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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  Car perfection - 2001 Honda S2000
  By DouglasJ - May 14 - 7:48 am

  Having owned MANY cars of all types, this one is still my favorite to drive. Its raw, you are connected to the road, and its a blast. Incredibly reliable, 85K miles and only replaced the thermostat. I have a street-legal turbo kit making 300 wheel horsepower and have surprised many cars thinking they would walk by. Ill never sell . . . . ! !

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  I love my Civic! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Shonda - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Civic was my very first car. When I first bought it, it had been a demo car and had a little over four thousand miles on it. For four years I drove it nearly eight hundred miles to and from college. It never let me down. If any parents are interested in buying their child a reliable car, the Honda Civic is the one.

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  chiefs review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By chief1234 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This suv is everything you read about and more! My wife owns an suv $20,000 more expensive as soon as I got mine she wanted to trade.

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  Stuck Accelerator - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By glenn debell - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have the all weather floor mats. After going to a commercial carwash and not realizing that they did not secure the mat to the pins the the floor. Upon entry to the vechicle I evidently moved the mat forward. Applying full throttle caused the pedal to stick open. The pins are not designed to accomodate the all weather mats. I would like to see a recall om this item.Wind noise from bug sheild is absurd!

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By GuyR - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Typical Honda qualilty. Best riding SUV I have ever driven (previous SUVs, 1995 Jeep Grand, 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, 1998 ML320, 1999 Jeep Grand). Off-road ability weak compared to my previous but does fine for most dirt roads. Interior is a pleasure. Ride is very smooth. I find the radio controls confusing which is a first for me. Plently of interior cargo room with rear seats folded down. Second row doesnt really fold flat so 4x8 plywood seems to want to slide out the rear door. I wish the rear liftgate glass opened separately but this is common in this class. Overall a great truck and well worth the money.

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  I love my Honda! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jobird - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Accord. I used to own a Pontiac Grand Am that was ALWAYS in the shop after getting rid of it and purchasing the Accord there is no comparsion. Just follow the maintenance schedule and get your oil changed every 3,000 - 6,000 miles depending on how hard you drive your car and you will be impressed. I travel quite frequently around the state and I always feel confident and comfortable in my car. My sisters both drive Hondas and swear by them as well!

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  One Step Forward - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DigiDragon - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I own the "cvt" or automatic version of the Hybrid. Its very quiet except for road noise. Friends have been impressed and geeked out by the "click-start" and the semi-digital,indigo dash (especially the battery meters). I average 42MPG. Excellent sound system and room for adding power points.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Margedant - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I searched a number of makers and models before choosing the Honda Accord and I LOVE THIS CAR! Great handling, smooth ride and its reliable. Now I know why everyone recommends Honda. This is a great car that Ill enjoy for many many years.

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  Very impressive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Very nice - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Very impressive for the money. This is a car that has it all, except for the seat memory and auto headlights. But for 27K and compared to the rest of the feild.....NO COMPARISON.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jonleef - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I had to buy the car after extensive research of the competitors in this class. I just could not find a comparable car for the same price when taking into account the total package of power, interior features, reliability and safety ratings, gas mileage, great engine and use of regular unleaded fuel. The 2004 Accord is an immense improvement over the 1994 Accord which I felt was a great car.