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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  EXL with DVD 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By exlpilotwithdvd - June 11 - 9:13 pm

  I got a great deal, base price of $28800 with running boards and tint included. It runs great, and I have no complaints. An awesome purchase. I love the DVD and leather. Fit and finish inside and out is perfect, and the engine is sublime. I test drove every SUV in its class, and the Pilot beats them all hands down. I am thrilled!

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  The best van out there... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dcap - June 11 - 6:10 pm

  Who said driving a minivan isnt cool? Finally, a van that drives like a real car!! Kudos to Honda for doing it right. Great feel, comfort, versatility, and in the long run, a great value.

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  Great Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By A.MOSS - June 11 - 3:56 pm

  This Accord is a great auto I have owned a new 1994 and 1997 Accord this by far the best design. The ride is very good The interior is awesome.Great features for the money.

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  8 years, and virtually problem-free - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ann Marie - June 11 - 12:17 pm

  This was the first new car I ever purchased. Nearly 8 years and 130,000 miles later, Ive hardly put any money into it other than regular maintenance and maybe 2-3 repair jobs in the $500 range. My last car, a Ford Topaz, I got rid of after it was 6 years old and had only 85,000 - and that was after the transmission was replaced. I plan on driving this Honda as long as possible, and because its been so good to me Im almost scared to buy a different type of car next time for fear that no other can match its reliability.

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vidro - June 11 - 9:53 am

  After nine days driving this car, the experience has surpassed the expectations. The only way to describe my experiences is just plain AWESOME. This car is turns heads everywhere I drive like an expensive luxury car

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  Great all around van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rudy Gadziala - June 11 - 4:50 am

  Great vehicle, so far no problems. Excellent gas mileage for a van, avg. 17.5 city and just got 25 on the highway during a recent trip. A little road noise on some pavement. Excellent handling, much more agile than the Sienna.

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  Awesome Family Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tammy - June 11 - 1:46 am

  I love my honda Pilot. We shopped every SUV on the market and can be particular. The Pilot fit all our needs--good car for the $, reliable, good size, and stylish. Prior to the Pilot, I had a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, then a Toyota Camry, then a mini-van. I have now found my dream car! It is great for young children. The 3rd row is small, however, no smaller than the mini-vans 3rd row. Its awesome that the all rows fold flat--unlike the van. It is a very powerful car, hugs the road well,and great in the snow. I feel safe in this car and it feels good to know I am investing in a car that has a great safety rating, is realiable, and roomy enough for a young and growing family. Way to go Honda

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  So Long VW! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - June 11 - 1:33 am

  Unlike some of the folks on here, I actually traded up from my old 2001 Jetta and purchased the 08 CRV as my first "new" car purchase. I have to say that I am ecstatic! It has incredible handling, sleek style (Ive been drooling over it for the past year), and a quality build. My mpg hasnt been the best so far (avg of 18-19), but Ive literally only driven in stop and go city traffic, so I have patience. Also, the center "shelf" leaves some room for improvement. Overall, though, I am in new car heaven and I would... hands down... recommend this car to anyone. Honest.

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  A True Value Packed Roadster - 2005 Honda S2000
  By C.G. Godlewski - June 10 - 10:26 pm

  I traded an 01 MR2 for the Honda S2000 after a test drive. In september 2004, I ran from hurricane Ivan, my first chance to drive the S2000 the distance between Fort Walton Beach Florida and Harrison Arkansas. I made the trip straight through in 20 hours stopping only for fuel, food and coffee lots of coffee. Highway 65, between Little Rock AR and Springfield MO, has all the Ozark mountain twisties anyone would ever want. The S2000 swooped and sang through the old highways curves at more than twice the posted limits and did it well enough to make this smilng sexagenarian glad I owned an S2000.

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  LOVE my CR-V!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Laguna Mom - June 10 - 7:23 pm

  Ive only had it for a week, but its wonderful and I love it. Its my first non-minivan in over 20 years. I was worried about giving up the seating, but no problem. The back storage area is great. I like that the car is higher up than my Odyssey and the cargo area is easily accessible plus the horizontal divider has been a great plus. I maxed out with an EX-L with navigation so I also have XM radio, backup camera and moonroof. The interior materials are very nice and the drivers seat is very comfortable.