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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  Third Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DesertCoupe - December 2 - 4:43 pm

  This is my third Honda Accord. I traded in a 2003 Mustang GT for this fully loaded Accord Coupe and couldnt be happier. The car is fun to drive and the ride is excellent. I upgraded to the Honda 17" Wheels and the car looks awesome!! I would recommend this car to anyone. A great ride!!

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  Love it! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Hondamom - December 2 - 2:32 am

  Purchased a 2017 CR-V EX-L AWD. My previous car was a 2008 same model. While I loved the 2008, no mechanical problems at all, this 2017 is amazing. The noise level is gone, seats are super comfortable and the safety features are incredible. I do miss my hard shelf in the trunk area and the floor space between the front seats. The only fault on the car is the info screen. Its clunky and takes several steps to get to the right screen. Dear HONDA, GOOGLE maps would make this car perfect! In the meantime, I have to use my phone for the best navigation. The Honda and apple maps do not compare to google maps!

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  Si - 1999 Honda Civic
  By car6564 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Great little car, however, developed electrical problems after only 34,000 miles, dealer couldnt fix it until the 3rd try. I bailed before any other little problems came on, ironically occurred right after the warranty expired.

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  Honda-Quality SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Agostino A. - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Honfa finally has come through with a quality SUV. To me that means reliability, a car I cwill be able to depend on for years to come. And the ride, looks and comfort are also great. I like it so much I took a considerable loss to trade in my very satisfactory, but too-small, 2001 Subaru Forester.

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  Never a Dull Moment - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Paul1066 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I recentley purchased a new 02 Civic Si for under $16K. Many local delears in the Atlanta area had a few 02s left so I got one while they were on offer. The Si is made in the UK, my homeland, and its a shame we do not get the Type-R here in the US, now that looks hot. 200 BHP and a 146 mph top speed. I am happy so far with the 160 BHP machine and the car has a great level of equipment for the money. I like the handling and the motor which is smooth and pulls well at all speeds. A great car for the money.

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  Heck of a car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Shiloh - December 2 - 2:00 am

  When they said they were going to change the Accord, I was skeptical. I skipped the body style change in 98 and ran up 180K miles on my 95. After test driving the 03, I was sold. Its the best car out there for the money.

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  Best Sedan in the Market - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Choy - December 1 - 10:36 pm

  First time to drive a sedan. This car is so smooth, nice handling and very steady to drive. Horse power is excellent and it is there if you need it. It is probably the best family car you could have.

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  No, it really is a Honda. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Kent - December 1 - 9:30 pm

  It might look like a toaster, but inside it really is a Honda. Good build quality, though the materials seem plain or plastic, but that is what they are because the vehicle is all about being utilitarian. This vehicle really a swiss army knife that you can drive. The doors open wide (side loading). seats fold up and out of the way, and if you need to carry a 2X4 over 11 feet long, you open up the sun roof and stuff it in. Gas mileage at 24+ on the highway could be better. At first my wife hated my toy, however everywhere we go we seem to take it not because it rides the best it is OK, but a truck. We take it because you never know what kind or size of treasure she may find.

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  Very good but not perfect. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bo - December 1 - 6:13 pm

  Primarily bought the Pilot because of top ratings and I was tired of Minivans and their poor resale value. Had for 7 months and 7,xxx miles. Ride, comfort (we do not regularly use the 3rd row), performance combined are top notch. Felt I negotiated a very good deal at years end - the whole "late in the month and late in the year" discounts and the fact that the dealership was trying to make the "Presidents Award" with sales volume helped. Performs well on regular gas, better on premium. This is a heavy (but nimble) SUV. The mileage numbers on your window sticker may appear larger that your actual mileage. Maybe its not broken in?

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jack gleason - December 1 - 3:16 pm

  Just took delivery last week and could not be more pleased. Was planning to buy a sports car...drove the new Corvette, Boxter, and a two year old 911, as well as a Lexus 430SC. Also rented a new f-150 in October so new what a truck was like to drive. In the end, I went back to Honda and took a second look. I am so glad I did. This is the thinking mans truck for those who want a car/suv/truck but can only get one. The sports cars were nice, but sometimes I have more than a duffle bag to take along. This is one sweet ride. I am a happy owner. Try it, but only if you want to be sold.