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 CAR EVER OWNED IN 50 YEARS - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Joe Kordash - January 12 - 5:02 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned in 50 years. So good I just purchased another new one after driving for 248,500 miles. Still able to get 29 - 30 mpg on the highway. Was not really ready to part with it but I wanted the latest in technology safety and creature features.

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  happy with this van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mom of one - January 11 - 9:33 am

  Like many others it came down to the Honda & the Toyota. Both are excellent vans. Like many of the other reviews I would like better gas mileage, I am getting 19 to 20 with mixed driving. I think a van at this price point should come with an automatic tail gate, also I would like an option for a removable console between the front seats, and water bottle holders. Also my biggest complaint is with a small child I would like to be able to split the audio between the front and back when she is watching a video, she is 2 small for the headphones. A telescopic steering wheel, & std. trans. cooler would be nice. The backup camera is a wonderful feature.

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  We Love Our Pilot!!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 04PilotFamily - January 11 - 2:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this car over the past four months. It is great for our family of four. It is roomy with plenty of room in the back for luggage on long trips. The third row is great when we have friends or family who want to ride. The kids love the DVD. We hightly recommend this vehicle.

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  The Beauty of the Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chuvien - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent interior. No problem with the car so far. My wife loves it.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By rr8412 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Super little car that performs like a much higer priced car. You can just feel the quality of this car.

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  Tough Act to Beat! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By cidarcca - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I spent several months researching all cars in this class and chose the 2004 model even though 2003s are cheaper. Its got great reliability, resale value, and exceptional build quality. Also, its got comfy seats and a real smooth engine/transmission combo. The 2004 EX model upgrades make it more distinctive (new alloys, front/rear lights & bumpers, antilock brakes, stereo & sound insullation, drivers seat adjustment, new center console) plus the new Magnesium color looks great! The power moonroof eats up a lot of headroom but Im 6-1" and can still fit but its a little snug - thank goodness the drivers seat adjusts up and down!

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  2004 honda civic lx sedan - 2004 Honda Civic
  By psan - January 11 - 2:00 am

  traded in my 2002 honda civic lx sedan for a 2004 honda civic lx sedan. Basically afar improvement.

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  Si 4dr - great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bf04 - January 10 - 9:16 pm

  First time buying Honda. I chose the Si since I wanted something of a sporty car. I really like the seats and I have never had as much fun driving a car as this one. Gas mileage is good, handling is great.

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  Recently purchased on December 7, 2017 - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Bernice - January 10 - 4:05 pm

  I purchased this car on December 7, 2017. It is a beautiful car and it has a smooth ride. This is my 3rd Honda; therefore, you can see that I am a Honda car. I still have my 1999 Honda Accord V6 Sedan and it has 208,260 miles on it. It will be 19 years old and it is still in mint condition. If you take care of your Honda, it will surely take care of you. I am planning on having this 2017 Honda According V6 Touring for those many years. I have not had the time to operate everything on the car yet, but I feel confident they will be 5 starts.

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  No competition - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By James Bryant - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new CRV it is typical Honda quality. It was hard finding one at MSRP, every dealer in my local area wanted $1500.00 over MSRP. Hint, check dealerships outside the city limits. They are more flexible.