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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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By habanero-si - March 7 - 6:06 pm

  This car is a great looking car & a lot of fun to drive. The car handles exceptionally well with the tradeoff being a ride that is rather stiff. There is a definite loss in gas mileage with the SI and being a usually thrifty person I would have to give hard consideration to the EX if purchasing again. Was pleasantly surprised at how well the cruise works with the manual transmission, much smoother through hills than the cruise was in my 4 cylinder Ford. The interior is arranged so that radio, temperature controls, etc are easy to find & use. Whether or not it is the best value for the money can be debated but when you are behind the wheel there are no regrets. This is one very nice vehicle!

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  Everything we expected - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Majorcliff - March 7 - 12:06 pm

  We have owned this van for a very short time but have recognized Hondas dedication to quality. We are first time Honda buyers and wonder why we waited so long. The third row seats are so easy to operate that our 8 year old can easily put them into the floor and then back into position. The removable seat in the middle of the second row makes moving from the front to the back really easy also. The rear entertainment system (using the headphones in the back) has better sound quality than my Bose home system. This van really does drive like a car. We did own a Ford Windstar. There is no comparison, the Honda is much better in initial quality. Time will tell about the rest.

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  07 CR-V New Owner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By gc - March 7 - 5:26 am

  Were having our first baby and we decided to trade in our 03 civic for the new CR-V on Oct7. And OH, what an upgrade! I love the redesign. It does make heads turn. Weve had 4 strangers compliment us on the road. The seats are wonderfully comfortable. We got the one that was in the showroom that had the running boards, roof rack, and fog lights already installed (We got those included). The price is definitely reasonable. You do get what you paid for. Its not a Lexus or a BMW that will have more power. BUT it definitely has the luxury feel (for me). Its one of the least expensive SUVs and were more than satisfied with it.

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  dream come true - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jeanette Suh - March 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning an 2000 integra 1999 prelude this was my transitional vehicle from sport compact to SUV. I love it. I live an active lifestyle and it caters to my every need~! The attention I get when Im at the ski resorts is like Im driving a porsche, I get sooo much attention. the perfect car/ truck. excellent handling on the road and on the snow. GET ONE regardless of other peoples opinions, theyll grow to love it too

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  Odyssey 03 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By TrumpetJ21 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  we ahve never had any trouble with it breaking down or not starting when turning key in the igniton.

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  Happy Owner of 04 Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mark-Ohio - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a new pilot and have been very pleased in the short time Ive had it. I originally liked the looks of some competitors better but was sold on all the reviews. Therefore, I spruced it up with some options: Fender flares, chrome garnish, chrome wheels. I think it makes a lot of difference and am happier with it due to these items. FYI: The sticker was around $34.5K after the accessories but they dropped nearly $3K so I was out the door around $33K after T&T. From what I could tell, they made around $800. I doubt I could have done much better but who knows.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bluelbc - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Nuff said.

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  The Anti-SUV - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dither - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Our second Civic, our other is a 95 (bought new) with 130K miles and is still going strong with no problems. If our old Civic is any indication we are going to have this car a long time. I am pleased though with how much they have improved the cars over the last 10 years. The engine is super-quiet and spunky enough, the 5 speed is like slicing through butter, handling is good and the ride is comfortable without being boring. Civics are automotive engineering realized to the highest level.

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  Top car for your dollar - 2004 Honda Accord
  By araiza565 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I did all my research using Edmunds. After two months of research I narrowed it down to the Honda Accord V6 with Navigation. I have had friends that own BMWs, Lincolns, Nissan and even Mercedes ride in and drive the Accord. All of them where impressed with the drive quality and what I was able to purchase at 25.5K. I do feel I have made a sound purchase and impressed at the low depreciation rate the car has had over the first year (Approximate 3.5K with 13,500 miles). The new Acura TL is the only car that has been catching my eye lately, none the less I hope to hand this Accord over to my son, who should get his license in four years.....

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  2009 Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 with NAVI - 2009 Honda Accord
  By lebo5 - March 7 - 1:13 am

  Ive been a Honda owner for 8 years and my wife and I have had 6 during that time. Theyve all been extremely reliable and safe cars but theyve also been like vanilla ice cream when it comes to looking at them. Theyve all had the features weve wanted and most of them have been loaded. But until this new design, none of them have been very exciting. This car is gorgeous!! And it stands out getting looks everywhere I go. I opted for the coupe because I didnt like the look of the sedan, especially in the rear. The coupe however changes all of that! I went with every bell & whistle available and no regrets.