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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  Love my V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By timz59 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought the CRV EX with the intent of using it as a second car and tow vehicle behind our RV. It has since become the primary transport vehicle over my wifes 99 EX Accord. We both like the way the car drives and the convenience of a wagon with good back seat and cargo room. I can haul three FULL SIZE golfing buddies and their golf bags without strain and still get 23 - 25 MPG. The car works great as a tow vehicle with all four wheels down. In the year that we have had it, it has only required routine service.

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  Another Great Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By boundsn - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Seems like itll run forever. Very confident suspension. Comfy on long rides. Built for the interstate. I travel across country a lot, and this car has never let me down.

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  New Pilot Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ssandra - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pilot nearly 6 weeks now, and am extremely satisfied with it! I paid $1200 under MSRP at Steve Bailey in OKC--however, I would NOT have received that good a deal if I had not first asked for a quote from their internet department. If you have a pet, I highly recommend the cargo liner! I ordered one off the internet from Spreen Honda in CA and, with shipping, still paid 25%

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  fun suv - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By R. Ros - February 9 - 4:23 pm

  Great fun to drive. Could use better fuel economy. I like most things about the car. It seems to have plenty of pep.

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  Another Great Honda - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By boundsn - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was great. The only thing keeping you from driving it 100,000 miles in one trip would be having to stop for gas and oil! The interior is beautiful and wonderfully laid out. The 5 speed was one of the best cable- driven shifters Ive ever had my hands on. The engine feels like an import big block, and makes all those other FWD cars feel puny and diminutive. Real road presense too.

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  Dont let the size fool you. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By saved by civic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I think the best part about my civic is that one rainy day i was joyriding and slid off the side of the road and went driver side door first into a tree at seventy mph. I walked away with only a cut on my lip from the sunroof collapsing on me. The car was totalled but when the insurance money came I went and bought the same car. and it has been great to me. The performance isnt the best but I can fix that.

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  Great Honda! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Steve Urban - February 8 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle because my family and I did not want a mini van. The Pilot is excellent in all ways because of not only safety but comfort, and reliability. The Navi is great and we got the pilot for $5000 off msrp! The only quirk with the pilot is it seems to hesitate during acceleration and the dealer couldnt duplicate it. But other than that this car just ROCKS in almost every way!

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  Excellent car. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Peter Larouse - February 8 - 8:20 am

  We have had our car for three weeks now. Got the carbon bronze color. Think it is beautiful inside and out. Decided for the V6 and we are glad we did. The engine is silent and the shifts very smooth. So far, not a rattle or any annoying noise. This is a comfortable car and you get a lot for your money. Several people have come up to ask us about the car, and we got compliments on its looks.

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  Honda did it again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 4timesAccordOwner - February 7 - 9:06 pm

  This is my 4th Honda Accord, its just getting better and better. I have test drove the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima. The Accord is smoother and comforter. Lots of legs room and has the most stylish/best looking interior than the other 2.

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  One of the Best - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jerry S. - February 7 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had this car for only 1 week now and if its possible to love a piece of metal, then I must admit, I love this car. I find it to be a really fun car to drive, plently of pep (for 4 cyls.) and extremely comfortable and responsive. I would unhesitatingly reccomend it to anyone who want a quality car at a resonable price.