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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  Pilot is best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dani Wilson - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv we have ever owned. And the price is good for what you get.

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  Recommended - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By nonesuch112 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After much debate and testing, we decided we were no longer a Mini Van family. 4Runner was close, but too much money and we did not need the towing capacity. Really enjoy the AWD.

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  update - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda Fan 2 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Well, I posted a review back in May of 2002. To update, the car STILL has not had any problems. Yes, the road noise is still there, and the rattles and creaks are there. But reliabilty and gas milleage has been very good. On all highway, I have gotten anywhere from 39- 41MPG. But back in the city, its been hovering around 33MPG. Over this time, I have gone on numerous trips, and drive everywhere and I still enjoy driving it!

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  Great family vehicle all-around - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Gould - February 11 - 4:04 pm

  Weve had this vehicle for almost six years, and have had very few problems. It rides great, is not too loud at high speeds, has excellent pickup, and gets good gas mileage for its size. I would recommend it to anyone looking for the best minivan on the market.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MRains - February 11 - 4:03 pm

  This is the third honda I have owned and by far the best. The inside of this smaller SUV is plenty roomy. I am a real estate agent and this car fits 4 with room to spare and even enough room for my full size dog in the back. Everytime I get into it I like it even more. It looks exactly like a lexus or bmw suv at half the price and better gas mileage. I cant say enough good things about this car. It is truly honda quality.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By barra321 - February 10 - 11:52 pm

  I have had my Accord for several months now. I had a 87 w/ 190k miles Civic before. Honda is hands down the best car made today. Just keep up with the REQUIRED maintenence and youll love this car for years and years.

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  Happy with my new Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JG - February 10 - 9:17 pm

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  Great SUV for the family - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Aaron - February 10 - 7:26 pm

  This SUV is an awsome car. Weve been driving in the snow a lot lately and its been perfect. You cant go wrong with this Honda.

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  Going green - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jeff - February 10 - 3:10 pm

  I traded in a 1994 Toyota 4 runner with 227,000 mile on it in the cash for clunkers deal. I was getting about 13-15 MPG on the 4 runner and my first tank on the Insight got 41. That was driving around town and now I get about 45-47. I think the car looks good and I love the Clear blue sky metallic paint. It lacks off the line power but I got that out of my system with my Porsche 911. The car has plenty of power to get on the freeway and smoothly gets up to 65-70 MPH. The handling is nice and sportier than I thought it would be. It is comfortable and very quiet.

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  Fun and Fast - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By EF - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Not your usual SUV. Build strong but drives like a tight sedan. Corners nice and has great pick up. Very Pleased with my first Honda!