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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  No Compromise Performance Machine - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Helios - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Honda made this car a showcase for its racing and engineering prowess, in the process creating a future classic. Plenty of other reviewers have it right: the S2000 makes few concessions in its quest to put a grin on the drivers face. The money went where its needed most: drivetrain, chassis, and suspension. I actually like the all- business interior, and the seats are terrific. Ive taken long trips with no discomfort. This ones made to be driven hard.

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  First time buyer of a Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - December 1 - 9:26 pm

  Excellent vehicle; very smooth, roomy, loaded with features. Plenty of power on the highway, and mileage seems to be reasonable for a large SUV. Had an 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee previously, and the Pilot rides like a Mercedes compared to it.

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  buy one, its a Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By rick - December 1 - 6:16 am

  bar-none,the best vehicle i have ever owned.not one complaint. goes like a tank in the snow.and in the summer its fun and cool.

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  So far,So good - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Vin - December 1 - 3:23 am

  Have owned this truck for 2 months and everything is great.Very smooth and solid ride.Great acceleration when needed however when windows are up in the front and the back windows are down you get a real bad thumping sound which can be rather noisy.

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  Just bought another Honda! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By m1e1b1s1 - November 30 - 12:46 pm

  We had planned 3 years ago to purchase a truck when we paid off our Accord, however with gas prices as they are. We were looking at either a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, Honda of course won out! We now own 3 Hondas, our Daughter has a 94 Civic, which still runs GREAT with 170K (shes a teenager), our Accord is great as well..its only 3 years old :-) I just LOVE my new Civic. Its roomy, amazingly not much smaller than our 2005 Accord, we had thought another Accord, however our teen will be graduating and off to college, leaving my DH, myself and our 8 yo son, so a Civic is big enough. We look forward to many years with our Hondas!

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Phil - November 30 - 12:03 pm

  Pros: Ride, handling, XM, navigation, looks, comfort. Cons: No automatic headlights. Driving experience I was afraid that I might be making a mistake by not buying a 6 cyl. vehicle such as the Toyota RAV4 which was my other choice. My fears vanished when I drove this car out of the showroom and on to the highway. The engine provides easy acceleration and plenty of power. The car handles beautifully, turns on a dime, offers great visuals and is fun to drive. I do not find road noise as described in other opinions to be an issue at all. I find the cabin very quiet. Comfort and convenience: This car is unbelievably comfortable, offers plenty of storage compartments.

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  No Honda compares - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By 3rdPrelude - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Prelude and the best by far. My 80 was a bit roomier and a classic, my 89 4WS was quick and had superior turning radius, my 97 is almost a combination of both. I could stand for more leg room for my 511" frame. The sport shift is conveinient and works great, the auto position blows for pick up. Gas milage is great. I still get compliments on its looks even after having it for 3 years. Sux that Honda killed the model, it was the only cool model they had going until the S2000. ill never buy another honda, they look bland.

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  Superb Machine - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Steve T - November 29 - 8:10 pm

  I traded an F-150 Lariat. No regrets. This a great little car. Its tight, plenty of pep. The transmission is smooth. Fit and finish is top quality. The moon roof is great. Very fun to drive. Im 6 ft tall and there is plenty of room. The first tank of gas gave 30.27 MPG. 60% cty 40% hwy. My fuel consumption just got reduced by half. Ive only had this car for a week but it looks like fuel will just get better as it breaks in.

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  Great value - quality - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By TimL - November 29 - 1:51 pm

  I recently puchased a used Certified 2013 Crosstour with 33000 miles. Honda made a big mistake when they decided to discontinue this one! First, 95% of the owner reviews are very positive. People come up and say what kind of Honda is it and theyve never seen it. Other owners tell you how happy they are with it when you bump into them. On top of all of that, it has Honda quality. Ive previously owned a Toyota Highlander, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes, and every type of high end American Car. I like the Honda Crosstour the best. Hidden storage area, easy parking, great ride, great economy. I am totally happy about everything except one thing. The 2013 didnt have the modern navigator and voice call recognition that I had with my 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited. Honda should come up with more modern after-market radios to upgrade the limited radio/telephone/navigation system. As far as existing sound quality, its already fabulous. Great purchase for anyone!

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  Honda LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Happy Thus Far - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Yes, its all been said. If you are looking for a realible, well built, humble looking car that is reasonably fun to drive, this is it. I have measured gag mileage at 44 on the highway. The shifter is silky smooth. The instrument panel is sharp looking. I have owned and driven other Civics, and the 2003 has the same solid dependable feel but with more refinement. Keep up the good work, Honda!