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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  Love my Honda ! ! ! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CIN - January 6 - 3:32 pm

  Yes, Im a woman, and yes, I LOVE my CAR!!! I only had regular mnt. done and no recalls. Heated seats werent necessary, but now they are. The only problem is the middle area (console). It is basically worthless. If you place anything in between the front seats, you have no cup holders or tray. Now, they dont offer ash trays for this model. I need to carry something for my friends. Otherwise, everyone I spoke with who own this model, love it. I would not sell it, but am now disabled and cannot ever drive I actually cry thinking of selling my Honda. It bothers me more than the disabilities. So, yeah, I love my Honda!

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  Honda is a solid built car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Greg - January 6 - 2:43 pm

  This honda is a great car for the money. It is so very well built. Very tight handling.

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  Wonderful Sedan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brian M - January 6 - 12:13 pm

  190hp 4cyl vtec has good smooth power for a 4 cyl. revs up there with no complaints. The steering is pretty tight but different in a way if youre used to more road feel it leans more toward isolation IMHO... but good . The interior is tight and well put together. Im already used to the "buttony" radio /ac controls... look, its not that bad, everything is reachable with one hand like typing! The looks of the car "grew" on me . I like it a lot now. I guess I was expecting the new 08 Accord to look dressed up ordinary but it looks classy and sleek to me. I love the way it handles, it has 17 inchers on it - Michelin 225s. Road noise not an issue with me, its acceptable.

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  Fantanstic Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Shreveport Sam - January 6 - 2:03 am

  A very solid, comfortable, and well-built car. Good, economical highway car. Car looks more expensive than it is. For the price, the car is very well-equipped and I have not missed any extras that are available on the other Accord models. Also, the car came with airbags and ABS as standard equipment. I am used to driving a small Civic, and have not had any trouble adjusting to the larger Accord.

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  Comfy Special Edition - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KAREN LOCK - January 6 - 1:33 am

  This is my second CRV and I love it. The special edition has leather heated seats that are comfy yet durable. This upgraded edition offers a different driving experience due to the luxurious interior. there seems to be ample room for anything and all features are well thought out. The overall appearance, inside and out, aesthetically makes this edition extremely appealing.

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  Sweet Ride.... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jimbo - January 5 - 5:06 pm

  Ive had the new Accord EX-L for about a week. It is one sweet ride. Some reviews have complained about road noise, but its not a problem for me. The car is quick and responsive, escpecially for a 4 cyl. car. The auto tranny is unbelievably smooth. You can hardly tell when it shifts. Handling is great. The interior has a quality feel. I especially love the XM radio that comes with the leather package. One catch is that the front passenger seat does not have a heater in the backrest, just the seat. The brakes on my car are a little touchy, so I will bring it back to the dealer for an adjustment. Other than that, its the perfect car for me.

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  Another winner from Honda - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By HondaBTR - January 5 - 4:20 pm

  Bought the Pilot as my family was outgrowing the 08 CRV I had. My final choice was between the PIlot and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot won because of the useful third row seat, more standard features on the trim I was loking at and my general bias towards Honda. The car has been a revelation. It has a comfortable ride and at the same time has enough power under the hood to accelerate nicely on highways. Absolutely love the spacious interiors, the 6 cd changer and seven speakers. Only complaint I have is the horrible mileage. I emptied my first full tank and according to the trip meter, the mileage was a horrible 15mpg, which is low even for city driving.

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  Satisfied - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Informed - January 5 - 1:06 pm

  Car so far has been pretty awesome. Vehicle drives smoothly and I receive many compliments. I have to say overall I am very satisfied with the car. It has hot heat and cold a/c. Test drove many other cars for many months and feel in love with this one. Really love the placement on the digital speedometer. Has a pretty decent sounds system, get about 37 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city.

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  Love being a Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - January 5 - 12:00 am

  I have owned my 2005 Pilot since April. I bought it from a dealer and it had 2000 miles put on it by the dealer manager. I love this darn car so much I cant stay out of it. I have put 12,000 miles on it in 4 months! It has such great handling. Turning on a dime even though it is the size of a half-dollar. It has amazing power and is easy easy to drive. Love it!

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  Luv it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SDSU - January 4 - 4:06 pm

  So this is my third civic. 1st one i totaled 2nd one was a 2004 civic sedan and now the 08 EX-L coupe. Love the leather. Love the handling. I have a lead foot and this car just flows with me around the turns. For example, theres a turn thats legally supposed to be taken 35 but this car goes 60 on it easily without even a skid of the tires. Hugs the road perfectly, great suspension. Fun to drive. If your like me and love just letting it all loose on the road and having a great time. this civic is for you. The leather trim steering wheel.seats, seat warmers and great interior doesnt hurt either.