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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  Totally Cool Roadster - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ed Horowitz - December 3 - 4:43 pm

  I can sum up in one word what this Honda S2000 is, "COOL". It is registered and regarded as a car. But, it performs like no car that I ever had before. Its performance is more like a four wheeled motorcycle and is low slung like a go cart. It gets attention and looks wherever I take it. I wasnt exactly thrilled about running it on super unleaded gas at first. However, its stingy, strong running four banger gets me 26 to 28 miles to the gallon combined city and freeway driving. When I took it to my Honda dealer for its first service appointment, I was afraid that I was in for one heck of a bill. Surprisingly, my wifes Camry cost more to service. I am very happy with my S2000.

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  20005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pat Howell - December 3 - 12:02 pm

  I find the Honda Pilot to be an excellent quality vehicle. Its interior design gives the driver and passengers exceptional comfort and room. It is a true eight passenger vehicle and affords comfort for all even when loaded to capacity. The Honda Pilot handles well both around town and on the highway. One only needs to sit in the vehicle and close the door to experience the solid workmanship.

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  comfortable fun ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By orange - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this my fourth honda .Its great fun ride.very smooth,roomy .

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  We would move in - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Smitten - December 3 - 10:00 am

  We just built new dream house, but the wife and I keep finding excuses to leave home in the C-RV. Wife recently joked- Why not just move into the Honda. My cat even insists on being an unwanted " hood ornament " Is this real or are we merely victims of new car smell delerium? Our " second car ", a Toyota camry, was recently washed and waxed by me out of a sense of guilt due to " Camry abandonment". I have searched the medical literature for AUTOMOTIVE LOVE and research recommends " See Psychiatry"

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CivicDriver - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for me; its simple but pretty, reliable, and affordable. The air condition and music controls and easy to use, so they can be easily manipulated without looking while driving. Its surprisingly spacious for such a small car, so its very comfortable.

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  First ever Brand New car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By rachael_ann1 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I did a LOT of research before deciding to buy this car. Its reputation, style and price tag won me over. I bought a VERY basic civic and have been very happy. The gas mileage is a given, its great. The sound system is really good. Trunk space is way more than youd imagine. I get compliments on the color all the time (I bought the Fiji Blue). Its speedy when it needs to be, fun to drive and handles very well. Very smooth. Turning radius is excellent! Seats are comfortable (and Im a big girl).

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  Back to Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Annie - December 3 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 1998 A4 and loving how it drove, but hating the numerous little mechanical failures I went back to Honda in November, 2003. Love the comfort and reliability of the car. Miss the all-wheel drive and handling of the A4, but nothing else.

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  Excellent Car and Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By gmonea - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is smooth and accelerates well, although the handling could be improved slightly. The quality is excellent. This is our third and best Accord yet. XM Radio is great feature and stereo is great for stock. We purchased ours for $23,800, which was $1,400 less than Edmunds True Market Value for zip code at the time.

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  Japanese Hummer - 2005 Honda Element
  By Richard W - December 3 - 4:26 am

  This must have been one of the Ugliest truck when it first came out. However, for some reason, it was also the reason that I purchased it, its ugliness caught my attention. Best choice that i ever made, I must have went through 40 cars already and I love the element based on price, value, and reliability. I cant believe how useful this truck is hauling the weirdest stuff around. There are many things that i like about this truck and things that i think Honda can improve on. Things that I like about this truck is it hauls alot I mean alot of stuff. Its cheap from the dealer, its awd, good in the snow and comes pretty loaded for around $20k. cant complain at all!

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  Nice Product - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By impulse_88 - December 2 - 6:30 pm

  Awsome car. Very roomy for a family of 5. Well designed interior especially the radio controls on steering wheel. Rides very smooth, though it will remind you that it is still a truck. Has generous amount of storage compartments.