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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  Bulletproof - 2006 Honda Element
  By Cperficio - September 6 - 4:06 pm

  Theres not a better value on the market folks. My 6-3 teenage son fits comfortably in the back seat and theres lots of room for his euphonium on the storage area. For the same money we considered a Pontiac Vibe which is a good car but claustrophobic when compared to an Element. Im 6-0 and the seating position for me is ideal, I could drive it ALL day. Oil change is a snap(I change my own) with no need for a jack. With the black panels it really stands out from the crowd after I wash is and treat them with Armor All. Something Ive noticed, you never see an Element on a used car lot.

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  Sweet to ride and smart! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 6 - 2:41 pm

  Very comfortable and easy to drive, plenty of room. I laugh at Prius owners all swished in and not getting much more gas economy.

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  What a disappointment. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sergio - September 6 - 2:19 pm

  The car responds quickly and smoothly on start but after 80 mph the speedometer rises too slowly especially when the car is full. But that just the beginning. The drivers window came out of frame after about 1.5k miles. Later the interior started to fall apart small plastic pieces in the front corner popped out. After 20k miles front brakes came apart, battery was replaced, the starter and the alternator followed by the ignition key was giving problems. I didnt recognize it. I replaced cpu. The trunk lock broke at like 200 miles of use and the back seat open handle broke off easily. the exterior plastic started 2 fall off recently pins that hold them came out.

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  The Best Car Yet! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rho L - September 6 - 1:50 pm

  Traded in my 93 Accord (160000 miles) for this new "baby". It drives like you are on a cloud. I love everything about it, especially the Navi systen. Its a fun SAFE car!

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  18 years and still running strong - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Cruiser - September 6 - 10:30 am

  I bought my Accord new. Everything works good at 265,000 miles. I did have the trans reworked at 230,000, 1 new set of OEM brake rotors at 245,000. Has original freon in AC. Garage kept and waxed twice a year with McGuires products. Still run Michelin tires. I am on my 3rd stereo (needed a CD) and 2nd set of speakers. I plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off. Then I will probably rebuild it. Interior looks like new (scotchguard works). Mileage: 32/29

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  Third Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian - September 6 - 12:50 am

  This is my third Ridgeline. My first two were black this one is dark cherry pearl. My only wish is that it would get a little better gas milage. Everything else is great. Ride, handling, quality build, safety, color, and new mp3 ability.I just love it.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By blanco basin - September 6 - 12:46 am

  I traded my F-150 SuperCrew for the RidgeLine. Perfect vehicle for me. Has all the safety features I was looking for. It fits in my garage, and will tow my ATV, lawn tractor, and a wagon full of hay a few times a year. The storage compartment holds the groceries nicely.

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  nice, very nice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By gkh - September 5 - 7:20 pm

  Havent had the vehicle long, but this one is really a treat. Having put a tranny in an ML320 at 110K, decided to hunt for another rig....after mass test drives of everything you could imagine, decided on the Pilot...and absolutely no regrets..this SUV rides better than most upscale cars, great power availability, nice fit/finish and cant wait to drive it tomorrow.

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  Best car I have driven so far - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ecvoyager - September 5 - 5:54 pm

  This is my first Honda and I like it. After 5 years of drive, there still is no noise from inside. Way better quality than my previous Toyota Corolla. And with only a 2.4 L engine, this car accelerates so fast that I felt like in a sport car. And I got 25 GPS minimum when I drove in the city, way better than my previous Nissan Altima. My car only needs to replace engine oil every 10,000 miles. Save money. I never have any problem with my car, except may be one or two recall services by Honda. I love the car and passed this 2003 model to my daughter. I just bought a new 2008 Accord EX for myself.

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  Happy Owner - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ssgritta - September 5 - 1:55 pm

  I just bought my Ridgeline and have put on 300 miles so far. I traded in my 1999 Dodge Durango with 126,660 miles on it. I love the Ridgeline and all of its features. Very roomy and comfortable drive. Turns heads as i drive down the street. No complaints and I am a satisfied driver