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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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kc - October 3 - 1:03 pm

  The Pilot performs as expected for a safe, sensible suv. Towing package, power passenger seat, fog lights, and auto dimming rearview mirror should be standard for a car at this price. The cd changer should be integrated into the main radio to save space. Navigation AND RES should BOTH be available options on the SAME vehicle. I guess Honda needed to differentiate the Pilot from the Acura MDX to justify the $6 - 10K premium.

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  Great car without the "fun factor"... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Karl - October 2 - 2:10 pm

  Honda once again manages to build a quality vehicle. Great conmfort and power package for under $30K. Powerful engine at high rpms but sedan V6 would benefit from manual transmission or manumatic. Stopping distance adequate but disappointing, and brake wear/life is is pitiful. Otherwise, a nice entry- level family sedan with many features for the money... But if youre looking for a "fun-to- drive" element in this vehicle, you may be disappointed; that is why I sold my 2004 Accord EX-V6 so I could invest in a more gratifying sedan experience...

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  Honda Accord 6mt 2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jerry - October 2 - 1:33 pm

  Great car. Fast, fun to drive and comfortable with its creature comforts. People actually fit in the back!

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  Reliable car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By publius1 - October 1 - 3:39 am

  I have owned the 2015 Honda CRV LX for about a month. It has driven flawlessly. It has been reliable, comfortable, and a nice car to own. The heat has worked fine in 16 degree weather. I have the all wheel drive model. It drove fine on one inch or so of snow we had a few days ago. I think it is an excellent value.

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  Getting advertised mileage-excellent car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tony56g - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  Recently purchased this vehicle, getting accustomed to the layout of the controls, Just by chance, I noticed that you are in electric mode at 1200 rpm, and 34-35 mph. You bump in and out of it, but I guess a lot is dependent on grade incline, accessories running etc. Cant complain about anything really, its too new. Im over 230 miles and still not at half a tank yet. The car really achieves economy, and is easier on the environment, as it turns of the engine at a stop. I Expect to achieve even better fuel economy after a couple of oil changes. Great handling, smart design, overall Im quite satisfied. Hats off to Honda Motors.Its nice to drive "past" a gas station for a change. Buy One.

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  I have the 2005 version - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Toader - September 30 - 1:40 pm

  Had to replace my 2001 after an accident with a 2005. The Accord is top notch. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable Sedan. The body styling is nice, wind noise was very quiet, handling is sweet. I think it still lacks some small refinements that would make this a truly outstanding car. Mine is black with the tan interior. I should have gotten the navigation but didnt since Im leasing it. The 4 cyl had far more kick than I expected with the bonus of higher gas mileage than the V6.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Laura Chappell - September 30 - 12:50 am

  Hondas are simply the best! Fantastic gas mil. (31 combined city/hwy), smooth ride, plenty of get up and go for a 4 cylinder-3rd Honda Ive had and they keep getting better each time.

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  2008 CRV-EXL w/Nav FWD I think - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  Just purchased the CRV last week after 3 months of research. It was a tough decision going from a large Pathfinder to a small SUV but we could not afford the gas anymore. Very happy with the whole dealership process, internet buying was easy and in 5 days they had my CRV. Love the quiet ride, the Nav w/touch screen is great, the voice activated controls are good, as long as you say things slowly. Still reading the book on all the extra features. Rear seats have more room than expected, and love having so much visibility of the other lanes around me when I drive. The Pathfinder was boxy and limited. Cant comment on the fuel economy yet, and still trying to find the FWD button!

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  SI Better Than I Thought - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BB - September 28 - 5:30 pm

  Wanted an affordable commuter with room for the family or friends, decided to add a bit of "performance and fun", and so far have had a blast. Sports suspension not overly harsh, but really have to hang on to the wheel while turning down-shifting, as expected. 6th gear really drops RPMs down, at 90mph was only hitting 4,000rpms, great for mileage and engine wear. As reported, not great lower end torque, and while noticeable, not even close to being a performance issue. Red panel glow more for younger demos, but its OK. Really need the radio/CD controls to be lighted at night, hard to see and use.

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  great sports car on a budget - 1999 Honda Civic
  By rmcdaniels - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, good performance, good handling, looks good, and reliable too. I love tearing around in this car every day. It had no torque, but Jackson Racing fixed that. I still cant believe how much power I can reliably squeeze out of a 1.6L motor. The brakes were also mediocre, but AEM took care of that. A few more mods and this car will be more fun than my M3 was, at a fraction of the price. If you get one, put a good alarm on it because people like to steal stuff off of it, like the wheels, and especially that little red Si sticker on the back.