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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  Amazing! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By LMF716 - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  I traded my 01 Nissan Altima in for an 08 Honda cr-v. I started my car search at Honda, and five months later, finished it at Honda. This car is excellent to drive. It is my first new car (Ive had 3 used ones in the past), and am completely sure I made the right decision.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smitman - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Best family vehicle around. Quality, room, style, utility. 4WD is seamless, it handles great, even offroad (backwoods camping) Only complaint is the vents for the 2nd row are flimsy, And the leaky washer nozzle-driver side. Trailblazer/Pathfinder/Toyota/Ford beater

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  Good looks and fun all in one - 2000 Honda Accord
  By JPM - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Once in a while Honda give us a mass market vehicle that is an instant classic, and their current Accord Coupe is one of them. A head turner from the moment it hit the street, it looks as fresh today as it did in 98. Mine prompted my teenage nephew (teenage boys, often the harshest of vehicle critics!)to gasp and ask if I was rich ... how many other mass market, sub $20k cars will do that? Add to this the fact that it can be a blast to drive if you want it to be. The coupe has balanced handling and communicative steering. Put the 5 speed in it and the this becomes a genuine bargain of a drivers car.

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  52 mpg first tank!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By tomnkim - January 3 - 9:06 am

  So far excellent mpg. Excellent reliability and easy to get use to. Teaches you how to drive smartly and the instant mpg makes it easier to lay off the pedal. Room in the back is more then enough for the kids. Recommend totally.

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  Now I love it - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By waksocal - January 3 - 1:46 am

  I traded in my 1999 Ford Expedition on the 2006 Pilot EX. My first day in the Pilot I suffered buyers remorse as it seemed so small compared to the Expedition. But by the 2nd day something happened. I feel in love with the Pilot. It is just so easy and fun to drive. You really do forget you are in a SUV because it handles beautifully. Its typical Honda in that its well made with subtle quality but there arent a lot of frills or bells & whistles. I wish there were automatic headlights, memory seats and a better radio. But for the important things its perfect. I can fit lots or kids or lots of stuff and thats exactly what I needs.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By TRDelaware - January 2 - 7:13 am

  Went out and about last week armed with reviews of every car claiming 30+ MPG. The Civic was the only choice, and I drove 6 different cars-- everrything from the MX-3 to the Scion Xa. Perfect for commuting, comfortable, gas mileage today was 36.1--all highway. Although I bought the value package version, I really feel as if I got more for my money than the other models offered. Added to the legendary Honda reliability, I almost feel like I stole this car. Although the Elantra was a bit cheaper, with more options, it did not feel as solid as this car does.

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  Back to Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Thomas D. - January 2 - 1:53 am

  This Pilot (AWD with NAV) replaces my 2003 Infinti FX35. The FX was a great vehicle with three exceptions. Very poor seating, driver seat power buttons under your right leg, Extremely rough ride in rear seat when driving on anything other than a very smooth road, and very poor visibility due to rounded design. Honda, on the other hand has excellent visibility, plenty of glass area, plus third row seating,and runs on regular gas plus most of the options I had on the Infiniti for $14,000.less at sticker.After looking at big sister Acura, decided to stay with little sister, Honda Pilot. Plenty of Bang for the Buck!

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  Pleased Hybrid Owner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DT - January 2 - 1:16 am

  Car is great. Over 70 MPH and mileage drops between 31-33 MPG, but other than that its great.

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  Great crossover suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dana Edwards - January 1 - 9:59 pm

  I love my cr-v!! Has great gas mileage, runs safely and smoothly, nice interior, great storage space (love the double access of automatic fold down of the back row of seats), awesome three-view backup camer and side mirror camera, and overall great quality for the price.

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  Sweet little Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim - January 1 - 7:53 pm

  I bought my 1st Honda Si in 1987, and loved everything about it. Sold it with over 200,000 miles and the engine was still perfect. The 2006 gives me the same feeling. This engine is the sweetest engine you will find. It loves to rev, and the sound is pure music. Currently have over 3,000 miles on mine and have enjoyed every mile. Its really amazing this day and age that you can find a sporty, well made, did I mention "fun" car for low 20s. You really need to drive one to know what Im talking about. Kudos to Honda for making a great car. Jim in Tennessee