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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  68000 mile review - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Liberty_05 - August 28 - 12:47 pm

  The Accord is the perfect all-around sedan for those who cannot afford a BMW (or those smart enough not to invest their hard earned money into rapidly depreciating assets at luxury prices). The Accord is sporty enough with a peppy engine and taut suspension to be really fun to zip around in. The car comfortably fits our family of four and has been a great stop-and-go hauler around town as well as a great highway touring sedan. Mechanically the car has been flawless. We have only had to replace a battery, oil and filters. The biggest drawback has been the length and turning radius making it sometimes difficult to park

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  My First ODYSSEY - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Oliver C - August 28 - 8:14 am

  Great Family Van for big family good for 8 passenger including driver

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  Great car, as reliable as they come - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Ken - August 28 - 6:31 am

  I bought this car at 98K miles. For the two years I have driven it, I have not had any problems with it - everything works, no breakdowns, no funny noises, etc. A quick check shows the resale value has hardly depreciated and its not surprising why that is so. On recent trips, Ive averaged 31 miles on the highway. This car has been very good to my wallet and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of buying it.

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  best car ever! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By j - August 27 - 10:33 pm

  I was deciding between the nissan versa and the fit. Im glad i choose the fit. Its easy on the eyes and my wallet. Its well designed use of space sporty looks sets it apart from all the other econo wannabes.

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  I love it - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Josette Brooks - August 27 - 3:47 pm

  I like everything about this vehicle. So far I dont have any complaints.

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  pilot $7,500 cheaper than MDX - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Harley - August 27 - 2:18 pm

  Dark colors look better than light colors

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  This is a GREAT car. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 1st Time Honda Buyer - August 27 - 1:20 pm

  This is my first Honda. Purchased the 07 Civic EX w/ Navi about 2 weeks ago. Have loved every second I spend behind the wheel. Just took the little 4 cyl into the Blue Ridge mountains, and it performed admirably. The redesign Honda has done on the Civics is beautiful. Plenty of room in the front seats for adults, back seat is fine for kids. The NAVI system is AWESOME! It has already paid for itself! XM sounds great, moon roof works smooth. Steering is precise, braking is tight. Acceleration leaves a bit to be desired, but is compensated for by gas mileage. Golf clubs fit easily in the trunk. I really, really love this car. Its size is perfect and its fun and easy to drive.

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  1st 24 Hours/240 Miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By SBoyd - August 27 - 12:17 pm

  I am a car snob. I prefer to have a loaded SUV that keeps up with the Joness, but last night I purchased a base LX Pilot to be practical. No leather, no sunroof, no CD, and no XM...oh me! Husband was pleased with my decision to purchase a lesser expensive car than my last four over the past 20 months, God love him! The last car was his choice, GMC Acadia SLT with everything imaginable. Great "entertainment" but awful gas mileage and absolutely no reliability (in my eyes) as I dont like being on side of the road in a 47k vehicle! Anyway, we got rid of it and I started looking for practical car for my 100 mile days. After researching the 2016 Pilot, I was excited but then I couldnt commit because I wanted a more luxurious interior. I drove everything "nice" but couldnt get the Pilot out of my head. The Pilot made sense. After losing so much $ on the past two cars, I worked a deal on a base model and drove away with my new Pilot last night. Since driving off the lot last night, I have put about 130 highway miles and 70 city miles on the Pilot. So far Ive used about 1/4 a tank of gas! I have grown to love the simplicity of the radio/Bluetooth/iPod/Heating and AC system as its nice to be able to drive and touch buttons without having to read a screen or select 70 things! The seats are crazy comfortable! I didnt miss seat warmers today because the cloth is like a nice cozy blanket instead of freezing leather. The armrest, well I hated it until today when I was in and out of the car 100 times! I realized Im not slumped over on the center console and I was much more comfortable! The cargo tray is my favorite, nothing sliding in the cargo area is amazing! My only two issues today, no sunroof and the sunglasses holder is too small for my big ole sunglasses! So for anyone who wants a solid, comfortable SUV...give it a chance, glad I did!

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  Phenomenal Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rob Mack - August 27 - 3:33 am

  I absolutely love my Accord EX-L. I traded in a Chevy Blazer for this car and Im glad I did! The Accord handles so incredibly well and is appointed in such a fashion to make you think you are driving a luxury vehicle. I went with the leather model to give it that extra touch of class, and it does it quite well. Everything inside the vehicle makes driving it so incredibly fun. I find myself just taking it out for a quick spin on the open road. Its hard to believe its a family sedan.

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  Oh! How Fun! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Miggy - August 27 - 3:30 am

  Just purchased the 2010 Crosstour EX- L. Finally a Japanese car to compete with European imports. Beautiful design, great comfort, luxury appointments and all the equipment any one could wish. An overall great package deal. Deals with traffic wonderfully with ease and comfort.