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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  Best bang for my buck! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Pilot owner - May 22 - 11:15 am

  I test drove 4 SUVs before I decided to buy the Pilot. The SUVs I test drove were -MB GLK350 -MB ML350,Toyota Land Cruiser, Honda Pilot The reason for me to choose the Pilot were Honda built quality/reliability. Everything I wanted is all inclusive (ex.BT, Nav, rear DVD, etc.). Size and functionality of large SUV. -Drives and rides like a 4-door sedan. Compared to other SUVs, Honda gave me a better deal.

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  Great Vehicle, needs a 6 cyl. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By WPFD - May 21 - 10:07 am

  The Honda CR-V is a fun little car to drive in the city and when there are no hills to climb. There is ample room to haul just about anything without having to fold the back seats. They are adjustable and move forward to make more room. Driving in the mountains was another story. To keep the speed up, the engine runs at 4500 rpm and sounds like it is straining the whole time. Even with its new 180 hp engine, this care is very under powered if you have any mountain or even hills in your area.

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  Little Blue. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By BILL IN THE PINES - May 19 - 3:44 pm

  I have only had the car for about 5 wks. She is very nimble and fun to drive.well built, great on gas.The dash layout is good and the info display keeps you informed. Once I figured out that the car is smarter then me, I just enjoy.

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  Unhappy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CNASH - May 19 - 1:31 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, 1st that Ive purchased new and the last. I loved this car when I first purchased and shortly after, I began to hate it. Believe it or not its excellent on gas. I commute back and forth to work for a week on a full tank. After six months I had to change the back brakes, which the dealership considers normal. NOT! Shortly after, I was still having issues and they replaced an axle. Five more months have passed and I replaced them again. The stirring wheel also shakes when braking. I HATE THIS CAR and would not advise this to any first time buyer or any buyer for that matter. Im currently searching for something else.

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  Just Bought One! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By T-N-T - May 19 - 3:47 am

  Brand New Small SUV! Super easy to drive. Super spacious and extremely comfortable on long trips. Highly reliable, we should have gotten 2 of them.

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  Honda Quality - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By sam - May 18 - 8:08 pm

  Owned the 2010 Ridgeline for 30 days and 700 miles. Have owned 7 Hondas,all have been excellent vehicles.This is all the truck most people will ever need and rides like a full-size car.

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  Love Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By syfy - May 18 - 7:40 pm

  I think buying a honda you will never go wrong. I bought mine in 1998 and trade it in 2005 just because i wanted something bigger living in the north. I wish I would have kept my civic ex

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  Update to Second Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Autobuff - May 18 - 10:51 am

  Ok I have had my car for 3 weeks and very impressed with the fuel economy. I have filled my car twice since I got my car getting 425 miles to a tank with combined driving. Avg. 30.1 mpg. It feels nice to get over 290 mile per tank like i did on my 2001 millennia. Motor is very peppy, stick is still very slick.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dor - May 17 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this car in Feb. 2003 and I have to say that it is by far the best purchase I made. I use it every day to go to work, averaging 28 mpg (hwy + city). After over 100,000 mi I cannot complain of anything worth mentioning. The interior is simple and yet functional, Overall, a great car.

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  Best car I have owned - 1995 Honda Accord
  By hawkbeck - May 17 - 10:19 pm

  I have owned 5 cars in my lifetime and the 1995 Honda Accord is by far the best. With 225,000 miles on the car, it still gets 26 miles to the gallon with the 2.7 L V6. Handles outstanding and still drives fairly well considering the time and mileage on it. It has been a work horse and I will soon pass it to my kids after the second timing belt replacement. I have owned the car since 1997, having purchased it with 16K miles. The quality of the car far exceeds the Ford and GM cars that I owned. Only the Subaru that I own is close but still not as good.