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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  Best vehicle ever! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dpb - June 29 - 4:43 pm

  Really impressed with this vehicle. Certainly, it does not replace a Ford F-350 or other such trucks, but is an outstanding truck for people like me who need a truck part time to carry items too big or too dirty for a SUV and still be able to carry 5 adults in comfort. The ride is exceptional, and the creature comforts are more than enough. Love the satellite navigation and radio! Very comfortable driving position and firm but polished ride. Some reviews complain about road noise, but I certainly disagree; they must have been comparing this to a Lexus LS 430! This truck is fun and easy to drive.

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  comfort,style,reliability - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Meryl - June 29 - 1:50 am

  I cannot say enough about the 2007 Honda Accord. I traded in my 2003 at the dealership where I purchased it. I was not intending to buy a new one just wanted to perhaps test drive a 2005 or 06. This dealership was out of stock on older models. Then this stunning 2007 caught my eye on the dealership floor, Bronze exterior, leather inside, sunvisor, and spoiler, hot looking wheels, need I say more. I had to test drive this baby. To me there was no difference between the power of my previous 2003 ex-v6 and this one. I drove it home that night after what I thought was a decent trade in value. I couldnt be happier. The finish on this car is smoother than a babys butt!,,,Well close anyway.

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  Third Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By E.J.S - June 28 - 9:06 am

  Just picked up 2006 ex with automatic. Very smooth ride. Love the color blue. Has great standard safety features. I owned two other Hondas they were accords an they both served me well. Looking forward to seeing the design of the new 2007. I dont think youll be disappointed with this purchase.

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  Everything I Expected! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mrsentra - June 28 - 8:53 am

  Driving this car around, you would never think it was underpowered with the 1.5L engine. I bought this car based on the purpose of commuting 160 miles a day in the near future. After taking a small roadtrip, I got 36 mpg highway and A/C running almost all the time. You might of read reviews of the car not having an arm rest, but Ive really hardly noticed it missing. One of my favorite features is the AUX input for the stereo for my Sony MP3 player. While others say the suspension is firm, I believe that its perfect for a daily driver. The 5 speed transmission shifts smooth and accurate. I highly recommend the Fit for those that need an affordable car with just the right amenities.

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  The Best of Form & Function - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rengo - June 28 - 12:43 am

  The Odessey stands out from all competitors. Terrific ergonomics, high quality interior component design, materials and performance, great styling (considering it is a minivan) and lots of fun to drive. I was surprised at how well it handlesve preferring this to our Mercedes for in town driving. We are large dog people. An 85lb. lab lives like a king in the back with the center row seats in on long trips. I often use this rather than our pickup to haul loads. Expect 20MPG combined unless you drive at 50MPH average speed with infrequent stops. All EPA estimates are overstated. This is no exception.

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  Az. Hwys - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By VBF - June 27 - 7:03 pm

  This CR-V handles better than I expected. On I-10 in Az. at 75 MPH when 18 wheelers pass u dont even know it. Used on back dirt roads with no problem. Have taken it across the desert as well as into the mts. Equally at home.

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  6 years in the waiting. - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Rich l San Diego - June 26 - 4:33 pm

  I had 00 celica GTS 6spd that I sold and bought a 04 IS300 because I thought I was getting older (28). After driving the IS for 2 yrs I realzied how much I missed a true sports car. The IS was fun to drive but too quiet for me. Ive always favored high revving 4 cylinders over displacement. Theres something about a high revving motor that lives out your F1 fantasies which the S2k does to perfection. The seating position, the dash and every button is angled to the driver and no one else. As to say we dont want you to think too much when it comes to adjusting the volume of the radio because we want your hands at 9 and 3 and your undivided attention to the road ahead.

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  BEST VEHICLE EVER OWNED - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LBREWER - June 26 - 10:00 am

  TO START WITH, EVERYTHING FITS RIGHT. NO RATTLES. EXCELLENT PAINTJOB. TRANSMISSION SO SMOOTH YOU CAN HARDLY FEEL IT SHIFT. VERY, VERY QUIET. SMOOTH RIDE. PLENTY OF POWER, ON A LEVEL ROAD WITH AIR AT 70 MPH, 26 MILES TO GALLON.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Duley - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Honda that I have purchased and it did not disappoint. The ride is the best that I have experienced in a SUV. It is quite and smooth and quick to respond as far as acceleration and turning. The only negative I have found was the fuel economy. Its not bad for an SUV but not quite what I expected from Honda. I average about 17 in city driving and 22 on the road. A similar type of engin in my friends Acura gets 32 on the road. Overall I very satisfied.

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  Gotta Love this Honda... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CH1997 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle. We traded up to get additional seating and storage capacity. We are extemely happy we made the jump to this new model. Anyone who has driven a Honda will be instantly familiar and comfortable with the controls and the handling of this vehicle.