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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  2006 4DR CIVIC EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Virginia OBrien - March 22 - 8:53 am

  This Honda has definitely redefined the driving experience for me- I totally enjoy this vehicle and am happy I purchased it.

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  Black Touring 2007 - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jamie Commire - March 22 - 6:13 am

  The Black touring van rides great. Previous car was Cadillac CTS-V. I love the size of the DVD and Nav screens. Easy to enter with the automatic doors and lift gate. Not getting more than 20 mpg with 10,000 miles on it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RH - March 21 - 11:10 pm

  I love my new Honda Civic! After test driving many other cars, Im happy that when I finally made up my mind to buy, the new version of the Civic was available. I never would have considered any of the older versions. This new version is stylish (Ive even been told that it looks futuristic) and classy. The ride is smooth and the interior is roomy for a small car. My husband is 66" and he has more than enough room! I am very pleased with my new car and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a small, economical, but stylish car.

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  "its a Honda" - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff - March 21 - 6:26 pm

  Well we finally pulled the trigger and purchased the 2008 Pilot EX-L AWD. We first test drove the VP, then the EX- L. The leather seats are far more comfortable, heated seats too! Nice...It handles very well, plenty of zip, and Honda reliability. I thought about buying an American product for about 2 seconds, then came to my senses. This is our third new Honda, Civic/Accord, now Pilot. My fellow Americans, before you buy anything else, test drive this car.

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  Will never own another Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By mandy - March 21 - 4:59 pm

  Ive grown up always hearing how Nice Hondas were how they ran forever as Long as u change the oil and do the maintenance. Finally I bought one because I was driving 100 Miles a day I needed a car I could afford and it would still hold its value. Well what a let down my Honda has been I bought it with 60,000 Miles on it w no warranty and 2 months after buying it the trans starting slipping. Now with 130,000 Miles on it and even if I replace the trans its only worth $4000 what a disappointment.

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  2006 Honda Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By beckyr111 - March 21 - 4:10 pm

  Test drove car on a whim last week and purchased one on Friday! What a hoot. Much more fun to drive than my 2000 Corvette w/ 6 speed. I let several friends (who own sports cars) drive the car this weekend and they were very impressed with the the total package. Their guess on price....25 to 27K. Handling limits are way beyond my capability. The car handles like its on a rope with summer tires being very sticky. Car is comfortable while cruising, handles bumps really well and will easily exceed any speed limit without being noticed by the driver.

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  Great so far - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By frank - March 21 - 1:40 pm

  Improved ride and handling over my 03 CR-V but I miss the flip up rear window. The maintenance minder is kind of silly and it seems that it will be a pain to use. I prefer a written maintenance schedule which is no longer in the owners manual. The adjustable steering wheel is ok but I usually set it once and leave it alone. The spare sits in the floor well with the valve stem pointed down which means that you have to remove it to check the air.

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  This car is the best - 2002 Honda S2000
  By 2000lover - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the car for you if you like head turning looks combined with speed. I tried all the other convertibles in its class and the S2000 was the clear winner. Mine is the triple black model which makes all the difference in the world in how it looks.

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  Kickin your Butt by 9000 RPM! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Panic - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The new kid on Hondas block is very much making a statement. A formula one wanna-be is actually close to the real thing. Obvious styling cues have been taken from Honda Racing Division. Not too surprising, considering some of the boys at Honda Racing had a major voice on the engineering aspects of the car. Bottom line... next time ANY type of Mustang pulls next to your S2 at the line, have no fear, S2000 will lead.

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  solid performer - 2002 Honda S2000
  By al vitale - March 21 - 10:00 am

  having driven nothing but celicas, the s 2000 is the first close-to- performance car ive owned. very sturdy handling, very responsive. typical tight suspension...probably the bumpiest ride ive ever had. but, to be expected