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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  Love my Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By tinita721 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I plainly love my CR-V. I have at work a Jeep Liberty that is not even as half as comfortable as my CR-V. I even have transported passengers that are over 6 feet tall and feel very easy and comfy in the back seat of this apparently "small" SUV. You need to try to really agree with me. It is one of those cars that are useful and fun to drive.

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  honda review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josh lundy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  good vehicle to have when you drive alot.space is kind of cramped because i am six foot, but thats ok because its the wifes car. two child seats in back and theres know room.reliabity is ok.bad in indiana winter weather.cheap insurance.i get about 34 miles per gallon mixed. pretty good car altogether!!!!!!!

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  Neat Car for the money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dwagner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Mileage started out at 30mpg first tank, 35 Mpg second tank and about 38 mpg currently on third tank. Smooth comfortable ride. Pretty quiet. Plenty of power for everyday use.

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  I Love my Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chi500 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Accord. It is fun to drive, quiet, and comfortable. I drive 60 miles a day on my commute to work and it is a dream. The standard stereo is great and I would recommend keeping the XM that you get for free for the first 3 months.

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  Most car for the money - 2010 Honda Accord
  By resconroe - June 20 - 1:40 am

  Drove 09 Infiniti G37 Sedan and 10 Toyota Avalon Ltd. Eliminated Acura TL because of looks but bought 10 EX-L V6 w/NAV based on value and expected 5 year total cost to own. Runs fine on regular with enough power for me. Plenty of room for backseat passengers.

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  Car shuts off randomly while driving.... - 1993 Honda Accord
  By K - June 19 - 10:19 pm

  I got this Honda from a Honda dealer and friend who sold it to me with no problems, it passed inspection and everything else with flying colors. I should also mention the engine had only 113,000 miles on it when I got it, this is considered "just breaking it in" for a Honda. I had the belts replaced, regular oil changes and tune-ups, this car was looked after, but keep reading...it all started when the car began to have a hard time maintaining a charge after it was started up, so we got it a new Battery, fine for a while...then, it shut off on the highway twice, Im glad I walked away from both. In addition to the stalling, it had problems in the winter too, but it gets worse....

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  Good SUV But LOts of Little Problems - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DodoPodo - June 19 - 4:07 pm

  POSITIVES: Attractive vehicle, both inside and out. Excellent use of interior space for both occupants and cargo. Storage room galore. Very good quality parts and fit/finish. Neat built-in lights in rear grab handles. Great power and smooth transmission. Resale value. NEGATIVES: The 3.5L V6 sometimes doesnt crank up right away (dealer says Honda is aware of this problem with that particular engine, but no fix for it yet). Numerous trim pieces had to be replaced in first 12,000 miles (e.g. the molding containing the drivers seat power switches broke a rear door threshold molding broke the drivers inside door handle started to peel apart) -- not what one expects from a "Honda".

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  GREAT MINIVAN - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ELSIE G. - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS MINIVAN. IT DRIVES BEAUTIFULLY AND WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT WHATSOEVER.I FIND IT VERY CONFORTABLE AND THE CAR DRIVES VERY SMOOTHLY.

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  Honda Pilot EX-L RES - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By singh1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought at the end of June. Have close to 2000 miles on it. Dont pay more than MSRP + Taxes. Why? Because considering the alternatives and that this is a first year model, I dont think the Pilot is worth more than $36,000 OTD. I had a problem with a wind noise coming from the passenger side. Also have a problem with the drivers side windshield washer leaking out fluid onto the hood. I still need to take it in for that... Nice SUV overall. This is my first import purchase. I do miss the power of the Chevy V-8s and the low range. Im actually one of the few SUV owners that enjoy tackling rough terrain where you need low range to get up the hill...or down one.

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  Foreign Cars Better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By gladiator007 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I like this car even though I am a Toyota lover. However, one can not help but fall in love with the power, features and leather seating.