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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  Why get anything but a Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Liz K - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive purchased my Pilot in Dec. 2002. I ordered it back in July 2002 and it finally arrived. Its a great vehicle! I used to drive an Accord and the transition is very well received. Its a solid car. It accelerates well and drives smooth. The space is great. I can fit my dogs large crate in the back with room to spare. For the price it handles just like the MDX for less. If you can live without the luxury of an MDX go for the Pilot. Its a practical alternative. If your a woman and would like a SUV that drives like a car consider the Pilot. I recommend it! :)

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  Great Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rsr72 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Tested quite a few cars, Civic, Jetta, Accord, Focus. The civic seemed to be the best value for the money. Got rid of a Toyota Tundra (pricey, horrible gas mileage!!!). What fun it is to drive a car again! I had a 94 Civic at one point and should have never got rid of it. It feels good choosing a Honda again.

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  Very Practical Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mark wheeler - November 23 - 4:11 pm

  The CRV has typical Honda quality and reliability without any repairs after 66,000 miles. It has good interior cargo space but not quite big enough to jam in a sheet of plywood. The handling is good for an SUV and the mileage is reasonable at 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. For its price its the best value in the SUV field.

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  RATTLE NOISE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By weavie - November 23 - 2:56 pm

  I love my CR-V a lot. I feel safe in it. The only problem I have is with my back window (hatch). No matter how tight I close (or slam) it, its seems to make noise as Im driving down the road. I have to turn my radio up just to not hear it, but that doesnt get rid of the fact that its there. In looking at the design of the window, I would think there would be some rubber padding or something between the window and how it attaches. Maybe that is why its rattling. Dealer said its as tight as it will go. Also pulls to the right on acceleration like previous posts stated. Dealer said front wheel drives do that. Right wheel is the power wheel and is the reason it pulls? Still love it.

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  Excellent Upgrade - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyCamper - November 23 - 2:46 pm

  We,so like many others, decided to finally give in to the whole minivan craze. This was decided after placing two car seats and our 12-year old in the back seat of our 1998 Honda Accord EX-L. I about broke down and cried! We absolutely LOVED that car! However, the 2005 Odyssey blows it off the map in every category! I took the Odyssey out and hammered it on some twisty back roads. It has more power, was quieter, smoother, and handled considerably better than my accord! Plus...we all fit! This is a great machine to live with on a day-to-day basis. The Odyssey even turns sharper than the Accord! This is a truly excellent vehicle to drive... bordering on... fun!

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  My new Honda - 2017 Honda Accord
  By John Lawton - November 23 - 2:21 pm

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 08Badger - November 23 - 9:06 am

  Just picked up my Civic EXL Coupe and so far I am a big fan of this little car. Theres plenty of power under the hood and handling is tight and responsive. As much as I love this car there are a few places where Honda could improve. Interior plastics are soft and appear to scuff easily and power seats would be a huge improvement.

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  Love this car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Great Car - November 23 - 6:13 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Is is fast, feels stable and safe, and gets great mileage for its size. Maneuvers easily and responsively.

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  Old Trusty Steed - 2000 Honda Civic
  By plastic - November 22 - 3:06 pm

  I am a daily commuter driving 125 miles to and from work. I have over 130K miles on my Civic LX. I get an average of 36-37 mpg (mostly highway). Heres my secret. Mobil 1 5w30, Mobil 1 oil filter. I use only Shell gasoline. If I switch to an off-brand, the mpg goes down to 32-33mpg. This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is smooth, agile, and looks great. Very affordable car. I can wait to purchase a 2006.

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  DONT BUY A HONDA! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HateThisCar - November 22 - 2:54 pm

  Both the front and rear suspension are defective and make strange popping and knocking noises. This started after only a month after I bought the car brand new. AND after about 8000 miles, I started hearing gas moving around in the back of the car right after I fill the tank. It’s been to the dealer almost a dozen times and they can’t fix it. They say the gas sloshing noise is normal!!! Honda refuses to give my money back. Customer service stinks – after talking to me for 6 months, the rep has tried to blame every complaint on me or my driving and can’t even pronounce my name correctly. DONT BUY FROM HONDA!