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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  I Love My New Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Texasmom25 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased a brand new Honda Accord EX with leather and a manual transmission and I love it. Driving it is so much fun. There is so much power even in just a 4 cylinder. This is definitely a luxury sedan in my opinion and worth every penny. I highly recommend purchasing a new Honda Accord. I got an excellent deal in my area...MSRP of only $22138 instead of $23990. After adding on splash guards, door guards, a moon roof visor, cargo net and gold emblem kit and 6 year, 100,000 mile warranty my final price was $24232.81. What a deal. I love it and give this vehicle five stars. Thanks Cleo Bay Honda, for making my day!

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  Great replacement for my 99 Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By joesw - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car replaces my 1999 Accord EX that was totaled by stop sign runner. The few complaints I had for my old car were nicely fixed in the new one. I paid about the same price but got so much more with CD changer, side airbags, steering wheel sound system control, larger tires, 5 spedd automatic

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  Stylish 2016 Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Hamilton - March 4 - 4:55 am

  Great car,great value.

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  I love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Marco Esquandolas - March 4 - 12:06 am

  Perfect for the family! We load up the kids, grandma and grandpa and all ride to the beach for the weekend! It handles very nicely and corners far better than I have ever experienced in an SUV. The Pilot just feels safe on the road.

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  Great car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By sr - March 2 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased this car new, and have had a great experience with it. It has been driven cross country several times. I have gotten 140,000 miles so far and have done nothing except routine maintenence.

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  The Happy Car - 2005 Honda Element
  By JJM - March 2 - 4:28 pm

  Our Element has been a joy to drive and own. We call it our "happy car". We took out the back seats and use the rear area for dogs and luggage. The XM sattelite radio and a great standard sound system is a big plus. We have the roof-top luggage carrier which works very well quiet and relatively eassy to get on and off. Great car overall. Little on the outside and big on the inside.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda Accord
  By J.J. - March 2 - 11:45 am

  I bought my 97 Accord LX 4cyl in 1999 with 23,000 miles. I have since driven the car to 148,000, with no problems what so ever. The only thing I did was perform basic maintaince, such as tires, brakes, timing belt, cv joints, etc. My only concern is that the power windows are very slow, especially in cold weather. Other wise I love this car. It also aged very well, The day I sold it with 148K it looked and drove just as it did when I got it with 23K. Needless to say, I am replacing it with a newer Accord, a 2003 model.

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  Civi Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Pete5332000 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  First off, if i know that the "Si" meant steal it I would have bought a daewoo. Other than that its a blast to drive. What really sold me was the fact that I could get some sporty performance or decent gas mileage (havent hit above 32 mpg yet), depending on my mood. Also it handles really well for being FWD. I also really liked that they put in the B16A2 engine instead of boring D-series.

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  The Ultimate SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By innovation1 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  After an exhaustive search and countless hours or SUV research I recently purchased the Pilot EX-L in RedRock Pearl. After only 4 months weeks I have come to the conclusion that this might have been my smartest purchase to date. I call it the ultimate SUV but in essence I could call it the ultimate transportation. The interior is comfortable enough to be your family sedan and its big, handy and thoughtful enough to be an alternative to a minivan. Theres nothing not to like about the Pilot. The only real competitors for the Pilot are the Toyota Highlander and the Acura MDX.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CC - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id be excited and happy about a mini van but Im both!! I love the magic seat; it makes it great when your out and you need the space! Honda is not known for having many bells and whistles but it does have the reputation for reliablity and thats what is important in a mini van!