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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  The Higas CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By patso - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great price for the quality of vehicle.

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  Honda Pilot the new SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Shelby - May 27 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a vehicle that is versitale, reliable and very practicle than the Honda Pilot is what you are looking for. I recently owned a Chevrolet Tahoe and had a bad experience with that vehicle. I then purchased the Pilot. It is ultimatley comparably if not better in so many ways. The cargo is roomier than that of a Tahoe or an Expedition. And the gas mileage is better than the other suvs. It sure makes a difference if your used to filling up at the pumps and spending 40 dollars than to spend 25 to fill up!

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alias 357 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle for the price.

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  Finally! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SCO - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Been waiting years for Honda to come out with an larger SUV to call their own and they did not disappoint. Handles like a car. Smooth ride & tight turning radius. Honda quality. Could use more power, but has pretty good pickup anyway. Poor acoustics for music. Terrible negotiating experience (dealer really jerked us around & played their usual games when I made it clear that I was not blind to their tactics). Dealer also tried to charge me $196 to slap on $170 crossbars (EX) over the existing crossrails. Ridiculous.

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  Great Car I love it - 2000 Honda Accord
  By BASwanson - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I had a 94 Honda Civic, with 200k miles. never burned a drop of oil, never failed to start never had to put anything into except fluids, belts, hoses, pads, etc... I rolled it at 80mph 3 times throught the median and came to rest on the hood of car in the oncoming lane. I kicked the glass out, dusted the glass off and walked away. I swore I would only own Honda after that. I bought a 00 Accord and I love it. terribly safe, comfortable and with the V-6, a lot of fun to drive. If you dont have one, get one. They keep their re-sale, run great and never in the shop. Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, everybody love em. LOOK AT THE 03.

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  transmission - 2002 Honda Civic
  By goody2shoe1 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  i like my car overall. It gets good gas mileage and has pretty good pickup for a four. I did have to get a new transmission though it hadnt gone yet but they thought it might but it was under warrenty so they replaced it for free. Its worked great ever since.

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  great milage - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By richard snyder - May 27 - 1:27 am

  Vey comfortable although the radio and controls are bloated

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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda Element
  By E1RMM - May 26 - 8:58 pm

  OK, I confess: I did convince the dealership to put carpet, floor mats, and the SC wheels on my E. There, I said it. Notwithstanding, I really love this vehicle. With the 18s it corners better than my 2007 Camry SE (manual) did. I am really amazed. True, it is not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road, but itll pass. I love the versatility of cargo space usage. I can get a lot of stuff inside, like 6 foot trees, etc. It makes trips to home improvement stores a breeze. I like that it takes up less floor space in my garage too. Its odd that a vehicle with so much interior room is shorter than a Corolla. I enjoy my E.

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  Good Deal - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ATL - May 26 - 7:29 pm

  Fun and easy to drive. Sometimes lack power, but it is expected with a 4cyl. Have to change the AWB drive fluid every one-two years to fix the squeaking noise when making a sharp turn. Gas mileage ok.

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  Overall Good Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brandon - May 26 - 2:53 am

  Driven about 2500 miles so far. Very Stable on the highway. Really have to step on it in the city, as it is a heavy car. It feels safe though. Handling is not as quick as you would want it due to its weight. Mileage is decent around 24-27. I enjoy driving it everyday. Few problems the inside door handle holder is loose. It pops out when you pull the door handle. Also if you have the dealer installed tire pressure tire valve caps, take them off as some of them were leaking air from the tires and this car already has tire pressure monitoring so you dont need it. I wish the lower gears would change faster and not rev so much all the time. I also wish they had heated mirrors with LX-S.