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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  THEY CHANGED IT TO A STATION WAGON - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Puttyman - June 29 - 5:49 pm

  I have owned several Honda Pilots. I lease them for 3 years and at the end of the lease I get another one. NP. 2 days ago I went to my dealer thinking I would leave with another Pilot. Let me state here that I work in the construction trades so I have to be on construction sites every day AND I have to carry specialized testing equipment. This new Pilot is an abomination! They have changed it into a station wagon. If you are a Soccer Mom maybe its a better design but as a true "UTILITY VEHICLE" its a joke.

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  Sports Sedan Sleeper - 2007 Honda Accord
  By daninoah - June 29 - 5:40 pm

  Very few know that you can get an accord V6 with 244 hp and a S2000 6 speed manual transmission. The car is really a less luxury version of the Acura TL type S. It is fast, quiet, responsive, and just saucy!! All that, plus a lease payment under $300 including tax! This car has a sensible and ergonomic interior, a great sound system, carbon fiber look accents, great trunk, and good looks

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  great reliable suprisingly quiet car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By p g - June 29 - 4:06 pm

  this car has been very reliable. timing belt was the only major service done since 60K miles. It is quiet and nice with the right tires on it.

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  The Fhantm Strikes - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Aleeza St. Clair - June 28 - 9:59 pm

  Ive never had a car that I enjoy driving so much and Ive owned many different models including those with turbos. It does lose speed on steep inclines, but other than that it has quick pick up and is truly fun to drive. It also handles well in the ice and snow which is a must here in Alaska and I also love the sound system. My friend and I had room for two sets of golf clubs, two pieces of luggage, and a cooler with room to spare on a recent golf trip. I had to wait 8 months from the time that I ordered it until I received it, but it was well worth the wait!

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  ODYSSEY TOURING IS THE BEST! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MELATAZ - June 28 - 9:50 pm

  Ive taken all of the test drives of the many vans that are out there today. I highly recommend the Odyssey for its ride, comfort and style. Even though I only have 100 miles on it I know its going to be everything Honda says it is. Ive been a Honda owner for over 20 years and highly recommend it. I will report back when i have more miles Thank you again honda for making a very nice and dependable vehicle.

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  98 Honda Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By kerrykelty - June 28 - 7:24 pm

  Great Gas Mileage Unbelievable cargo space because rear seats fold flat and away Compact Size makes for easy driving and parking in the city Unbelievable repair record Body structure and paint are made so well, it still looks like new Four conventional doors make for easy passenger exit from the back (especially for youngsters who often cannot open the larger sliding doors)

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  just OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By lisa - June 28 - 3:36 pm

  Im not sure what all the rave is about and why the CRV gets such high marks. This is certainly a practical car, but it doesnt have much power and doesnt handle all that well. Ive had issues with turning and accelerating, especially on wet surfaces. And this car is NOISY. The noise from tires and wind while driving is very loud. I much preferred the Jeep Liberty for pep, , sturdiness, handling and fun, but it did not get good gas mileage so I had to trade it for the CRV. Im disappointed but today, fuel economy is the most important factor for me. But that even suffers tremendously when using the air conditioning.

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  Excellent fuel economy and performance - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rhino - June 28 - 3:19 pm

  I purchased my Civic new in 2002. Its been driven hard over the last three years....it has not been babied. It hasnt had any problems whatsoever. I get over 30 mpg all around driving, Mid 30s on the highway. My Civic is a 4 dr LX model with a 5 speed transmission. It has excellent performance with the standard transmission...plenty of pep. If you are looking for a strong, reliable, fuel efficent and fun to drive car give the Civic a try!

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  1999 Accord EX - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Topgun - June 28 - 6:24 am

  Love the styling of the two door EX coupe but will never buy a two door again. Getting into the back seat is a chore. Transmission started acting up at 120k at that point the car was traded. Brakes on this car are total junk. The rotors warp which leads to vibration under braking. Interior quality is marginal. Overall, I enjoy driving the car and have never regretted getting the 4-cylinder engine.

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  Awesome Orange - 2003 Honda Element
  By Charlotte Holt - June 27 - 9:26 pm

  I love it.. when I first saw them I thought they were so ugly they were cute. Now I just think its so cute. It drives nice, rides nice, and cleans up so easy.. We race and get alot of mud and it washes right out. Grandkids are no longer reason for panic.. If they spill it cleans right up..I loved my CRV but carpet and cloth seats were a problem, especially at the track.. Love the theater seating when they stick me in the back.. Thats when I let them drive it..Wouldnt trade it..