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 midsize SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By PilotN In Richmond - January 14 - 10:59 am

  Just recently purchased my gentle used Pilot and been enjoying it ever since. Had a little over 16k miles and seem brand new. Very tight construction. Much better mileage than you would expect for its size. Very spacious, storage galore. Firm but comfortable ride. Quiet cabin and even still with windows open, impressive. Awesome engine and 5 speed. Silky smooth running. Typical Honda quality aplenty.

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  A Mixed Bag - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jondingo - January 14 - 8:20 am

  Its okay. My wife wanted to upgrade from 2nd gen CR-V, and while it looks slick and new, (she loves it), the vehicle is not as practical or user friendly as the previous model. I find I liked the old swing gate better than the clamshell. The old gate made the vehicle easier to load as you could open the window. There is less storage in the back and the leg room feels more cramped, especially in the back. In front, the giant doorhandles stick out into my leg. I liked the four-spoke steering wheel better on our 04 and while leather abounds, its not especially comfortable. The stick shift was better on the dash as now it just takes up room. The whole thing feels like a mom car.

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  Honda v6 1998 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By frpa - January 14 - 2:00 am

  What an excellect car!

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  Our Black Lab Approves - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bostonian8 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  A review from a couple 15+ yrs outside the Elements target demographic. This SUV exceeds the great reviews,and expectations my wife and I had. Trading in my 5-speed Acura Integra for this vehicle, I was pleasantly surprised by the carÂ’s peppy performance and road manners. Parallel parking in Boston- NO problem! Very much looking forward to taking the Element on VT ski trips, and humble AWDing ventures on the Cape and islands. Most importantly, our slightly spoiled black lab fully approved of the Element, and how easy it is to cleanout after her swimming adventures to the ocean and Charles River. A FUN car we enjoy driving in the city, or great outdoors!

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  Andrews Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V. It is very reliable and super fun to drive! Never have had any major problems with it and is always ready to keep going. Pulls a small utillity trailer great and you could never tell it was there.

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  Pilot is great! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lanie - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Pilot, I just wish I could have had the heated front seats and exterior mirrors that were offered in Canada last year, and are now options on the EXL. Still, it is a great family vehicle.

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  I love my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chele4611 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable but yet not to big I have a 3 year old and it has great space. The ride is comfortable and I like the realtime AWD I dont have to worry about turning it on and off.

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  Ohh yea - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bahia108 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Honda really hit the spot here with a mix of power and comfort. No car exceeds the new accords in quality, and you will have plenty of fun mashing the gas.

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  Fix the rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dodm - January 14 - 2:00 am

  It is rattle around the moon roof and the driver hand side. My 04 LX also rattle. I believe there might be a loose wire some where. Honda needs to review their quality control

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  HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AMY HESLER - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I WAS PREVIOUSLY IN A V-6 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. I THOUGHT MY CAR DROVE ADEQUATELY UNTIL I GOT INTO THE 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THIS CAR HAS A LOT OF "GET UP" FOR A 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC!!! IT RIDES COMFORTABLY AND SMOOTH WITHOUT ALL THE ROAD NOISE. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THIS VEHICLE! WITH THE AWESOME AERODYNAMICS INTERIORLY AND THE SLEEKNESS OF THE EXTERIOR, YOU CANT BEAT IT FOR THE AFFORDABLE PRICE!!!!