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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  THIS CAR SAVED MY LIFE! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ajcolbert - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Just this past Monday I was in a terrible car accident that wrecked my beloved Pilot. I WALKED away with injuries sustained only from the seatbealt. I hit a cement median head on at 70 mph and am still here. The safety features of this vehicle cant be beat. Now that I have to get a new car, Im looking for another Pilot. I LOVED it even before the accident.

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  This Car Rocks!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By SanDiego1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1999, and have had zero problems with it. Its sleek exterior and outstanding interior are a tough match for any mid-size in this class. Performance is outstanding, whether in the city or plowing through the mountains. Overall, very pleased with the EX V6, and happy not to visit the service department except for scheduled maintenance.

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  5 Speed Fun - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Petra - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great on gas and fun to drive

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  Dynastic Succession - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jd Texas Flyer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my 8th Honda in two decades, deciding in its favor once again after comparing against the Mazda6 (close) and the Toyota Camry (grandmas car). Once again, the combination of economical performance, relatively refined engineering, value retention, and dependability made the choice easy. Although the exterior finish quality is less than expected (multiple paint bubbles on hood, make-ready finish scratches), this current version of a quite successful automotive dynasty appears to be the finest in a long line of Accord / Civic purchases, many of which were "still going" very well after 250K miles.

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  Just Purchased 2005 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dreamer123 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an 05 Accord. The main change in styles was the rear tail lights. Compared this car with the Acura TL, albeit they are different cars. The quality of the accord is excellent by my standards. Creature comforts are really nice. I researched a number of cars and found the Accord to be pound for pound superior for the price. The final selling feature for me was this 6 cyl, 240 HP engine which uses regular gas! The quality of Honda is tough to beat. Ive got a Civic with 280k miles on it and I only put several hundred bucks (above maintenance) to keep her going. In sum, if you buy this model I think you will be pleased.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kris Hamilton - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I am a Europien trained sport car type of driver for many years but I am now in my 40s. The Accord is a real piece of driving art for an automatic.

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  Didnt intend to buy this car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By e chase - July 22 - 1:23 am

  Was looking for 2008 Accord, but didnt care for extra length. Have owned several Hondas with excellent results; 90 Civic 93 Civic, 96 Civic, 93 Accord, 02 Accord. All excellent vehicles! Still have the 93 and 02, Combined 270K with no major repairs. Loved this CR-V with first drive. Excellent visibility for short spouse. Power is adequate, comfort excellent and fit and finish is typical Honda. Ride is smoother than I anticipated.

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  Best Sports Car for the Money! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Mike - July 21 - 11:12 pm

  I have wanted one of these cars since they came out almost 6 years ago. This is without a doubt one of the best handling, convertible sports cars out there. Must be a reason that Car & Driver voted it number 1 in a comparison test for 2004 and also rated it as one of their choices in their Top 10 annual category. The only things that I would change is the tonneau cover design, and I think the interior needs more storage space. Other than that the car is perfect.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGolds5 - July 21 - 6:46 pm

  As usual Honda thinks about every detail when they design a vehicle. Ive had Chevy, Ford, Mazda, even Toyota pickups and this truck is far superior in every way. Drives like a sports sedan and works like a truck. In freezing winter temperatures heater heats up instantly, easy to park, feels like im driving a truck half its size. Steering, breaking, excellent. Transmission feels as though it knows exactly what im thinking.Incredibly responsive. Ive had 14 new trucks in my life and this one is superior to them all. GM should be ashamed after seeing what Honda can do. Chevy trucks might be tuff but they are crude, trucky, and have many thoughless design features. Nothing better then this Honda.

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  About Time! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Aaron_trader - July 21 - 7:03 am

  Been looking for a mid-size truck with all-purpose capabilities. Almost went with Tacoma just about the time the Ridgeline hit the market, and even though its a first year model, I went with the Honda. Im counting on Honda reliability and the fact the much of the technology was taken from the Pilot and MDX. Overall, the vehicle is just want I wanted and meets or exceeds all my expectations. I would highly recommend a few accessories that help turn an otherwise unattractive vehicle into a looker: custom Honda grill, chrome bumper kit, side body moldings, custom wheels and tires. Also take off the front license plate and youll have a great looking truck with all the fantastic features.