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 it, would own one again and again! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dani - June 26 - 8:03 pm

  Im a die-hard fan of Honda cars, Ive own several of them and none has ever given me any reason for a major complaint. My current 02 EX V6 coupe is no exception. It is reliable, fun to drive, stylish, comfortable, affordable for all that it has to offer. Although it is an Accord, this coupe body style is not "bland" at all. It is unique and rarely can be seen on the road. While the combined average mileage of 25-26 miles/gallon isnt excellent, the V6 gives exceptional power to the drive. Keep up the oil changes and the engine will never fail. Excellent value for the price, exceptional car for its class.

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ft. Wayne Indiana - June 26 - 1:26 pm

  So far so good with a recent purchase of the Honda ridgline. The vehicle handles and drives well. I recently towed a large boat with it and it handled it like a champ. Very well engineered. Kudos to Honda.

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  Its a Gimmick - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bryan - June 26 - 1:10 pm

  For an SUV the Element is incredibly under powered and the AWD is no help at all with out ABS,which is not available on the LX model. The suicide doors are just a hassle especially if you are in a car pool. The person in the front seat needs to take off his/her seat belt and open the door just to let someone in the back.

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  You should get ONE !!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TalouseCat - June 26 - 1:03 pm

  Im 20 yrs old and this is my first car .. and Im glad its my first.I have a 4dr honda accord EX. I love the driving experience it gets good gas mileage , and I have yet to have any problems with it. If I had the option to purchase another car I would probly stick with Honda and purchase the Pilot. I feel that Hondas are a safe and reliable car and I am a proud owner !

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  Great Buy - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Robertson - June 26 - 12:13 pm

  The car is attractive and smooth. I have a tech background and love the technology that is has. Overall, Id highly recommend this vehicle. The only issue I have is that its more of a sporty vehicle than a family car.

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  Unbeatable reliability - 1999 Honda Accord
  By amchev - June 26 - 11:50 am

  I bought this car new in January of 1999. In that time Ive only done scheduled maintenance except for replacing the battery. 100% reliable transportation, everything works just like it did the day I drove it off the lot. Its not the most powerful or sporty car on the road and the newer models get better fuel economy but Honda has proven to me that they build reliable vehicles.

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  Perfectionist View Point - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Vinny - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Just got back from trip to PA. Drove around 600 miles this weekend, ,absolutely love my Odyssey. It rides better than every other minivan I test drove. It handles like a luxury car. Best investment in a new vehicle. No dissaponments hear. The kids will love the dvd player and I can listen to cds at the same time. GREAT features all around. Engine has lots of power was able to cruise at 80MPH at only 2,000 RPMs on the TACH.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Francomv - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent choice for families looking for a mid-size SUV with a huge cargo are when you only need seating for 5, and the advantage of seating for 8 when the need arises. The interior room, features, comfort, and quality and workmanship are excellent. The engine has just the right amount of "get-up-&-go" for the typical family that needs it in city driving. The 17 and 22 gas mileage I think is better than expected for a vehichle of this size with this kind of accelaration.

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  exactly what I wanted in an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rosyina - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a bigger vehicle for past 8 months. Waited to see what Pilot was like. The final choice came down to Highlander, Odyssey and Pilot. Highlander was quickly eliminated. There was a lot of going back and forth between Pilot and Odyssey. I think we made a good decision.

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  a good car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By peel gallery - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Only problem is road noise. Would like less.