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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  Get this Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By beeminbobby - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Wow! Bullseye, Honda!! First, this car is fast! Second, the interior design, fit/finish and ergonomics are top notch, and the illumination on the gauges are world class. Thirds, the exterior fit and finish is impeccable, and the black paint is flawless. So what if the exterior design is..eh, okay. If you are having problems with the new design, try to reserve final judgement until the test drive. Trust me, youll get over any aesthetic problems toot-sweet!. This car is that good. If youre looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or even Acura, make sure you check out the new Accord first.

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  Just Bought One! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cserrato - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle, and I love it. It is a lot more fun to drive than you would think. It has excellent power and a smooth ride. 2 strangers have come up and told me how good it looks! I know Honda has a rep for boring, but try it before you knock it and this car sips gas, I go over 200 miles on a full tank.

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  Great SUV, Mini Van Replacement - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HR6895 - February 18 - 1:06 am

  Drove first 1K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside.

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  Rock solid - 1997 Honda Accord
  By alex - February 17 - 9:15 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. Requires no repairs, EVER. I live where there is salt on the roads, hence a new radiator due to rust. 100% reliable, would drive it anywhere in North America. You dont know quality til youve owned a Honda.

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  good car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By carole - February 17 - 4:06 pm

  really fun to drive has peenty of pep and holds the road very well thought I was comming down from my caddy but the hybrid outperforms significantly..

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  Its a Gas Gas Gas .... - 2000 Honda S2000
  By TriggerMn - February 17 - 2:18 pm

  This is one of the all time must drive cars. The level of entertainment and confidence this 2 seeter inspires is amazing. You feel like you are on the track just going down I5. For a long drive take earplugs or headphones, ragtops just are not the quietest things on the road. My wife even likes it!!

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  Would do it all over again tomorrow - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Will - February 17 - 1:50 pm

  Ive driven my 2000 for almost 6 years now, and have yet to find anything to complain about. My mileage is around 65 mpg on rolling hill highways, and about 58-62 around town. Never a problem or worry. I regularly pack the Insight with considerable astronomy and camping gear for two, for overnight stargazing outings. Ive even hauled hay bales and sacks of feed for my sheep. Id buy it again in a heartbeat

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Zzzooom - February 17 - 8:36 am

  As the current owner of 2 Mazda 6s V6s which I just handed over to my sons to take off to college in, I did not think I would like the 4 cylinder Accord. However, I am very impressed with this 4 cylinder. I have the 5 sp manual (as I do with the Mazdas) and the Honda engine is very impressive. Another thing I noticed is that the Mazdas are more of a drivers car in that they feel like they are going fast around the twisties; however the Honda takes the same curves at the same speed and makes it feel uneventful. After thinking about that I conclude that the Honda is actually the better handler, it just does not make an ordeal out of it. The fit and finish is superior to any car I have owned.

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  Honda SUV is fun to drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - February 17 - 3:56 am

  Lots of fun to drive. Good response, easy to park. A little tight for a big guy to get into and our of the driver seat. Cruise on off switch is out of the way and I had to take my eyes off the road to find it. Drivers seat could use better lumbar support. I would like more hidden storage.

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  PA IN A PILOT - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By pa fam - February 16 - 10:03 pm

  We traded our 2001 Odyessy for a 2005 Black Pilot. We are sure glad we did, we didnt realize how much we like being a little higher compared to our van, and our CR-V. Our new pilot is very quick when accelerating onto freeways. The gas mileage could possibly be better for being a mianly front wheel drive suv(glad it has low range). The interior is a huge improvement over our vans, and is easier to see out back. Our Pilot is great in allweather and we are enjoying it very much so far in the winter. THIS CAR ROCKS!