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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  This SUV Rocks! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Angie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We were shopping for a CR-V, there were none to be found, so we got the Pilot instead, and we absolutely love it!

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Fan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Jetta, but always liked the fact that my friends who drove Civics thought the world of them. There just happened to be a Honda dealer next to the VW one I was at, so I figured, "why not check it out"? I am so happy I bought the Civic - its fun to drive, gets great mileage, and is surprisingly roomy inside for a smaller sedan. My only complaint about its performance is the transmission sometimes "catches" as Im accelerating (I drive an automatic).

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Jetta, but always liked the fact that my friends who drove Civics thought the world of them. There just happened to be a Honda dealer next to the VW one I was at, so I figured, "why not check it out"? I am so happy I bought the Civic - its fun to drive, gets great mileage, and is surprisingly roomy inside for a smaller sedan. My only complaint about its performance is the transmission sometimes "catches" as Im accelerating (I drive an automatic).

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  2002 Si 1700 miles - 2002 Honda Civic
  By kcma - October 25 - 10:00 am

  From the time I drove it off the lot this car has been a blast to drive. It is my first car and I am very happy with it. Some people think the exterior looks odd, but the looks grow on you. Everyone loves the inside and the shifter never fails to be noticed. I havent seen any others around where I live in MA, but I enjoy driving a unique car.

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  Great car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Allen S - October 25 - 9:15 am

  Just have it a week so far it performs wonderful.

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  Great car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Allen S - October 25 - 9:15 am

  Just have it a week so far it performs wonderful.

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  What a relief - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Discriminating Owner - October 25 - 9:03 am

  I researched every car trying to decided what to replace an 04 Pacifica with. For the money, there is no other car with this level of refinement, performance, handling and price. The V6 is absolutely unnecessary, as the 4 cyl engine is smooth and powerful, AND efficient for this nimble, well balanced auto.

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  So far, so many problems - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bob - October 25 - 7:50 am

  First the good- love the interior room Now the not so good- at 500 miles discovered cv boot leaked all its grease- no rip/tear factory problem- rear speaker sounds blown- dealer adjusted bass-said it was fixed- the cv boot was fixed, not happy with the resolution of the other issues. I feel the vehicle is over-rated. MPG around 11 in city- I got 10 with my suburban. Why would Honda put cheap, poor handling tires on such an expensive vehicle? New tires make a big difference in handling. I am not impressed so far.

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  Honda Accord, Poor choice - 2007 Honda Accord
  By R. Allen - October 25 - 7:03 am

  Ride is uncomfortable. Dangerously pulls to the right, either not aligned properly or there is a manufacturing defect, gas mileage is less than I got on a Buick LeSabre. Very disappointed in this car. Would not recommend it to anyone.

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  Should be better - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - October 25 - 2:02 am

  Was happy with the pilot until I realized that the gas mileage is HORRIBLE!!! I average 13 MPG, with a lot of Highway driving. Steering wheel also vibrates on highway and there is a lot of road noise. I keep on thinking someone has a window open. At 1,500 miles smoke came out of air vents and it smelled like a electric fire. Also, be careful on the highway. The Pilot is very top heavy and will tip if you suddenly have to change lanes.