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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  solid value in a used van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniel Smith - March 21 - 2:52 am

  We wanted an Odyssey since they first came out & could finally afford a used one. No problems at all except for poor fuel mileage (15 in town, 18 on highway). Love this van - feels safe & sturdy, rides excellent, handles well. No mechanical problems at all and easy to service. Have changed the air filter, sparkplugs, oil & tranny fluid without a hitch. Cabin air filter was a pain, but youll probably only change that once anyway. Remote power doors are cool, fold down seats work great & interior & cargo room outstanding. Love this van!

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  2016 Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joel Wilson - March 20 - 4:37 pm

  Good ride, gas mileage and comfort

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  Bubba Loves This Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By BubbaLovesThisCar - March 20 - 12:20 pm

  Had my eye on Cadi CTS but blown head gasket on current Caddy real turnoff! American not equal to Foreign. Sorry, folks, maybe someday. Moved attention to BMW 5-series. Saw new BMW X6. Hmm! Then saw CrossTour. Wow 5- series and CrossTour test drove nearly identical. No sticker shock! Im worried about tickets; caught myself 80+ several times. This car is turning heads and getting comments; all favorable. There are some who dont see its beauty. HELLO! Work of art here! Needs a manual 5-speed for more fun and excitement.

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  Dont expect any bells or whistles without leather - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Rob Nowell - March 20 - 10:33 am

  We bought the EX, one step up from the LX. We did not want leather seats. Unfortunately, without leather, the cars does not have the niceties which are standard on seemingly every other car on the market: XM radio; homelink garage opener; several USB ports; several cupholders; automatic day/night rearview mirror (a $300+ option). While the comfort and build quality far exceeds that of our 2012 Altima (which is loaded with options), I really miss the bells and whistles.

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  Absolutely Perfect! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Goudy Honda - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The best car Hondas ever made since before 93!

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gsafis - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to own 2000 Mitsubishi Montero sport and I traded in for the CRV. Good handling, acceleration, braking and very comfortable in long trips. When I get to a complete stop and I go reverse then I apply the breaks I hear a clunking noise. I called the several dealers and they told me that is a Honda new break design to increase the break ventilation. I am not sure if I buy that explanation, but again I do not know any one else that has the same car. I would appreciate any feedback. Overall great SUV for the money and fun to drive. I totally recommend it.

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  Sweet and Cool - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By fab5freddie - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV. I purchased mine in August 2002 at MSRP. I enjoy its stability and comfort couplled with the great room it has. I havent had any problem with so far and I dont intend to. Guys, if you are really shopping for an SUV, try this one and you wont regret it.

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  Great First Family Car!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jjgomez423 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  It is true what everyone is saying as to the difficulty of getting the exact one you want. There isnt much room for dealing on the sticker price, though I did get a great deal on mine. After comparing the Pilot with the Toyota Highlander, I instantly preferred the smooth and powerful ride of the Pilot. The interior feels VERY roomy, though the backseats are a bit tight. I dont think we could have gotten a better first family car. I am VERY happy with the Pilot and certainly plan on keeping this for a long time. We have been Toyota consumers for many years, but the Pilot has certainly won us over and made us first-time Honda drivers.

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  The best car ever! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Steven Mark - March 20 - 9:03 am

  This car is wonderful. It has 101,000 miles and it still has the best pickup even with a v4 engine with 164 Horsepower and it has a very quiet engine except for a little road noise and a little bit of noise but nothing big at all. The ride is as good as an Acura and almost as good as a Toyota Avalon or a Toyota Camry. It is a better ride then the Mercury Grand Marquis or Mercury Sable or Ford Taurus or Focus. The Accord has the best seats, radio, and cd player

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  Navigation System - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Brenda Millet - March 20 - 7:10 am

  I love my Honda SUV. The programming of the navigation system is very challenging. I am yet to understand it. I use my Waze for navigating. It handles very well on the road. It is very comfortable.