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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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By skovs - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot is a fun suv, excellent ride and can you see, no blind spots go and test drive it.

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  Billf is happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Billf - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful Vehicle if you in mind for a Mid to small size SUV....great gas mileage, comfortable ride...with quite a bit of pep.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bud Walker - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Ive had the car for exactly one year and I have never taken it back for a single warranty defect. Ive never had a car like that before. The only thing that I would like to have is a memory on the power seat and a graphic equilizer on the radio. Excellent radio (120Watts) without the equilizer Im just being picky. Excellent quality leather seating with adjustable lumbar support and heat! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Theres cars and then theres Hondas - 1991 Honda Accord
  By bubrubandlilsis - June 26 - 10:14 pm

  I bought this car a little over two years ago. So far to me it would have been superb in reliability but i failed to change the timing belt when the car reached 85,000 miles and put a 1500$ dent in my pocket. Just remember if you own one of them to change the timing belt when needed! Other then that instance the car has been great and I love it. After a few add ons like Prelude Rims, a spoiler, and a brand new paint job, this car is mechanically in great shape and looks immmaculate and sleek. The car is just about to surpass 100K miles,I only put on 20K, and its to bad im going to have to sell it soon.

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  Best car ever!!!! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By si - June 26 - 7:53 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. You feel as if you are connected to the road. The motor is strong and with 134,000 miles it has no problems. The car feels tight and shifts great. I love the styling, people are always staring at the car. Deffiently a recomended purchase.

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  Another winner - 2007 Honda Accord
  By TDN - June 26 - 6:30 pm

  Owned 1999 Accord V6 sedan for 125,000 carefree miles. We sold it at full price to the first person to see it. Decided to try a 4 cylinder coupe and glad we did. Not a big difference with performance/ride(initially a concern) compared to V6 sedan and much more fun to drive. We were looking for value and feel that the premium for the upgraded models is not warranted for our needs. My wife drives a Lexus and has no complaints with this car. I will always drive a Honda, buy one and you will also.

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  The Best - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 26 - 11:53 am

  I am extremely happy with the Ridgeline. The storage space is unbeleiveable-rubber bottoms on all of the dash board holders. Always four wheel drive. The lines of the truck, the smooth ride, everything. I have owned Fords, Chevrolets, and Toyotas, but I think I have a real winner with the Ridgeline.

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  Nice compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Great CRV - June 26 - 3:43 am

  Traded in an Accord which was a great car, just sat too low, had difficult time getting in and out. The CRV is just the right height to enter and exit. Looked at the Rav 4 but decided to stick with the Honda. Handles great, leather seats are comfortable with good support. Power is adequate would like to see the 190 horsepower engine though

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  One Great Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Wayne Jay - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine in 1995 and its been nothing but awesome. Its made trips up and down the east coast with no problems. I like it so much that when I bought my new 02 Accord EX-V6 - I decided to keep my 92 LX. I have nothing but good experiences.

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  My S2000 experience so far... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By colin - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 in Dallas, Tx now for almost a year and a half. My first year of ownership yielded approx. 19,000 miles, and much high speed driving. I replaced the first set of tires at 12,000 miles and Im replacing the second set now just shy of 21,000 miles. Overall the car drives like a gocart on crack.