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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  Keep Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By R. Jones - November 9 - 10:03 pm

  Our last car gave in to our dog. He sat in the back seat with our kid. Lots of hair and bad smells. Now, I have a huge hatch for our dog, still leaving the magic seats for our boy and our stuff. So cargo room is fantastic. Driving is so easy due to visibility, steering responsiveness, and very logical placement of driver controls. There are fewer small storage compartments than a Yaris, but I have all the storage I could use. Not wanting to ride a couch with wheels, I enjoy feeling the bumps in the road while sitting in very comfortable seats. The Fit is fun, functional and fabulous.

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By lewsandbox - November 9 - 9:23 am

  After owning 3 Ford Explorers I was ready to leave the SUV world, however now that I own the Pilot I could not be more pleased. It is roomier, my wife is pleased with the ride as we often take long trips. She felt that the Explorer was too much like a truck. Unfortunately I am not pleased with the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. A poor service department and despite promises to the contrary no follow through from management.

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  Prelude - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Si - November 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing i would change is I would put a Limited Slip Deferential on it.

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  11 Years old and I still love it! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Mickey G - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1991, have only done brakes, new radiator and timing belt. With 175,000 Im thinking my grandchildren will still be driving this car in 20 years. Handling and fuel economy are superb, build quality is world class. Put new Koenig alloys and Yokahama performance radials on her (Julia is her name) last year and people comment on what a great looking car she is (remember shes 12 model years old!) At this point, any new car shopping Id do would have to start @ my local Honda dealer.

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  Best Value for the $$ - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Vanderblat - November 7 - 11:16 pm

  I was looking at the Altima3.5 v6 , Mazda 6 V6, Camry v6 SE. the Honda is just a better buy! The Honda is the only one that doesnt need Premium fuel. The Accord has a great revised rear end (love the LED) awesome wheels, great interior fit & finish, Tons of space. Fuel ecconomy is great for a V6 with 244HP. To sum it all up, the Honda is a great everyday car looks great drives fast has a very good 5 speed Auto tranny you get a lot of "zoom zoom" when you need it and all drama free. No doubt the best car you can get for the $$ period.

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  Awesome - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By scherrywade - November 7 - 10:30 am

  This CR-V is absolutely awesome. It is beautiful in design and comfort and has all the extras I wanted. I have grandchildren and it is perfect. My sister just bought one too. The EX-L is just gorgeous and handles like a dream. Cant go wrong with this one for price and luxury. I only buy Honda and this one is the best!

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  Fantastic!! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Ledy - November 7 - 6:36 am

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  Great Value - 2007 Honda Civic
  By J.D. - November 6 - 5:43 pm

  Great car for the money. Four doors, an auto, and over 30 mpg with Honda reliability. This car is everything a family needs -- up to three children. Also, the total ownership cost is minimal.

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  LX Coupe Special Edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jimmy M - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  Bought last week and absolutely love it. I drive 70 miles a day and this car will probably save me $100 a month in gas. Fun to drive and the Special Edition package is a tremendous value for a extra few hundred dollars. Its nice looking and fun to drive.

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  Love my AWD Pilot in the snow! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Cathryn Couzens - November 6 - 3:49 pm

  I really like the design of the 2017 Honda pilot. Its attractive on the outside, comfortable on the inside. A few concerns though. The rear seats could be a little more comfortable but at least they are not used every day. It also seems like the heat takes a while to really kick in which was not what I was expecting for a brand-new vehicle but perhaps because its a large space it takes a while. Also the Bluetooth has not consistently worked. Overall a five star car though, great in snow and ice and very good gas mileage for this type of vehicle.