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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  2003 Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By M. J. Hunt - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Best all-around value for midsize SUVs. Honda has a definite winner here!

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  Exxxcellent! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Tom308 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Accord. The first, a 92,was (is) great. But the 2000 seems to do everything even better. In my around town driving I average 26 - 29 MPG. On a trip, I got an astonishing 38 MPG! And this at 70 MPH with the A/C on. All the controls have a precise feel to them, and the engine has a pleasant note, although there is a good deal of wind and road noise. Why would anyone buy anything else???

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  JCs 57 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joe Caruso - February 10 - 6:45 am

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  Best car ever! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Binnie Neel - February 10 - 4:16 am

  Great mileage; reliable car with very few problems occurring; good resale value.

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  Pleasant surprise! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dnoveau - February 10 - 2:40 am

  Admittedly, two weeks in the new Accord really doesnt give enough data support my positive reactions to this car. Coming out of a 2010 Honda Insight, almost any bigger car would seem vastly better. I tested: Caddy A class, Nissan Sentra and Altima, 13 Civic, Volt, Fiat Abarth, several Fords, Audi 3, BMW X1, and others. The base BMW was pretty nice, and the only real competition in my tastes, but a lot more $. The Accord Sport has a great combination of features without being overly "loaded" and the price is great. Several cars ago, my wife had a 2007 BMW 530. The Accord compares favorably in size and convenience, if not in high speed (+90) stability, for about one third the price.

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  A Good Choice - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bell - February 10 - 2:29 am

  Having done a lot of research I decided that the Pilot EX model was the best overall value for the money. It rides nice, has excellent pickup and a boatload of room. My kids love it and as far as reliability or resale value it kicks the pants off of the Trailblazer or the Highlander. If youre not sure, I recommend you drive one and then shop around to get what you really want, a good reliable suv that you can be proud you bought. I am.

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  Third Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bob-o - February 9 - 3:13 pm

  This is my 3rd civic and I love it. I have also owned 2 Accords and must say I miss the double-wishbone front suspension. My 2 Accords & 93 Civic coupe had it, and I loved it because it lasts longer than the McPherson strut, but the McPherson struts will have to do till I see the next Accord. The Nav/Stereo is THE BEST. The PC Card reader is fantastic!! I have 2 2GB cards and they work great! Windshield picks up EVERYTHING and the wipers need improvement. BEWARE - Most car wash tracks will hit your suspension VERY HARD when you enter them.

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  Not up to typical Honda quality - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis O - February 9 - 2:58 pm

  This CRV is a disappointment. All the struts had to be replaced before 32K miles--the right rear twice! Cruise control never engages on the first push of the button. Its hard to get into 1st gear and is very difficult to put in reverse without major gear grinding. It has a high frequency vibration at 60-70MPH that comes and goes. New tires improved it but not completely. Factory tires are junk. Rear door strut failed, and had to be replaced. There is excessive road noise, especially at highway speeds. My dealer has been super in helping resolve problems. Ive had more issues with this vehicle than with all the other 4 Hondas Ive own combined. Next car: Highlander.

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  Newly purchased CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jpkant - February 9 - 8:53 am

  Having owned it for a month and 1600 miles, I am delighted with my new CRV. I traded in a Forester which was only 2 years old and I am pleased with the performance and comfort of the CRV. Plenty of power for commuting and super comfortable on the road. Very quiet and smooth ride (unlike Forester). Seats are so comfortable. Plenty of room for 4 adults too. Love the XM radio. I am getting 25 mpg in mixed driving and over 27 in all hwy driving which is what the Subaru got. Only complaints are rear visibility is a bit limited but not terrible, and the heat is slow to warm up.

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  Civic Duty - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Radar - February 8 - 10:03 pm

  Leather and Navigation System are great additions. Comfort and ride are smooth and much quieter that the 2001 Honda Civic EX. Extremely pleased with the mileage out of the gate, 29 combined city/highway, 38 highway. Would rate straight 10s across the board but that would be unfair given the car been in the garage less than 30 days. Fun to drive, spouse loves it to. Good balance of features and costs.