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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  Civics are bullet proof! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By the DOG - November 13 - 11:26 am

  Without a doubt this is the best car Ive ever owned. I am 62" and have plenty of room, even when Im in the back seat. I got no haggle internet invoice pricing with low 4.9% APR financing. There is a TSB on 07 Civics because of a rear control arm assembly which causes vibrations over 45 MPH. I took it to the dealer - they fixed it promptly at no charge to me & put on a set of new Goodyear tires! Most of my driving is highway driving and I average 33-37 MPG.

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  Honda Quality - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By HSTAN - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After three months plus, of ownership and 6500 miles, my 04 CR-V has only been back to the dealership for oil change, the reliability I was looking for.

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  My 3rd Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Neslo - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 00 SAAB for this Accord EX. The Accord rides a little harder but handles better and is quieter. It has more interior room and I expect it will be WAY more reliable. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for almost every situation. The build quality and comfort are a the big plus. Feels like a "state of the art" sedan.

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  Love this Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By artgal - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought the V6 2004 Accord after shopping around and have been very happy with our decision. It is a beautiful car, with great handling, all the luxury you want and excellent interior cabin. We drive a lot, and the car is very comfortable for road trips. We have bought Hondas before (as well as Acura and Volvo) and are happy to be back in the Honda camp! We expect great reliability. This car compares very well to entry level luxury cars at a very competative price.

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  mileage and performance - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dave Mesler - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I been pleasantly surprised about how much I like this car. I am getting 31 to 33 mpg with mostly highway and some city driving. Very good passing power. Really does not feel like a four. Recently rented a Mazda 6 on a trip and am very glad I got the Honda. The 10,000 mile oil change was a nice surprise also. Very comfortable and roomy inside.

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  nice car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By allen wilson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  i love this car and the body style

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By homerlly - November 11 - 7:20 pm

  The Pilot is an SUV that thinks it is a car! The ride and feel are great. Actually , our Pilot rides better than our new Accord. It handles great and the gas mileage isnt too bad. The fit and quality is typical Honda- tight and quiet. We know as it is made on a line with Acura MDX. it has a fine engineering pedigree and demonstrates it in all aspects of automotive action. Ill probably buy it after the lease is up if it continues to offer the value it does now. The EXV-L is the best value because of the stability control this model adds to the package. If Honds smart they will make it a standard feature of all Pilots!!

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  Little Red Coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By john tyler - November 11 - 2:13 am

  Had to wait to get the color red with navigation. With new car, why not get color I want? Also like tan leather better than black. Never had navigation and GPS is amazing; also like the XM radio and will keep it. The power can pin you back into the seat and the 1st MPG was 24.1 on regular. I wanted a car fun to drive on twists but comfortable on freeway. Think this will be it and can keep for a long time. Felt the coupe looked better in back compared to sedan. Body appears sculpted aerodynamically from all angles.

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  Happy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By love it - November 10 - 9:10 pm

  It gives my family all the space and luxury we want in the interior. Great sound system on the entertaiment system. Love the GPS system! Enough cup holders. Use the extra storage in the floor. Love the dual glove comparment and child view mirror. Geat that flooring carpet snaps out in pieces - every mother sould know why.

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  What a Great Ride!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Laybaclenn - November 10 - 3:53 pm

  So far so good Ive had the Pilot for three weeks. Its awesome!