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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  Awesome! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By KingHayabusa - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car absolutely screams! It reminds me a lot of my Hayabusa! A true motorcycle on four wheels!

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  Good all purpose vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mossmgmt - September 7 - 2:00 am

  In general, the Pilot is a great all purpose vehicle. I have four kids and it fits them and my wife and our stuff comfortably. Drives like a car, easy to park, great sound system, handles well in most situations. Good acceleration and good braking. The ABS probably prevented a fender bender or two! Main issue is driving with windows open: YOU CANT! If you exceed 40mph with open windows, the resulting vibration is unbearable. Need to try those window air-foil things.

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  lovin my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By busymomof3 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Just about had our Odyssey one month now. One question we had was why we didnt buy one sooner! After several years in a big Expedition, finally decided it was time to take the plunge into the minivan world. Are we ever glad that we did. Love this van. It feels like youre driving a car! Fun to drive, too. Handles like a dream. Love the power sliding doors and foldaway rear seat. So convenient with small children. Kids love the DVD, and so do the parents! Just finished a long trip across the state of South Dakota without a peep from the back. What a relief on a long trip! This van has got power to boot. Clipped along on the interstate nicely.

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  Great performance on winding coastal hwy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Chln - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It hugs the corners on winding roads and drives like a dream on straight stretches with plenty of power to spare. I like the minimal interior.

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  S2000 Better than advertised - 2004 Honda S2000
  By xxxx - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the top up once since I bought the car two months ago. Its just a kick to drive (itll snap your head back in all six forward gears) and Im constantly being asked "What is that?" wherever I take it. I really dont think Id change a thing (other than I wished someone made a quality bra for it).

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  Love It - 2005 Honda Accord
  By b - September 5 - 3:13 pm

  I own one, and I love the car. A bit pricey for what you get. But its worth it when shes clean, looks great and drives great.

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  Thrilled after looking at them all - 2008 Honda Accord
  By OUTAMYWY - September 5 - 8:46 am

  Well, I own a 2008 Corvette so I really wanted to buy the new Malibu whose dash & controls are similar, but the new Accord is just fantastic. Lets start with a motor that shuts down 3 cylinders when its not working hard. The space inside is larger than an MB E350. Controls are ergonomically pleasing like the temp and fan blower speeds (toggles).

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  New Honda CRv - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Venkat koyeda - September 5 - 8:41 am

  Check the price on Edmund first and try to negotiate on top of that.

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  Sporty and fuel friendly - 1994 Honda Civic
  By cnyej1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ok so its a 4 cylinder, yeah it has good fuel economy but most would guess it has lack luster performance. Well when equipped with a manual tranny it does just fine for a daily commuter or young persons main transportation. It keeps up with most vehicles from its era which are available with V6s. PLus its got the Honda reliability factor and great looks.

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  1996 Honda Accord 25th Anniversary - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Torch - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. You get bored with the car before it wears out!!! (I just bought a ford truck) I have been thru 4 sets of tires and a couple complete brake jobs..I think this is due to the weight all in the front of the car and fortunately my husband is a mechanice!!At 122000 miles I am noticing a hesitation in the transmission shifting from 2nd to 3rd in the cold weather until the car warms up. Would recommend this car to anyone.