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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  Good, not great - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By iambat - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Honda reputation, questionable ergonomics. Uncomfortable drivers seat. Steering wheel position and drivers seat hard to match for comfort. Small radio/cd buttons on dash, steering wheel controls seem lilke afterthoughts, not as user friendly as controls in new Accord. Great drivetrain, confidence building trip through the Deleware Gorge in the rain, filled the back with antiques and a dog, got 20 mpg over 900 miles. The Nav comes only with continental USA software.

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  BEST VALUE FOR THE DOLLAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By viperredstang - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Have owned and driven many cars. For the dollar the Accord EX is outstanding. The XM radio is awsome, but the car is a 3.0 Litre 240 HP dynamo. Quiet and efficient with presently 32 MPG on the HWY. The only place to go from here would be an Acura with the other amenities you may want. I am 63" 265 lbs. and am very comfortable in the car. If I wanted more car I can spend more money and get more extras but the Accord V6 is just fun!!!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rockit - May 5 - 10:00 am

  The first impressions leave the driver with the feeling of comfort yet very powerfull car. Everything about the ergonomics falls just in its right place. Even 2 months after driving the car, qualities are discoverred that where not anticipated. For instance the rev on the engine will actually stay at 2000 RPM when doing a slow shift between 5th and 6 gear.

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  Blown Engine on New CRV!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By chrism07924 - May 5 - 7:30 am

  At 146 miles, the engine self destructed. The service center told me cylinder head 1 had no compression. When they took the engine apart, they found a part had actually fallen into the cylinder itself, a rod, or something. Now, Im told it will be 3-4 weeks, at least, to get a new engine. I only drove the vehicle for 3 days! Unbelievable. Very disappointed.

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  Extremely nice - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sue - May 4 - 11:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, my Civic was almost perfect after 11 yrs.and I only got rid of it because it was getting hard to get in & out because its low and I have a bad knee. CR-V has now joined our 2006 Saturn Vue in the garage. Tested the Tucson (zippy ride, ugly interior), Rav-4 (didnt like the wheel on the back & a few other things) wanted another Vue but the gas mileage is terrible on the new model,and then once I got in the CR-V, I was sold. For anyone with a purse,the gear shifter on the dash allows for a perfect spot on the floor in front. It rides like a car, is fun to drive,feels solid,has a beautiful paint job (the white is gorgeous) and is very comfortable. Hope to have it for years.

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  SO FAR, AWESOME - 2009 Honda Civic
  By happy - May 4 - 2:46 am

  Have only had the car 2 weeks. LOVE IT. I have had Mercedes 300, a New Jaguar, Jeep, RX-8 and everything in between. I might be getting older, but this car is so much fun to drive and for the money, I am impressed!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jill - May 3 - 5:24 pm

  Highly recommend. Love the interior design and comfort. A little rough on the bumps, but overall, a nice ride. Have over 10K miles and have had no problems.

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  Review - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tefarmer - May 3 - 2:26 pm

  On the whole this has been a good vehicle. I pull a small cargo trailer with it and am having transmission problems even though it has had all of the Honda services required and I have Honda House change the transmission fluid each fall.

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  Help where do I put my "stuff" - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Princess - May 3 - 9:28 am

  Not a lot of storage area verses my pilot. Could use a little more space in the front for change, carry on small items

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  Truly a drivers car - pure and precise - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Practik - May 3 - 6:38 am

  I find myself driving this car far more than I need to, simply because its such a blast to drive! The razor-sharp reflexes, the confident, solid shift action, the punch of VTEC when you crack past 6 grand (not to mention the banshee scream that comes with that)- need I say more? There is a surprising amount of leg room (more than my Accord), and the well-bolstered seats really keep you planted during spirited driving. While the storage space leaves a bit to desire, after a couple weeks I didnt find it to be an issue anymore.