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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  Bobs Best Buy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ROBERT BELLANTONI - September 28 - 1:16 pm

  A great car to drive. My first car with navigation system dont know how i survived without it. My previous suv was an Accura MDX. The Honda pilot is as good if not better at $7000 less in cost.

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  A good family car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By haraga - September 28 - 10:00 am

  A good family car with no problems. It has now 68000 miles.

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  Classic Honda! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jenryan598 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  We love honda and we didnt bother to try any other SUVs, we new we wanted it and are even more sure of it after getting it. It is typical Honda. It has a lot more room inside then it looks. Gas mileage is as expected, not great but better than most SUVs. You cant go wrong with this vehicle, you wont be disapointed!! (had no problems with the reported fire problem after the first oil change)

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ludger1 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  After driving 1,000 miles I have to say its fun. Excellent engine performence Ccoming from a DC). Brakes are awesome.

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  It sure beats my 90 Olds! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mandy_at_unl - September 28 - 10:00 am

  With the driver seat and steering wheel adjustment options, it is easy to find a perfect fit for any driver. The only drawback is if another driver adjusts the positions of the seat and the steering wheel, it is hard to find that same perfect feel without a lot of trial and error. One of the options that I never thought I cared about was the ability to put the windows down from the keyless remote, yet I use this all the time when it is hot out. I love it, but the downside is that you have to start the car to put the windows back up. Two months after I purchased the Accord the sunglasses holder would not stay up, but the warranty process was extremely easy and they had it fixed in no time

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  Reviewer from Pennsylvania - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Obsessed Car Buyer - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just cannot stop driving this car. I looked carefully at Infiniti G-35, Subaru Legecy Ltd. 2005, Acura TL, and BMW 330 and decided to buy the Accord and do not regret it. At $23,000+ and 4.25% for sixty months, I got a lot of car for my money. The V6 is powerful and acceleration is effortless. The interior feels like entry-level luxeries at 30K+. There was a small scratch on the body and a faded spot on the glovebox door that the dealership took care of them very efficiently. As far as reliability is concerned, the jury is still out there. This is my first Honda so I cannot say much in that area but Others who have had Accords for years are very reassuring.

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  Sporty + Practical + Reliable Sedan A+++ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jugno - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very sporty and at the same time it is a practical sedan. 240 HP is good enough to blast this thing 0- 60 in 6.5s. TSC, ABS, 8 Airbags, 6 CD all came standard. I just love it and did i mention gas mileage. 25/30 MPG is what I get and its far better than many rivals especially Germans in this class !!! I loved its ABS & TCS cause it has saved me a couple of times from some ruthless physical forces ...... !!!

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  Excellent choice - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Wyatt - September 28 - 8:30 am

  I looked at several small SUVs, including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Suzuki XL-7. The CR-V offers the most fun for the money, and the manual tranny is a blast to drive! It is quicker than my last car, a Ford Explorer V-8! It gives great mileage, is a cinch to park, and has as much room as the Explorer ever did (usable room, anyway). The interior cubbies are the best, I have room for Kleenex packets, loads of CDs, my parking deck gate card, and any other small items I ever have, all with its own place!

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  Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P - September 28 - 5:42 am

  Excellent vehicle with no problems so far. Everytime I fill the tank, someone asks me about it. Ive had people take a look and say they were heading right to the dealership to buy one. So versatile. Nothing else like it with Honda reliability.

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  Theft Magnet - 2007 Honda S2000
  By TMAC - September 27 - 5:00 pm

  I owned a 2005 S200 for about a year before it was stolen. The car is awesome, but have now learned that the S2000 is a hot target for parts. My car was stolen and found a few days later completely stripped (wheels, headlights, taillights, seats, steering wheel, airbags, door panels, stereo, etc.). This was my second theft incident with the same car and have heard plenty of similar stories. I would absolutely recommend the car, but only if you can keep it safe in a garage.