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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  More than expected - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By rick dachille - July 20 - 2:16 pm

  It was worth the wait. There is no vehicle that can match this, or even comes close

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  Bombdiggy - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By ALi Baba - July 20 - 2:00 am

  this car is great and it looks like an expensive rich sporty car and its not which is good for middle class people....it drives really good can take sharp turns and it has quick acceleration and a lot of horespower for it being a four cylinder and its pretty good on gas

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  I Love my Accords - 1992 Honda Accord
  By potatopirate - July 20 - 2:00 am

  As with all my Honda purchases I love my Accords especially the Wagons from this year. I havent had any trouble with it.

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  Wow...what a car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By midazolam - July 20 - 12:33 am

  Just picked up from the dealer 12/1, 0/08. Waited 8 weeks for this car, there are not that many out there,Hundas assembly is more focused on the sedan. Pulled out of the lot and this car just flys! Handles like a dream, hugs corners like a indy car. The roads were slick with many ice patches but this car felt like I was driving in May with the temp at 78 degrees. I have never felt so completely in control of a car. (This may because the 20yrs of SUVs I have been driving), none the less I love this car....buy one!

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  What a Car. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By SKIP Jr. - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Currently this car has 206,000 miles and has been extremely reliable. No major problems just brakes, oil changes and tires. Its comfortable and economical. But the 4 cylinder does lack power. I never regretted buying the Accord. As it ages we plan on retiring it gracefully. It has been reduced to a to and from work car. hard to beat a HOnda.

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  Spectacular Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By HondaLover - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i love it! Its been very reliable, and ive only had minor problems.

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  Spectacular Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By hondalover - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i love it! Its been very reliable, and ive only had minor problems.

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  Best Mini SUV of the year - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Linda365 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent safety features. Quality you would expect from Mercedes. Very roomy interior and versatile cargo area. Great horsepower, drives like a dream!

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  Honda van was worth the wait - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Binkman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van - a typical Honda. Well thought out, well designed, will be reliable , lots of standard features no dealer gouging on all those packages. This is a powerful, comfortable, functional and yes, fun to drive vehicle . There is tons of space and with the movable 2nd row and folding 3rd row additional space is easy to get to. Thought we would never buy a van (after driving other manufacturers offerings and the stigma) - I cant believe we waiting this long (turns out we just werent trying the right one). The 4 month wait was worth it, will buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Honda van was worth the wait - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van - a typical Honda. Well thought out, well designed, will be reliable , lots of standard features no dealer gouging on all those packages. This is a powerful, comfortable, functional and yes, fun to drive vehicle . There is tons of space and with the movable 2nd row and folding 3rd row additional space is easy to get to. Thought we would never buy a van (after driving other manufacturers offerings and the stigma) - I cant believe we waiting this long (turns out we just werent trying the right one). The 4 month wait was worth it, will buy another in a heartbeat.