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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  Most wonderful vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By MomOfTwo - December 21 - 3:23 pm

  We did a ton of research, over three months worth, before buying our Pilot. I loved it from the start for the well-designed interior, eight passenger seating (seven comfortably!) and the fact that its not huge like the other three-row SUVs. The middle console is wonderful with lots of storage, the seats are easy to position (excellent feature on moving the middle row for more leg room in the back). Lots of head & leg room too. And its a blast to drive. Our two girls love it! Its definitely more fun for all of us than the caravan we traded in. This is also my first Honda, and Im looking forward to many wonderful years together with the reliability ratings.

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  Vroom Vroom - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mreaganslaughter - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Car has exceeded everyone of my expectations. The navigation system is my favorite feature and a must have for those who are directionally challenged!

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  Hondalicious - 2004 Honda Accord
  By eminentnc - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had a Honda since college. The ride on a V6 from my four cylinder was well worth the extra $$$. It is to bad to learn late in the game that the brakes are sub par. I still fill that I am in my 1987 accord. What happened to technology???????????????

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  Excellent Ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bernae - December 21 - 4:53 am

  I love this car! This is my 5th Honda and my 4th Accord. I would have to say this is the BEST by far! I get a lot of compliments on this car and I am truly proud to have this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CBS - December 21 - 4:50 am

  Love the larger size of the car. Took a 600 mi road trip last weekend and got 33 mpg. Good power for the engine. Seats are comfortable and the ride is great.

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  I knew I would love it! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joan Pace - December 21 - 12:22 am

  I knew I would love my 16 Honda Accord Coupe. Id done all my research in advance, so I sent out word I was looking. Made the process an easy one. This is what I want, show me that you have it. Not usually a silver car person but the lunar silver metallic looks great on this car. Love it!

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By j - December 20 - 10:40 pm

  I love my element. It handles great and the ride is smooth. I couldnt get up my driveway in the snow with my old car and the Element AWD kicks in and cruises right up.

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  2004 Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By jb - December 20 - 9:15 pm

  Finding myself in the market for a vehicle that could comfortably seat four adult males and their gear for week long mountain bike trips, get good gas miliage and cost under $20,000-this was the winner. My other car is a Subaru Forester, which is a great car for my lifestle, but fitting American sized adults in the back seat is a joke. The Hondas exterior looks are still growing on me. It was this reason that caused me to put it at the bottom of my shopping list (behind the Toyota Matrix and others). One test drive quickly showed me that the Element, although shaped like a box on wheels, drove more like an Accord. It was clear that this was going to be a great escape car for me.

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  Nighthawk Black Beauty - 2008 Honda Accord
  By auto guy - December 19 - 11:23 pm

  We picked up a new Accord LX the other day and we couldnt be happier with our purchase. Although its a lower trim level, it has high quality interior trim; very comfortable seats; and and very smooth, quiet ride. The interior and exterior look great! Also, its very spacious inside, but it doesnt feel big. My only complaints are the wheel covers on the LX look cheap (in my opinion), the trunk hinges invade some space, and there isnt a trip computer or compass. Other than that, this car is great! I recommend it to everyone!

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  More than you paid for - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Karter - December 19 - 8:10 pm

  We have enjoyed our Crosstour exactly one month today and are ecstatic to say it has proven to feel like it is worth far more than we paid. This is a car we bought based on articles, reviews, past Honda experience, and Honda reputation. How rare is that? Absolutely solid as a rock, feels all of one piece, not a single rattle, squeak, or wind noise. Feels far more luxurious than our previous Pilot EX- L. My wife and teenage sons love it. This is a rare car that feels special every time you drive it. Everyone is amazed at how quiet and unfazed it feels. It reminds me of the old days when cars weighed over 2 tons and would glide.