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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  Honda Accord, why drive a Bimmer? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By volvo hater - November 13 - 4:23 am

  I previously owned a Volvo and I was tempted to buy a 5 series BMW, but like my Volvo, I put on the brakes because I am still recovering from poor, costly and unnecessary repairs by three separate Volvo dealer service departments). Then, one day, I saw the new Accord on a parking lot and I said wow. Past Honda Accords have never appealed to me. I went to a dealer, sat in a bold beige leather EXL and bought it. I did not even test drive the car. So, I got a good looking car, Honda reliability at half a BMW price. I know a lot of people that are on second and third Hondas, so I am hoping that my car ownership experience leads me to become a loyal Honda owner too.

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  Love My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Susan - November 13 - 2:54 am

  Bought an end of year 2005 Pilot with leather/moon roof. Love the car. Rides so very smooth. Great large tinted windows perfect. gas mileage good, not great, but as expected. If I wanted economy I would have bought a Civic. I needed roomy, clean lines, great back seat, lots of storage areas. wonderful family vehicle, super comfort on long rides. Thank you Honda !!!

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  A blessing, but a mixed one. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BMS - November 13 - 12:16 am

  This car is roomy and comfortable, and drives and handles well. However, there are a few bad points. The dashboard materials creak and rattle when the temp. is below about 40 (indicating poor workmanship to me). There is a slight vibration in the steering wheel ataround 68-70MPH. The car has a slight hesitation until it warms up fully, inexcusable in a fuel-injected car. And the engine is not quiet during acceleration, including a low-level high-pitched whine (though idle is smooth). The dealer says these are all "characteristics of the car" and will not "fix" them. But reliability, fuel economy, overall comfort and driveability are typical Honda. More plusses than minuses here.

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  cant go wrong - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chris - November 12 - 11:23 pm

  purchased the car because it handled and drove better than the prius. the honda quality is very evident and the gas mileage has been an average of 48mpg. Im 63" and the leg room and head room is better on the civic than most full size cars. Owning and driving a hybrid has never been so comfortable and affordable. There really is no excuse not to own a hybrid now. The only real complaint is how much the dealer wants to get you for XM radio.

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  A little disappointed in my Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ty - November 12 - 7:29 pm

  After putting up with my Olds Alero for 3 years I wanted to move into a Honda for reliability/refinement reasons. Im quite disappointed overall. My CR-V drives pretty nicely for a small SUV and meets most expectations, but Ive come away very sorry I bought it for a couple of reasons. Most importantly is ride quality, which is just terrible. Im amazed nobody mentions this, as my CR-V is the worst riding vehicle Iv ever owned. With correct tire pressure this vehicle is brutally stiff over expansion joints and road irregularites. Typical interstate travel feels like driving on braile. Also, Ive found the build quality to be un-Honda like. At only 5K miles I have 4 loud/constant rattles.

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  LOVE IT LOVE IT - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - November 12 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car. After researching lots of SUVs I decided on the V & am happy with my decision. I had a corolla & wanted a RAV to stay w/toyota but after driving both there was no comparision & got the V. After 6 mos I still love it. Im disappointed w/gas mileage Ive been getting 18-20 I did get one trip of 25 straight hwy driving. Its a comfy ride & has good get up&go. The only dislikes I have are the mileage which is lower than advertised & that I cant lock the car with the doors open. Its pain to have keys in my hand along with other things instead of being able to lock it first & put keys in my purse & have more hands. Ive left my car unlocked several times accidently due to this

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  Whoops - 2009 Honda Accord
  By douglas - November 12 - 1:23 pm

  After only 1500 miles, I concede I made a horrible mistake. Seats are killer, road noise is so bad I cant use my phone at times. Did I mention the seats are brutally bad.

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  Solid Performance for the money - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Don Tucci - November 12 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased my Honda Pilot after quite a bit of research. I looked at the others. For my money, this vehicle was the best choice. The reliability, comfort of ride, and standard equipment put it far ahead of the other competitive vehicles in its class. Further, the resale value of this vehicle is hard to beat, and the reliability allows you to keep the vehicle well after it is paid for or until you are ready for a change. The only changes I would have liked in regard to my model was a folding flat second seat and a sun roof, which I believe are both now currently available. This is a solid, spacious and reliable vehicle that will last.

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  02 is much better than our 2000 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Carbrain - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Traded our 00 for an 02. The difference is remarkable. Its as if they corrected all of our complaints from the 00. Brakes are stronger and less grabby, 5Spd auto stops the 3500 rpm light throttle starts, seats are recontoured, much less road and wind noise, can actually listen to the stereo on the freeway, and oh yeah 40 extra horsepower on regular unleaded gas. Well done!

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  2006 Honda Pilot EX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bobi - November 12 - 4:06 am

  Love this car! Smooth ride.Excellent transmission. Plenty of power on highway. Have had no issues with car so far.Averaged 24 on first highway trip.This is the seventh Honda I have owned.Never had a problem with any of them.