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:

• 

  A No Brainer - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lenny - August 2 - 3:10 am

  just bought this car for my wife. after 2 weeks of hopeless negotiation with Toyota, i finally came to my senses. i almost paid 21,700 for a 09 corolla S series, with tax. that blue speckled interior is just childish. i was gonna go with the XLE but I couldnt see paying over 20 grand for a car with hubcaps. i decided to buy this car, and i got it for 22,100 with tax. WITH leather, WITH navigation. vs. the corolla. theres just no comparison. the leather definitely brings the car "to the next level". Its the nicest car youre gonna get unless you can afford an accord, or an acura. bottom line. and the only car for 22,000 youre ever gonna get with leather. open the car door and inhale!

• 

  BEST!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hacksak - August 2 - 1:53 am

  I had a 2001 and I loved it but traded in on a newer one. I LOVE this car! Nice handling on curves. It is a MUST BUY car.

• 

  Goodbye Honda, I - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Chet Bower - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I am getting rid of my Honda Oddesey tommorow not because it was bad because I live in the mountains of Randolph, New Jersey and need AWD. This car was great to me. The car had 104,000 miles on it with no problems. The Honda was pretty fun to drive and took the bumbs better then my 2004 Honda Pilot. The Oddesey and the Accord are the two best Hondas ever.

• 

  SPONTANEITY BACK TO DRIVING! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By TIM007 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  HANDELING IS INCREDIBLE AND OFFERS THE SPONTANEITY BACK TO DRIVING.I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE RIDE WHILE CRUISING THE FREEWAY.THE XENON LIGHTING IS STD AND IT TRULY LIGHTS UP THE ROAD FOR SUPERIOR VISIABILITY.THE SHORT THROW BOX MAKES DRIVING THIS S2000 MORE FUN AND POWERFUL.THE BRAKES ARE PERFECT WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO RACE THIS CAR IN A SAFE YET VEIN PUMPING MANNER. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE, DEPENDABLE YET BREATH TAKING ADRENALINE PUMPING EXPERIENCE THEN THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. THE MORE YOU REALIZE THIS CAR WAS BUILT TO BE PUSHED AND WORKED OVER THE MORE YOU WILL BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASE.DEPENDABILITY WITH HONDA MADE THIS DECISION EASY.

• 

  Super car, new tires help road noise - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Chino - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great. Some reviews talk about road noise, and I know what they mean, but I got Goodyears new Assurance tripletread tires, and what an improvement! Much quieter and the pickup definitely improved. This cars steering is tighter than most, but try it with these tires its amazing! I would recommend this car and these tire replacements.

• 

  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Curtis - August 1 - 1:03 am

  Got a new Pilot for my wife to replace her 02 VW Passat. We needed the room for a 9-mo and 7-yr old. Only had it for a few days. We did just return from a beach trip (5hr one way). It did really well. The RES is great - 7 yr old loves the wireless headphones. Plenty of room - much more than in my 07 Explorer. The NAV is nice - lots of buttons and options - just not enough time yet to figure out all the voice commands. The bluetooth link is nice - Linked my blackberry and her i-phone in minutes - also easy to import the phonebooks. The USB connections is really nice too - can control ipod from steering wheel. Did add running boards and cross bars. Hitch is great - used a hitch hauler on trip.

• 

  Great car! Lots of get-up-and-go!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By VTtigger10 - July 31 - 7:40 pm

  Oh do I love this car! I thought for about 2 seconds about getting the 4cyl but Im so glad I didnt. This car is fun to drive, fast, and did I mention powerful? Its safe, reliable and comes with a great warranty. Definitely recommend this car over an Acura RSX, over a Civic or any other comparable car, LOVE IT!!!!

• 

  Watta Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By E A Scott - July 31 - 10:56 am

  I always do thorough research before buying and eliminated most cars with my first criteria for excellent MPG. (30 town/40 hwy minimum) I then started test driving various models from various mfgs over the course of two months. Many cars have very good ratings for MPG, reliability, etc. but the 06 Civic was so far ahead of the others on a visceral, fun-to-drive level it was no contest. Loved it! In this price range the Civic interior (including the dash) has a more upscale feel than other cars. Co-workers, friends, & family have been uniform in admiring the car for looks and performance. Excellent commuter and good in the snow.

• 

  My HOnda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Rob X - July 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned. A pleasure to drive and always dependable.

• 

  Perfection...for me - 2003 Honda Element
  By JCM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Im amazed...I got a fun car (surprisingly quick with the 5-speed manual) that has a great stereo system and doesnt conform to the typical soccer-mom SUV. Right now, its the deal of the century at 20 grand. Im in college, just turned 21, and would recommend this bad boy for anybody who dares to be different. Enjoy