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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  Fun Drive - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bobo - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our CR-V EX-L in January, 2010. We have enjoyed it every day since. My wife comments that she loves the car every day. It is a responsive, comfortable ride. I thought I would be disappointed with the four-cylinder engine, but quite the contrary. It was plenty of engine for me. In almost a year, we have not found anything about the vehicle that we would want to change.

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  Best small car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Fitlover - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Previously, I owned a Nissan sentra with which I was very happy for 20 yrs. (yes!). Finally decided it was time for a new car. Researched well. Drove the versa, yaris and fit. Loved the fit. Handled like a sports car and was very comfortable with many safety features not standard on the others. Interior is very thoughtfully designed, with many little holders for various things.

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  Proud Pilot Owner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By KellyMarie - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my pilot for about 8 months now. Between work, college, and family I put many miles on my pilot and find it is still very reliable. Although it cost me more than I wanted to spend this car is truly a great investment. I bought it knowing that I will have a family someday and this vehicle will stand the test of time. Got into an accident a month after I bought it. Totaled half of the other vehicle. My pilot had nothing but a scratch on the bumper and I didnt even know I hit the other car. Safety is one of the best features of the Pilot. I never felt the impact of the accident! I spent a year researching before making my purchase. Glad I picked the Pilot!

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  Ten years with my 2000 Accord EX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By dexter - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 10 years, traded in for a 2011 Accord for the newer safety features. However, this is an amazing car. Never had a single mechanical problem with the car, the paint is still in excellent condition and the drivetrain will undoubtedly last another 10 - 15 years. I have nothing but positive memories of this car. The shifter is a joy to use. The steering is so precise that you can place this car in a turn, even at the limits of adhesion, with complete accuracy. My 2000 Accord is an admirable vehicle which hasnt lost an ounce of its original quality, performance or reliability over the past 10 years.

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  Great Everyday Driver - 2007 Honda Accord
  By NatureGuy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car meets my daily driving needs perfectly. It is an unassuming but well designed car, with sleek, simple lines and a practical, comfortable, quiet interior. The best feature of this car is the ride. I dont expect sports car performance from an Accord, but this little gem comes pretty close. I do a lot of mountain driving, and handling is sharp and crisp, no problems parking or navigating narrow streets. This car excels as a commuter car, a grocery getter and a weekend road trip car. I have a Jeep for my serious adventure driving, so I dont expect the Honda to be anything its not. Good MPG is a plus, and every time I drive my 16 mpg Wrangler I appreciate the Accord more.

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  Excellent Driving Experience - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Patricia - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2011 Honda Accord SE is a luxurious car and a modest price. It handles responsively, especially when turning. The interior dashboard is no nonsense: what you need and nothing more. (This is a plus, IMHO.) The all leather interior gives this car a classier look, but its also very practical-- very easy to keep clean.

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  BMW like handling in a Honda! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Cobra podrapuss - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove my friends 2009 Honda Accord LX on a 250 mile road trip and I feel that I got a better enough feel of this car to write a review. At highway speeds the Accord has road noise and some wind noise and ride quality is not that good. The 4 cyl engine is noisy also vibrates alot at idle. This 8th generation Accord has a cheaper feeling interior as well. The car has extraordinary handling characteristics it tracks like a locomotive and it feels very stable at triple digit speeds. Power from engine was good too. The Accord has 50,000 miles and it never caused a single problem so I recommend this car to someone looking for a reliable sedan with sporty driving characteristics

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  Amazing! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By parrya92 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My grandfather had the honda cr-v before he had given it to me (purchased in 2003) I have had no problems with the car. I have replaced the gas tank (western, NY weather corroded it) oil changes, brakes.

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  Honda Owner - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jose M. - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased my first car. I got a used 2007 Honda Accord EXL and love my car. The salesmen Joel Abreu, was great and really help me in every way and was extremely satisfied with his experience and I did not feel pressured at all like one would usually when buying a vehicle. I will recommend anyone.

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  Finally, a fun good looking hybrid! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Quentin - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We have CR-Z ex with CVT. Its a fun to drive hybrid and we love the styling. We drive mostly in the ECON mode and are getting better mpg than whats listed on the sticker. We are averaging 45-47 combined hwy/city. On the highway at 55 mph we are getting 48 mpg, at 65mph 43 mpg, at 70-80 mph 39 mpg. If you need a quick pickup & go you just push a button and you get instant pocket rocket power. The inside is roomy & comfortable. Ergonomics are great. The hatchback/cargo area handles all our shopping needs and carries our 3 dogs with room to spare. A lot of thought went into this machine, it has the feel and looks of quality throughout.