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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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Johnny Jones - November 15 - 1:09 pm

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  Wife loves it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mmichel - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for my wife. We traded her 00 Chevy Venture (it was falling apart). I had my wife drive several mid-sized SUVs with a third row. She loved the Pilot (that was my hope). Weve had the Pilot for a month now and my wifes very happy. Only things we miss over the venture are the rear audio for our 3 yr old, and the built in compressor the venture had (very handy). The solid feel, expected quality, and 4wd should more then make up for these missing features. Its also worth noting that, with the exception of a sunroof and memory for the seats, the Pilot is is just as nice as my 03 Acura CL-S.

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  Honda rocks - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By BOBBY GORUN - November 14 - 10:23 pm

  I wanted an SUV that was going to be fun to drive,and spacious. Honda is the one brand all the other manufactures use as a benchmark. That opened my eyes. If all the other guys want to talk about Honda it must be that good!! And it is. Thank you Honda...

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  Major cosmetic defect on my S2000! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By ddanont - November 14 - 10:00 pm

  Hi Everyone, I just wanted to warn you about my S2000 experience. This past weekend, I bought a brand new 2007 S2000 from a dealership in Loma Linda, CA. I took a night delivery, so I couldnt fully inspect the vehicle, particularly the interior. Over the next 2 days as I spent more time in the car, I noticed "bumps" on the dashboard. Think swells, each the size of the top of a pencil eraser. Some were larger, totaling about 10 of them. I pressed on these bumps & found voids underneath (as opposed to the usual firm sponge). I attempted a swap, but the dealership will not work with me, & the car had less than 300 miles on it. I am now stuck with a $33k car, waiting to be disassembled.

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  Blues car:( ~~you were so good to me~~ - 1996 Honda Accord
  By blueskeye - November 14 - 7:42 pm

  I just cant say enough about the Honda. From the day I bought it, until last week, Nov2nd,06,(265k mi) it was sooo good to me, fun to drive, got me back and forth comfortably to work, and back and forth on many trips to Florida:) and other places,dependably, safely...where is it now? at the collision shop, the rear bumper & trunk smashed in while I and GF were at a complete stop, the 2007 Audi SUV plowed into the back of it, at approx 35 mph, he didnt even brake! We were only minorly hurt (I hope, not all the test results are back yet), the unibody design, and the correct crumple zones did what they were supposed to do. the Adjuster considered it "A Total Loss"...I say it is NOT a total loss

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  Best of the best. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 70SS502 - November 14 - 4:40 pm

  I have tried hard to find fault with this car and cant. It is very fun to drive and I am getting 30mpg in the city. The two tier instrument panel is awesome. Most people who have looked at it ask if this is a Hybrid, I guess because the dash looks so unique. I have no issues with the "blind" spots others have reported. The cup holders are the best Ive ever seen but I will probably not enjoy cleaning them out. The cruise control works very good and the speeds dont waiver up and down hills like others Ive had. The steering wheel is simply a work of art and just feels good in your hands. The power steering is perfect too and is easy to park with one hand. Great car with awesome looks!

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  Great except drivers seat - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mombear - November 14 - 3:30 pm

  Love this car except for comfort of drivers seat. It needs thigh support behind the knees and more adjustments. Am not sure if I would like to take a long drive in this due to leg discomfort. Great in snow, excellent safety features. Too many useless compartments, though. Visability is super. I would definately recommend this car to anyone who wants a small SUV.

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  I love my Prelude Type SH!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By hardrock75 - November 14 - 2:31 pm

  I purchased this car used from an owner who had done all of the routine maintenance (oil changes, etc) on time , at the Honda dealer in Kirkland, WA. The auto had 42,000 miles when I purchased it in Mar, 2006. No "dings" and no apparent mechanical problems. It had an excellent stereo (Alpine. I recently replaced the original equipment tires (205-50r 16) with 225-50r 16s and like them more. I have driven back and forth from Las Vegas NV to Seattle WA 3 times and averaged 28.9 MPG-at an average of 70+ MPH! I drove thru Oregon (US 395) which is a fun highway for a sports car and had a ball! So far, I have had no problems to report and I have changed the oil as required.

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  Whats the big deal? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Don Johnson - November 14 - 2:30 pm

  I cant believe I bought this thing. Its rather bland styling turns me off, I feel like I was sold a bill of goods... It seems very reliable, but once Ive driven it for roughly 1,500 miles, I wish Id have not completed this purchase. You guys rate the seats a maximum score on comfort...my rear tells me different. The outside is bland...plain, boring. I still cant believe I listened to my salesman. Kudos to him, he SOLD me.

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  Love it !!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bryan rice - November 14 - 11:23 am

  I just wanted everyone to know how great this suv is. I cant believe the room inside and I just got back from a trip to pa from sa texas and got an average of 27.2 Miles per gal. Thats loaded with 2 adults and 3 kids plus luggage.