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:

• 

  Great Value may be the last car I ever buy! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By NICK DIMAIO - December 20 - 9:07 pm

  At 137,000 miles 37,000 miles over the warranty. Honda pay 50% of my repair charges on a brand new catalytic converter and a brand new Hybrid battery. Unbelievable saving me over $2,300. Nick

• 

  If you drive one, youll own one! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By MRS.F - December 20 - 7:08 pm

  I researched several other small SUVs and the Honda CRV is the all around better car in every way!

• 

  LKL CRV Touring AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By LKL - December 19 - 11:26 pm

• 

  CR-V Lover - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mommy Mobile Driver - December 19 - 11:00 pm

  I love this car! I have a 6 week old son and I think this is a great mommy car. Car seats fit easily in the back and I feel safe driving it if I were to get into an accident. It also does well in the snow, not as great at our old Jeep did but good enough. My husband and I really like it.

• 

  New Pilot as of April 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Max G. Mahaffee - December 19 - 3:40 pm

  OK, so I just have 300 miles on my new Honda Pilot EX-L, but I took a 200+ mile trip in it the day after I bought it. It handles well on curvy two lane roads, on four lane highways, or bumpy city streets. All in all, it is a fun vehicle to drive and has lots of little places to tuck away all kinds of things...

• 

  prize goes to honda designers... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaaaaaaaaaa - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, let see.....after leaving the dealership...It was a real joy to drive it back home. This honda has all the bells and whistles..and more. I really think Honda did a wonderful job with this minivan. The third generation odyssey will have what the competition is touting, all seats that fold into the floor, camera for one to backup, updated stereo and cd..., more horsepower...so buy the 2004 and save 2 to 3 thousand dollars.

• 

  best family car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ttumiya - December 19 - 10:00 am

  very excelent, roomy and very fun to drive...safe. (best family car in the world)

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By grsmi - December 19 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It handles well and the leather and heated seats are awesome. It is the best car I have ever owned.

• 

  No! Not a minivan!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DAvid KAne - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing and had to give up the last vestige of my bachelorhood: my 86 VW GTi. Yeah, right, it drives just like a car. Seriously, since i have 2 kids and a wife, I could not ask for more. 240 HP (wish that was in the VW!) is best in class, and it moves quite nicely. Its also one of the lighter minivs available. My two under 2 are separate, and we can get past them to the 3rd row easily. The 3rd row actually IS comfortable - says my Mom with the bad back. Knowing Hondas reliability, this thing should last into their puberty and - dare i think it - i may be able to teach them to drive in it!

• 

  Wanna hassle free buying experince? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By woolala - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have 2003 Pilot more than 7 months. Based on the TMV price and other buyers comments on price, I sent email to about 15 dealers in Illinois asking 2K below MSRP, and I got 2 emails from dealers offering to match the price I asked, and I ended up paying less than 30K (pay cash full) including doc fee, title, dest charge and tax. After confirming the deal over email exchange, I just stop by the dealer, pay $$ and pick up the car. Spent less than 30 min at the dealer to sign the papers!!!