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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  2006 Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Ridgeline - November 10 - 3:35 pm

  I have owned toyota, ford, chevy, GMC, dodge and this Ridgeline is by far the best overall value. It is the best handling, most solid and comfortable truck compared to all the others. Very satisfied.

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Pate - November 10 - 1:18 pm

  I love the car, its a second car for myself and my husband. Its a fun car to drive. The only problems I have experienced so far are a few stalls after starting it up on a cold/frosty morning. And there is a problem with the stereo cutting out for and coming back on of its own accord a few minutes later. We had it checked and they did not find any problems...

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  Greatest Vehicle Ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By jtkrotz - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Maybe I am biased b/c I have wanted to own an Element since it was the Honda Model X...but let me say, now that i have one it is all I thought it would be and more. It handles well, AWD takes it offroad easy (although low clearance limits the possibilities), tons of room to cram stuff, people (I have gotten up to 7 cramemd in), anything into it. The fold down/up/removable seats/beds are great for camping or hauling wood and tools. The Element is by far the most fun vehicle I have ever driven, and if you tack on a few accessories (I have almost all of them) it gets even better.

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  More Fun Than I First Thought... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DesertDweller - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Size, handling, quality, its all here. I bought this as a "work wagon" for the office. I have been "stealing" it more and more. If you arent a serious off-roader, and want a reliable, not-too-big SUV, thats a joy to drive, this is the one for you. Its good for taking the occasional foray into the woods, mountains or desert dirt road. Honda even includes a hidden pic-nic table in the back! I have owned serious, big SUVs, and this isnt for serious off-roading. But it is a spacious, comfortable rig that does fit 5 comfortably, and 4 with some luxry. Rear seats recline AND move forward and back. They also "tumble" forward, against the front seats for lots of cargo space. But it!

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  The Best Car Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JCANolan1974 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  To all who are looking into purchasing this car, GET IT! I was considering to purchase a luxury model vehicle and I found that all of the things that I was looking for in those cars were found in the Honda Accord. I actually saved myself $13,000 in financing based on the features and options found in the luxury models vs. the Honda Accord. And darn it, the car is just all of that!!

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  The Best - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JWskier@aol.com - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The greatest car on the market. Totally smokes the Altima, Camery, mazda6, and the Passat in handling and comfort.

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  Honda Always Good - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Peco Joe - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned other Hondas before and had very good service and resale value. The new 2005 Accord is fully loaded and a good value for your money. While I tested over six other brands, I still came out better all around purchasing the Honda.This car (in my book) rides great, has clean design, good gas mileage, good performance and fine quality. A Honda is a Honda.

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  XM radio is AWESOME - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By thxXM - November 10 - 5:20 am

  Just got this new Pilot. Absolutely love it. The best part is the navigation system and the XM Radio. It is voice activated. You say XM 72 and it takes you straight to XMs awesome JAZZ station. You say XM 175 and it takes you to Baseball talk station. XM radio is AWESOME. You want to eat at a pizza place, you say pizza and it lists all the pizza restaurants in the area. You chose one and itll give you directions to it if you chose to get them.

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  Cool ride! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Kevin W - November 9 - 9:28 pm

  Its really fun to drive. Comfortable and stable

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  Love my Lude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Silver_97 - November 9 - 10:06 am

  I bought my Prelude a few months ago. It was very well maintained. Apart from a few flaws on the hood which look like someone spilled brake fluid... It was nearly perfect. I have had no mechanical problems. No problems at all for that matter, and this is a 10 yr old car! The interior is very comfortable, and I have no rattles. Very fun when vtec engages!