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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  Its a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Los Angeles - May 23 - 1:19 pm

  This is my second CRV and for me it really works. I own property and always have construction material in it. Easy to get around in and fun to drive.

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  Honda wont fix recurring problems - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wrod - May 23 - 1:18 pm

  I have had problems from the beginning with my Pilot EX-L and Hondas customer no-service is maddening to deal with. You cant talk to anyone but the person who answers the phone, who is obviously trained at stonewalling the customer. The vehicle will hesitate and lose power and the gas mileage is HORRIBLE. I get better mileage from my V-8 truck than from the Pilot. If you buy a Pilot you better hope you dont have problems because Honda wont fix them.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nordhagen - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy this car. Feel very safe and comfortable in the car, typical Honda reliability.

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  We love our CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica T - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is easy to drive and has a lot of space for a small family.

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  Honda Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By txc0325 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Not the car to get. It is nothing special and not worth the extra money espeicially when you compare it to the EX model. Does not get anywhere near the gas mileage on the sticker. The car has barely broken 32 mpg around town. If they had one of those "30 day test drive" deals, I would return it.

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  I LOVE MY 2004 CIVIC EX COUPE - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BEBYLUV143 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE HONDA CIVICS BECUASE THEY ARE GOOD CARS, AFFORDABLE, AND SPORTY. WHICH EQUALS TO A LOT OF FUN. I LOVE DRIVING IT AND GETTING THE LOOKS I GET, SOMETIMES I EVEN COMPLIMENTS ABOUT MY CIVIC. I OWNED A 96 CIVIC BEFORE THIS ONE AND THEY ARE DEPENDABLE AND CUTE!

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  Need To Sweat More Of The Details - 2003 Honda Accord
  By N2BURNIN - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Having previously owned a 1985 Prelude and putting more than 250K miles of faithful miles on it, I looked at nothing other than another Honda/Acura, with the exception of the Toyota Camry. I excluded the Camry because it was overpriced and I didnt like the ride characteristics, too soft and didnt compare to the Accords wishbone suspension. I was leery of it being made in the US rather than Japan were my Prelude was built, and put my faith in Japanese leadership. I had to order mine, didnt care for the "baby **it" interior color of most on the lot. I had wanted a maroon exterior w/ black interior, but it only came with that crappy color. Wish for 4cyl/6

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  My first car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By msareh - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Honda Accord as my first car after having the experience of many other makes and model cars. It gives the feeling of a luxury car without the luxury price. And I got a great deal on the leather interior and moon roof features. The ride is smooth and the controls are at your finger tip. There is room enough fro our infant son plus a couple of friends. With an infant it was also important that we got a car with a great safety rating. All in all we got a great bang for our buck.

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  Best Car Ive ever driven - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kellum12 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  By far Honda Accord is the best car out there! Reliability, durability and comfort all come into one with this extrordinary car! An excellent choice to purchase when shopping for a new vehicle. Beware of the dealerships that dont want to come down in price on them. For my particular 04 Accord EX w/ leather and Navigation, the dealer recieves a $1000 rebate to them. Make sure and get that money applied to YOUR purchase!

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  A Great Surprise... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MereSanct - May 23 - 9:41 am

  This little car is loaded with wonderful surprises...a lot of technology for the price (but not too much to be overwhelming for me, of the Boomer generation) a QUIET, comfortable ride (comparable to much higher priced luxury cars) that I must attribute to the finishes and those 18" wheels! And the roominess that cars in this class generally lack...we are delighted with this purchase and cannot say enough good things. Nicely styled, nicely put-together, a great ride...easy to navigate the dash.