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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  cost/benefit - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JT - June 15 - 11:43 pm

  I am 6-7" tall and I fit comfortably in my new pilot, even w/sunroof. It is roomier inside than my wifes Range Rover and many of the features better than the Rover (especially the front seat storage layout and GPS viewing. Ride is not as smooth as Rover but it is just fine at less than half the price. Great cost/benefit value. Two other family members just bought pilots and love them.

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  2016 Accord - The Beautiful Beast - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nikko Mina - June 15 - 4:49 pm

  I personally have the EX model and I love it from in and out. The exterior looks really modern and classy and the interior is just amazing. Really happy with my car.

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  Great Car--Thanks Honda! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By VTEC Stalwart - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had my S2000 for a year and use it as a daily driver in Newport, RI so it sees rain and snow. It is everything that you want in a drop-top sports car. Unique styling, great engine, gearbox and suspension. Ive had an NSX, a Corvette roadster, and a 911. This car ranks right up there with all of them plus its less expensive to purchase and requires no maintenance other than to change the fluids. Forget the torque and a killer sound system--a 9000 RPM redline makes up for those things. Buy one and get used to grinning again!

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  What a fun car! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By toshi - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This had been my dream car until I boght it, and has been my dream car since I bought it. I knew this car has great performance, but I am a bit surprised how easy it is to drive this. Also a surprise has been a ride. It is firm, but very comfortable. My gf usually gets car sick on winding roads, but never on S2000.

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  Ill only get a honda from now on. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ludakrishna - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great car. Fun toi drive with smooth engine and have had no problems. Its worth every penny. The shape is awesome. I recommend that you not add body kits because it looks great the way it is. Adding a "complete" exhaust system works. I added it five days ago, and i can definately see the difference. Especially when the VTEC engages.

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  In my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By twistedpair - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 98 Explorer, havent missed it yet. More cargo room,more fun to drive,and I can pass gas stations. Average 26mpg on hwy at or above speed limit. Highly recommend for people with animals or kids, can easily wipe up interior.

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  2nd honda and still best car ever - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jonah stjernegaard - June 14 - 5:26 pm

  7 months ago I bought a 2009 Honda fit with 5 speed manual, I decided to sell it and get a faster Honda civic coupe dx. I cant believe how much faster the civic coupe is with manual transmission than the fit and it handles so much better and looks better. I will never ever buy any other car than a Honda civic coupe. It feels like you are driving the fastest car on the road all while using no gas. Honda makes best cars in the world PERIOD.

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  My 5th Honda since 1991(V4s) - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Accord V6 Coupe - June 14 - 2:16 am

  This is the Honda I always wanted. A divorce helped me in buying what I wanted. The car is on the BMW scale (I owned a 520 in Germany). The handling in not as balanced but all other categories it is the better of the two, an money is the driver here, 10K dollars worth. The car is a 10, Better mattes, these are not so good. The interior is A+ leather fits well and the XM is an added feature. The V6, dont care what they say about the V4, buy the six it purrs at 3.5K RPM doing 80 MPH and have fun its what lifes all about. Drive it like a stick, you wont need the manual, I drove it, buy the Auto.

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  Been A Great Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ryan329 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car over the years. I have never had to fix anything major on it. The styling still looks good when compared to other sedans at the time. The steering and handling is great. The car could use some more power for passing, but for a four cylinder vehicle it does a good job.

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  love it! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jevans - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car and I love it! I agree with the other review about road noise... but thats about the only flaw. My next purchase will probably be an Accord or Acura. So durable, I drive it like a pickup. And for such a "small" car, it has a ton of cargo space... moved to and from college in it. love it, love it, love it!!!