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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  What a cool car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Zoe Nipp - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle slightly used as a third car and a future vehicle for our fifteen-year old boy. We LOVE it! My husband and I fight over who gets to drive it. It is a very FUN, functional, spacious car. We feel very modern driving it. Lots of car for the money. Buy one!!! Totally underrated by the professional reviewers.

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  Liveliest/most reliable SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By agansj - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Strong and smooth engine. Properly weighted and direct steering. A lot of SUV for your earned money. And most of all, Hondas RELIABILITY.

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  Great Value & Reliability for the $ - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Accord - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 02 Accord EX V6 brand new in June 02 and have just over 62,000 miles on it. The car is the best one weve ever bought (we replaced a 95 Accord LX with 168K). We havent had any failures and the only maintenance weve done is new front brake pads, an air filter, oil &filter changes and a trans fluid change. Two minor repairs were the black plastic on the seek button wore off (new radio under warranty) and we bent a wheel to the extent it couldnt be balanced, so it had to be replaced ($295). DonÂ’t let the Honda dealer talk you out of using Amsoil synthetic ATF. My shifts are smoother with Amsoil than Honda Z-1.

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  good good car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By darile - March 4 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best ever it handl well and its styles

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Steven Piippo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is so awesome!I love it, it belonged to my grandpa until he died.

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  I Love My New Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Texasmom25 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased a brand new Honda Accord EX with leather and a manual transmission and I love it. Driving it is so much fun. There is so much power even in just a 4 cylinder. This is definitely a luxury sedan in my opinion and worth every penny. I highly recommend purchasing a new Honda Accord. I got an excellent deal in my area...MSRP of only $22138 instead of $23990. After adding on splash guards, door guards, a moon roof visor, cargo net and gold emblem kit and 6 year, 100,000 mile warranty my final price was $24232.81. What a deal. I love it and give this vehicle five stars. Thanks Cleo Bay Honda, for making my day!

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  Great replacement for my 99 Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By joesw - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car replaces my 1999 Accord EX that was totaled by stop sign runner. The few complaints I had for my old car were nicely fixed in the new one. I paid about the same price but got so much more with CD changer, side airbags, steering wheel sound system control, larger tires, 5 spedd automatic

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  Stylish 2016 Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Hamilton - March 4 - 4:55 am

  Great car,great value.

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  I love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Marco Esquandolas - March 4 - 12:06 am

  Perfect for the family! We load up the kids, grandma and grandpa and all ride to the beach for the weekend! It handles very nicely and corners far better than I have ever experienced in an SUV. The Pilot just feels safe on the road.

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  Dont Even Think About It - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By guinness1969 - March 3 - 4:53 pm

  Never should have traded in our 2004 Odyssey. This car maybe gets 13 miles per gallon no matter how we drive. The automatic doors need to be repaired. There is a radio antenna in the window so the reception is poor at best. A tremendous amount of interior noise. Problem with transmission. Van always bucking when you decelerate. Unable to duplicate they say. All in all a piece of crap. Please do not buy this Van. Honda should be ashamed of themselves.