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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  Hot Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By benjammins2000 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This extremely more car than the sticker price. Everyone wants to look at this car. The handling is great, accelleration equal or better than cars twice the cost. Honda Engineers hit a home run with the 04 S2000.

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  I love my Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Epps - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We did a lot of research on SUVs and also used Consumer Reports recommendation. We needed an 8 seat SUV and I am not a Van person. I can carry 7 teenagers (put basketball players in 3rd row seat) plus myself. It handles like a good car, has lots of storage space, radio can be handled from 2nd row seat and has loads of cargo space.

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  South America Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ricirene - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Used daily on steep dirt and gravel roads to work and shopping. Used on a long trip on unimproved mountain roads in Chile and Argentina, including heavy snow and heavy rain. Used on another long trip with 8 people aboard. Exterior appearance much better than I had been led to believe from reviews. Had an Acura MDX in United States prior to moving to Chile - loved it, but the Pilot is better. Superb!

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  Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NHPaul - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After test driving Toyotas Rav4, 4Runner, and Highlander, as well as the Honda Pilot, we were convinced that for the price, the CR-V was the best buy. Now, after having it for almost 6 months, we still love it! I drive it to work (42 miles each way) and have not had one (1) bad experience with it. It is not a million dollar car, but for the $24K that I paid for it, it is worth every penny!

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  Awsome SUV! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ptchevy - September 14 - 1:34 am

  I LOVE this car! Had to replace one of the cooling fans and performed necessary maintenance, but have NEVER had any type of engine or driveability prolems. I have 125,000 miles and will drive it til it dies, which may never happen, seeing how it rides and handles just like it did when I bought it with 24,000 miles on it.

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  good car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Fillmore - September 12 - 10:00 am

  i got this car from my sister for 2 grand, im 16 years old, its a great first car, it has 175,000 miles on it! but still drives awesome...

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  My favorite vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By nmw214 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently took my new Pilot on a 1000 mile road trip. It had good gas milage, was very comfortable,and provided a peaceful ride (I have the entertaiment package, my daughter enjoyed movies, listen to her own cds or chose her our radio station!). The third row seat is a bonus, but not made for adults. PS (I enjoyed the attention the vehicle received the first few weeks I had it, people would stop me in a store parking lot asking me about it!)

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  Ranking my Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Cristian Voicu - September 12 - 10:00 am

  It runs great. Have not had a problem with it. I only do highway miles with it.

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  Great Suv - 2001 Honda Passport
  By Honda lova - September 12 - 1:47 am

  bought a 2001 in feb. handles corners great gives good power for its 205hp. Very dependable never left me stranded great off road as well.

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  Love this car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ames007 - September 11 - 11:33 pm

  Ive only had this car for about three weeks, and I just love it! I bought mine in the "atomic blue" color and have recieved several compliments on it. I like that the drivers set can raise up and down (my boyfriend is MUCH taller than I), and the bright, digital dash. I compared this to the Corolla and the Saturn Ion, and the Civic is in a great class of its own. I cant wait to have this car for the next 20 years!