is to cleanout after her swimming adventures to the ocean and Charles River. A FUN car we enjoy driving in the city, or great outdoors!

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  Andrews Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V. It is very reliable and super fun to drive! Never have had any major problems with it and is always ready to keep going. Pulls a small utillity trailer great and you could never tell it was there.

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  Pilot is great! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lanie - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Pilot, I just wish I could have had the heated front seats and exterior mirrors that were offered in Canada last year, and are now options on the EXL. Still, it is a great family vehicle.