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:

• 

  fun wheels - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cheryl hayes - December 4 - 10:16 pm

  i have driven fords, chevs, dodge. my honda is the best truck i have ever driven. it pulls a trailor whit a honda 4 wheeler on it just like it was not even there.have had it to florida in sept for 4 days. coming back i drove 15 hours straight, and was not even tired. going back to tampa dec.25 to be with rest of family. i love my truck. honda keep up the good work

• 

  One of the Best - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Kenny Dodson - December 4 - 9:04 pm

  This has been one one the best vehicles I have ever owned( strike that.... It is THE best) I traded in my Lexus RX300 because I needed a larger vehicle ( my son made the family number 5 and the Lexus just became too small). I was kind of second guessing myself at the beginning thinking I should have stayed with another, larger Lexus( but the price was astronomical for the Lexus 450) so I finally decided on the Honda Pilot. Man, after owning this car for a year and a half, this was only a lease but at the end of this lease option I am definitely keeping this car in the family. Comfort, size, safety and driving stability all makes this car a must have.

• 

  best suv ever by far - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Victor - December 4 - 8:49 pm

  This is a Honda product! This means that the reliability is the best, the value is great and performance is the top of the line. This SUV drives like a car and carries up to 8 passengers, safety is 100%!! So Great!!!

• 

  Wow! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By AmyM - December 4 - 7:16 pm

  Are you kidding me! This is the BEST car, dollar-for-dollar, on the road today. And you talk about holding its value, wow! Only the firm seats keep this car from being a perfect 10!

• 

  Great 2nd SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By jh06703 - December 4 - 4:35 pm

  Perfect for Alaskan roads. Good for carrying dirty hunting dogs and all necessary equipment.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Marc - December 4 - 1:36 am

  If only sliced bread could be so advanced. The car knows what to do and when to do it. My last fill up I got 50.86 MPG. From the begining I got a min. of 45MPG to 48 MPG depending on weather, road conditions. I drive a combination of roads and speeds. My morning commute is 42 miles of highway which is either moving 70-80 or total stop and go. During the day its city and short hwy exposure. I still get great mileage.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tanya - December 3 - 8:26 pm

  My 2002 honda civic has endured my harsh driving with very few repairs. I drive over 35,000 miles per year and usually try to get places as quickly as possible. I have only performed routine maintenance on my car with the exception of wheel bearings on the front. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  One sweet driving machine - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Pat Z. - December 3 - 4:36 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive! It has all the power you need to do fast safe passing, to merge onto quickly moving urban highways with comfort and to have a little simple g-force fun. The idle stop engine is great for guilt-free driving on ozone alert days. The car creates its own serenity zone: no engine noise while waiting at stop lights, good road noise damping on rough, patched highways, and one sweet little sound system. I also like the fact that it has 4 cup holders for the front seat and dual climate controls. The fuel economy is quite good for such a powerful, fun-to-drive car. I wont say were saving money on gas though, because we do more driving just for the fun of it now.

• 

  Honda does it again - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ron - December 3 - 3:36 pm

  This is the 6th Honda I have owned since 1985.I purchased this one in dec 2005.This is by far the most fun to drive and has the looks to kill for.I would recommend the 2007 CRV to anyone who would love to have a sporty fun to drive SUV with all the bells and whistles.

• 

  Ridgeline - the truck for the rest of us - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stew - December 3 - 3:16 pm

  Im not a construction contractor and will never carry 2000 lbs of gravel in the back of a truck. I just need a truck to get to work, carry camping gear, bikes, dogs and kayaks, and get me through snow and mud. I dont WANT a truck, just an SUV that will let me haul big stuff occasionally and tow my camper. The Ridgeline will do all that for me in perfect comfort, without feeling like Im driving a big, ponderous truck. Plus I get better gas mileage than a V8. My wife loves the electric seat controls, particularly that she can raise the seat up to make it easier to look out the back window to back up. I love that I can push the seat back far enough to stretch out.