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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  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By zorin - August 13 - 10:33 am

  The Pilot is built like vault. Feels very stable and solid on the road especially highway. Compared it to a Toyota Highlander but finally chose pilot as it is wider and lot more comfortable for ALL 8 occupants. Also note that the curb weight is 500 lbs higher than that of highlander giving it a slightly lower mileage but more solid feel.

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  Most practical sport coupe! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brian P. - August 13 - 10:16 am

  I am amazed with the practicality of the Accord! It has the best of both worlds: It is definitely fast, handles very well, and has a tight ride; on the other hand, it has ample back seat room, a cavernous trunk, and features normally found on more luxury models. I was originally looking at the Infiniti G35 but decided the extra ponies wasnt worth having back seat passengers hit their heads on the back windshield. The Accord is almost as fast while offering a lot more comfort. You really cant go wrong with this car!

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  New CR-V is a GEM! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By aboyer - August 13 - 8:33 am

  The redesigned CR-V is an incredible deal. I started out looking at small wagons, but when I discovered I could buy a CR-V for just a few dollars more than the cost of a new Ford Focus wagon, I converted from being a long-time wagon driver to a new compact suv driver. What a wonderful vehicle!

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  Love This Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nick S. - August 13 - 4:16 am

  After much review of 4 door sedans in the $30K price range I went with the Accord. Im only 100 miles into my driving experience, but have to say that I love this car. It has a very upscale exterior design. The build feels and is very solid. The doors close like a Mercedes. The seems are very tight. As far as handling, the best was I can put it is that it is very confident. The braking and acceleration are excellent. The interior design is roomy and very comfortable. The control counsel and sound system do a very solid job. You could pay $20K more for a luxury sedan. But why?

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  Cool van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dude - August 13 - 12:03 am

  This 2006 Touring is remarkably better than the 2000 Windstar SEL we previously had. And the price was only $1,000 more!

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  03-V6-Coupe-6SPD-Nav - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Keith - August 12 - 2:03 pm

  Love the way the engine revs with that 6 speed. Plenty of gears, plenty of rpm. Need the tach since the engine is so smooth and quiet. Power is better than expected, could be better. Takes regular gas. Rides real smooth at all speeds. Since I got this car, I dont wonder about BMW 3 series anymore. About the same performance and I know the realibility is much better. Saw the speedo at 120, it had plenty of room to go. Loooove the sat-nav system. I burn my own CDs for the 6 CD changer, and keep a stack of 50 below. After 26000 miles, hasnt needed anything other than oil changes. Nothing mechanical has even hinted.

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  The lil engines that could - 1995 Honda Civic
  By L. Redden - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I got my Civic Ex 4 door for graduation is 1995. Before that I had a 1991 Civic Lx with over 200k on it. My 95 has 122,000 miles on it currently. As with Honda/Acura, just maitenence and oil changes. I currently have another Honda product, and a Ford SUV(tow Civic to the track). I circuit race the 95 Ex. I have replaced the original drivetrain with one of out a 94 Acura Integra GSR. The car just begs to be driven hard. Feels like a very fast go cart. I pushing about 202 hp at the wheels.

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  FINALLY, Honda got the CRV RIGHT! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By madeinmilwaukee - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a CRV, but never liked how they looked. They were very boxy and the interior looked very cheap/basic. Now, in the 2002 CRV they mastered perfection. I wouldnt trade my CRV for a Lexus or BMW SUV. I think the CRV is strong competition for the more expensive luxury SUVs. I will drive this car as long as it will allow me. With Hondas reputation, that will be much more than 10 years from now. HONDA BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE!

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  Happy move from Lexus to Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DeniseP - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved the Lexus RX, but needed more room and a lower car payment. I am not a minivan mom and wanted an SUV that drove smooth and looked good, but am turned off by the "truck type rides". I drove the Pilot and loved it. Now, I dont know how I would have even fit my visiting familiy, kids and their friends in another car. Do I miss the luxury of the Lexus? Yes, but not the higher car payment for the smaller SUV that barely seats 5 passengers. And, the kids love the extra seats and the features...lots of cup holders for the thirsty soccer team. Just go get one!

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  AWESOME - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By - August 12 - 10:00 am

  It was one of the best cars i have ever driven