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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  Top of the heap - 2008 Honda Accord
  By The Car Guy - November 5 - 2:13 am

  Excellent car! Have put on 6000 miles, so far, very good. Smooth, not as loud as some indicated. 4 cyl 190 HP engine, best in class. Very good mileage, getting about 28 mpg combined highway, and I have a heavy foot. Drives more like a BMW, but a fraction of the cost. Loaded with just about everything you think of. Past Honda Accord driver, no doubt, this is the best they produced. Very tight, runs great, very comfortable to drive. Compared to many sedans in this market, and all are very good cars. The accord comes out on top.

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  quality shows - 2007 Honda Accord
  By richard lemke - November 4 - 4:10 am

  This our 3rd Honda, the first two were civics. Honda has never let me down. Solid as rock. I expect to drive it for next 5-6 years.

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  Element rants and raves - 2003 Honda Element
  By westwood - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The 5 speed is a must

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  The best minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Owner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling. Best price,

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  I love my Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By CChrietz - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned various Hondas in the past 10 years and it is the only car I will purchase. You defenitly get your monies worth.

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  BEST MINI-VAN YET FOR ME - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDA LOVER - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED TWO FORD MINI-VANS (WINDSTARS) AND A DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND THE HONDA IS BY FAR THE BEST VAN I HAVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN. IT HANDLES LIKE A CAR AND THE MILEAGE AND POWER IS FANTASTIC. I AM A SALES MANAGER AND DRIVE IT A LOT ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, IT A DREAM FOR LONG DISTANCE DRIVING. SO FAR NOT A THING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AS DELIVERED. THE ONLY NEGATIVES I SEE ARE THE LACK OF LIGHTED CONTROLS FOR THE WINDOWS AND THE CRUISE CONTOL.I FUMBLE WITH THEM AT NIGHT. THE DETENT FOR THE DRIVE POSITION IS IFFY. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF DRIVING IN D3 SEVERAL TIMES BUT BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS SO QUITE I DO NOT NOTICE IT UNLESS I LOOK AT THE TACH.

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  2004 Pilot Review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MNScott - November 4 - 2:00 am

  New Pilot meets almost everyone of our needs. The Entertainment System is second to none and those long trips with kids arent so long anymore. Besides the well thought out interior, Im most impressed with the traction performance in snow. The AWD system performs better than my 4WD truck. Im sold on the AWD system that Honda has developed. Being from Minnesota, I thought there was nothing better than 4WD. Well, Hondas AWD system is one step better.

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  The little SUV that could. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J. R. Todd - November 4 - 2:00 am

  As a lifelong Honda fan, I wasnt surprised to find their crossover SUV performed as advertised. The 4 cyl engine is has more than sufficient energy to climb mountains and attain highway speeds without hesitation or difficulty. The AWD feature on my CR-V performs even better than I anticipated on snow covered roadways. I was also glad that Honda offered lower body cladding that protects my cars finish on gravel roads. Were it not for the fact that my salesman badly mis- informed me about the efficacy of increasing the wheel size from 15" to 17" (it cant handle snow tires on the larger rim) I would have been absolutely delighted with my purchase.

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  awsome - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By buba - November 4 - 2:00 am

  If you need a car for the next ten years buy a honda. Gas milage is great and comes stock with cd\air and most of all it is great for tall people also I am 62" and fit fine.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Peaches - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda CRV! I have owned a couple Civics prior to the CRV and I absolutely Hondas in general. I dont recommend any other make to anyone. My family is a Honda family: 3 Accords, a Civic, and my CRV.