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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  Sweet Deals in TX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By erock34 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, good price.

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  love our honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By happy folk - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We never were minivan people, but when we had our third child something had to give. The odyssey GAVE!!!!!! From day one we loved the ride, handling and were surprised by the performance.The leather interior is comfortable. It really has a neat apperance and nice lines. a winner!

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  Worth the Wait - 2013 Honda Accord
  By carguy1212 - April 16 - 10:15 am

  I have been waiting to buy a new car for a while now and test drove, the optima sx, Hyundai 2.0, Camry, Altima v6 and finally the 2013 Honda accord v6. Out of all the cars, the Honda has surpassed all them in the feel and power. I read alot of negativity on blogs and other websites, but i think these people need to get behind the wheel of this baby. The interior was well spaced out, the backup camera moves with the wheel (cool). The overall look from the outside has a Acura look and feel with a Honda price .

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  Completely In Love - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CourtneyM1979 - April 16 - 9:30 am

  I havent even had my Accord coupe for a month yet but I know that I struck gold when I picked this car. The performance is excellent considering that it is a 4 cyl (no problems merging onto highways). I considered waiting a year to buy an Acura TL, but the Accord has almost everything the TL does plus its sportier because of the 2-door option and more importantly, much less expensive but every bit as reliable. No regrets here!

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  AFDs - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Vicious - April 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is very good

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  Great deal for the $ - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tbone - April 15 - 7:00 pm

  This is my second Accord EX, first with the V6. its about time they offered a 6 speed manual!!. Short shifter is great, but the shift knob just seems too small for me. Other than that, its great. Good scceleratioon, though it doesnt feel anywhere close to 244hp. My 2000 Audi A6 2.7T (250 hp) blew the doors off of this thing, but the Honda handles 10 times better.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By msdavis - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The buyer needs to understand how the ABS (Anti-lock Brakes System) works before it engages and what will happen when it does. Otherwise, I LOVE my Pilot! Its a great vehicle with lots of room--almost like a moms mini-van inside with a sporty look on the outside.

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  GREAT VECHICLE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SHARON BEAUCHAMP - April 15 - 10:00 am

  DRIVES VERY SMOOTHLY,HANDLES VERY GOOD.THE EXTEROIR

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hybridlover - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic Hybrid is great. The gasmilage is woderful and Im glad honda made a nicer looking hybrid car. The Insight, I heard was great, but it is ugly. This car is not the most powerful but gas milage makes up for it. My local dealership has great service and I hope to buy an Accord hybird in 2005. I dont understand about the complaints about the 10k mile check ups. The check-ups are routine on ALL Hondas. Even my 2000 Accord LX.

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  OUTSTANDING! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fyaman - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Just bought it this week after searching and searching. Plenty of room for our family of 5, and the DVD system makes the ride more than fun for our children. Plenty of "get up and go" for the highway. Interior is the most comfortable we were in among all the vans we test drove.