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 spend more? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By LexLowkey - April 11 - 2:00 am

  If I had known the Civic was this good, I might not have bought my last car, an Accord V6 coupe. The Civic isnt as much car as the Accord, but its about $8,000 cheaper. Its also easier & more fun to drive in the city and much cheaper to operate - the Accord got 14 mpg in city driving, the Civic gets about 30.

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  2003 Accord DX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rabih - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 2003 Accord DX Auto from Gillman in Houston. I think the DX is the best value around as it is on average 2000$ cheaper than the LX. It is better equipped than ever with a CD player, power windows, ABS, Automatic and AC. The engine is smooth and the gas mileage is excellent. The build quality is up to Honda standards. The interior is comfy and attractive. The exterior is conservative but elegant. In brief, it is a very practical and reliable car.

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  Great Purchase by RickyO - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RickyO - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great price for the accord, great interior features, solid built car, Realiable, fun to drive. Purchased accord over altima because you have to add packages to the altima, to get what the accord provides standard.

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  Excellent buy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By iluvgolf1 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great experience overall. Smooth ride with plenty of power. Relatively quiet cabin at freeway speeds.

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  16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 10 - 8:17 pm

  Love the car,the only thing I would want to see them add is a sunroof. I love the sensing package its saved me from a possible collision already.

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  16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 10 - 8:17 pm

  Love the car,the only thing I would want to see them add is a sunroof. I love the sensing package its saved me from a possible collision already.

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  Our First Honda - So Far So Good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bigsioux - April 10 - 6:07 pm

  We recently replaced my wifes VW Passat 4 Motion with a 2015 Honda CRV Touring and weve driven it 3000 miles so far. We have not experienced any of the vibration other reviewers have noted. In fact Id describe driving it as "smooth and effortless". My wife sums it up by repeating frequently how easy this vehicle drives. However, I have to believe the ride would be smoother with the smaller rims of lower trim levels. We felt sort of "trapped" into going with the touring because there were features like the power lift gate and some of the automated safety features were only available on the top trim level. The 18" rims really set it apart from older CRVs though. Its a trade off.

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  2008 honda odyssey beats other vans - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By John Topi - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this beautiful van in october. I love the 2008 odysseys solidness and luxury. This van has nothing wrong and at 4000 miles its never had a single problem. If you are looking for a van the Honda Odyssey should be your only option!

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  Honda Civic EX 4 door - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Jordan Burrack - April 10 - 2:00 am

  with 70k miles, never ever had any problems. ex ex ex exellent fuel mileage! (32city/ 38 hwy). 1 time we got 42mpg avg. economy on a trip home from Utah!

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  2016 Pilot is a Winner!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dustin - April 9 - 11:20 pm

  We have had our Pilot for a little over a month. Weve taken it to Lake Tahoe, and around town of course. It climbed the mountains and handled the corners with ease on the way to Tahoe. Im anxious for winter to come so I can test the AWD system as I head to the ski resorts. The vehicle is incredibly comfortable (I suppose thats subjective based on each persons comfort level), and the interior is very nicely laid out. I actually look forward to road trips since we have more room to spread out. We will probably have the 3rd row folded down 99% of the time. With that, there is a lot of cargo space in the back. There is even a fair amount of room with the 3rd row up. My wife and I have two young boys, and they it is nice that their car seats are far enough away so that they cannot reach each other. No more fists flying back and forth between the two of them as was the case in our 06 CRV, which we kept since it is a great vehicle in its own right. The touchscreen radio takes a little getting used to, but it is easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. We were considering purchasing a Tahoe or Explorer, but are very happy we went with the Pilot. We are looking forward to having the Pilot as our family car for many years to come.