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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  i love my HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By immortaldee - February 18 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST CAR UNDER 30,000 IN THE WORLD. YOU CAN BET YOUR HOUSE THAT THIS CAR WILL GET YOU FROM POINT A TO POINT B IN ANY TYPE OF CONDITION.

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  Total Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Walleye Bill - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought another Honda. This makes the sixth Honda product my family (3 people) has purchased over 15 years. The EX V6 with Navi has all the goodies. The biggest improvement is the silky smooth transmission, now a 5 speed, power and rigidity. Its simply a ball to drive! Why pay $35-$40,000 when you can get the whole package for under $27,000.

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  Great SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Nalini - February 17 - 7:21 pm

  So far I have 1100 miles on it. I am really enjoying the smooth ride. I traded in my 2016 Toyota Highlander for the pilot. I do miss my Highlander but the pilot has so much more options. I dont need the DVD player that you automatically get with this version but it will add value later. The car appleplay is okay. I dont like having to plug in my phone each time to use it. It could be improved. This vehicle has a auto engine idle. The navigation is neat. It shows you exactly where you are as if you are looking from the sky. It even has pictures of exit signs. The sensing is not as sensitive as people have stated. Its doing what is it suppose to do. Lots of interior storage. Leg room is good. The car seems so much bigger from the inside. Overall I am very happy with the purchase

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  Best Honda I have ever owned. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John of Columbus, NC - February 17 - 5:30 pm

  Have owned several Honda Accords before and the new design was really interesting. One test drive convinced us it was a superb car for us, I am 61" and it has lots of leg room. Traded in a 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited that depreciated too fast for my comfort zone. The 2008 Accord EX-L with 190 hp 4 cyl is a powerful driving experience. It gave me 25.3 mpg on the 3rd tank of fuel over both city and highway driving. Leather seats are very comfortable. My car is silver with black leather. Exterior design is handsome and a decided change from previous years. Added color matching body side molding for extra protection from careless door openers. A really super vehicle.

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  Best vehicle I ever had! - 2005 Honda Element
  By PatB - February 17 - 4:33 am

  I have owned a Blazer, Explorer, Honda CRV and I have to say the Honda Element is the most outstanding SUV. No carpeting makes it easy to keep clean and is great for hauling. The back seats are completely removable or fold them up against the side windows.This SUV is small enough to be fuel efficient yet the interior space is physically roomy and great for cargo. Best of all it hugs the road and I feel safe inside. CD player & speakers are superb! Great buy for the money-I will do it again!!

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  2k5 Accord - What a ride! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Butternuts - February 16 - 11:50 pm

  I moved up in the world from a 2k2 Accord and love my 05. The style inside and out is perfect. XM Satellite Radio, Dual Climate Control, Great leather seats, Side Curtain Airbags. The seat and drive comfort is PERFECT. I highly recommend this vehicle- ~T

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  Honda at the Pinnacle of Quality - 1994 Honda Civic
  By tommy thompson - February 16 - 11:03 pm

  Awesome mpg: 41/50 combined with 11 trouble free year gives the VX a hands down win in my book

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  00Honday Odyssey LX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Rick - February 16 - 3:13 pm

  Purchased new when Mercury Villager died. Needed room for the kids and for trips. Looked at SUVs but the Odyssey has better gas mileage. This has been, and still is, a fantastic vehicle. No problems at all. Have only replaced the normal "wearable" parts (wipers, brake pads, filters, tires, etc.).

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  Great Value, Replaced 99 Grand Caravan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By lebeske - February 15 - 5:30 pm

  Purchased on a Wednesday, took on a road trip Friday, 750 miles round trip. Overall, very comfortable ride and QUIET! Wind and road noise were minimal compared to our 99 Grand Caravan. Tons of luggage room, fit family of four, luggage and dog comfortably. On its maiden voyage, we achieved 26.5mpg on average, round trip. Used cruise control, kept speed at or below 70. Kids love the back seats compared to the Dodge "stow and go" which were very uncomfortable. In-floor storage is cavernous, tons of cup holders, easy access to back seat. Seating for 8, but dont do more than 7. The 3.5L V-6 has tons of pickup. Very impressed with accelleration.

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  Good solid car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By You know me - February 15 - 3:22 pm

  Weve had to put minimal money into this car, since we bought it. Recently we had a check engine light come on and we found out it has a cracked exhaust manifold. No explanation given for this, but considering Hondas reputation, this is a surprise. Has remarkably kept its value and this is the first thing other than brakes, exhaust and tires that weve ever had to do to it. Nice drive but not nearly as good as the 93 civic ex we had before it. The 93 we had until it had 193,000 miles on it. This one has 118,000 and Im tired of it.