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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  Outstanding-reccomend to all! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mstkpkr1 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck. Great safety features. Great ride. Very powerful. Someone previous mentioned problems over 70 which we did not encounter. Round trip out of state doing approx. 80 mph the whole time and was smooth as if we were doing 20mph.

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  BEFORE SIGNING & AFTER - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CHITTIE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE. UP UNTIL I SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE.JURY IS STILL OUT BUT WHEN THEY PREPPED THE CAR IT JUST DIDNT LOOK NEW.NO WAX, A FEW SCRATCHES, INSIDE DOOR PANEL HAD A HOLE IN IT.CALLED A FEW TIMES.I JUST DONT GET THAT WARM FUZZY FEELING THAT I DETECTED WHEN PURCHASING.I MENTIONED ALL THE ISSUES AND THEY GAVE ME A DUE BILL.NOW I AM WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN POSSESION BEFORE ALL THE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED.I LOVE THE CAR DRIVES GREAT AND HAS A GREAT FEEL.I THINK I RECEIVED A FAIR DEAL AT 23M W/ 3.9 60MONTHS. WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FEED BACK REGARDING HOW TO HANDLE DUE BILL ISSUES.

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  Honda Accord review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jotorn - September 4 - 10:23 pm

  Love the fit and finish, and the interior materials. Traded in my 2002 Lexus ES 300. The Honda is tighter and unlike the lexus, my transmission is flawlesssly smooth. I wouldnt recommend any other brand to anyone and I have been in the business for 15 years. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like! Im sure Ill be a fan as well. I cant tell you what I would improve on I had a lot of choices to make when I chose this one, I feel my choice was best, and have nothing but good things to tell anyone looking to buy an Accord.

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  The Accord is a quality car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Phil413 - September 4 - 5:13 pm

  I just bought a 2-door LX Accord Coupe (4-cyl.,automatic) and it is a great car! It seems to handle better than my Camry did and the ride is just as smooth. The car is reasonably quiet inside and unlike the Camry, I do not hear any annoying vibrations coming from the dash and other places. The Accord seems to be a well-built, reliable and fun car. Though it is a 4-cylinder, it has plenty of power when needed and still gets great mileage. I am hooked on this car.

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  "Not Just a Truck, Its a Honda" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By melly mel - September 3 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline RTL for 2 mths now & I love it. I live in Michigan. I use to sell Hondas & yes, they are quality and reliable vehicles with high resale value. My concerns with the ridgeline is that it doesnt offer rear defrost, tonnuea cover too expensive and when I play the radio, I have to turn the volume up louder than when I play a cd. Also, because of the weight of the vehicle I feel a v-8 would be better but would sacrifice fuel economy unless cylinder deactivation was offered with dual exhaust. Thinking of adding a turbo chrger if i can find one. Honda is working on a v-8 for 2010 if not sooner. Other than that I love and enjoy my truck whenever my wife is not driving it.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Olin - September 3 - 6:36 am

  Fantastic vehicle, that is a lot of fun to drive.

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  what a car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By bobby hull - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Let me tell you i have had alot of sports cars in my day hell i used to have a miata collectors edition that thing was alright not much power but nice looking but after i got this s2000 it just rocks my world for its price. It also take corners very well nothing i could normally do with any other vehicle with that price.

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  S2000 makes the heart throb - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2000 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  For the comparatively small amount of money, this rocket brings a lot of excitement. It is an extremely fast car for a 4 cylinder: the 9000 RPM redline is atrocious. IÂ’ve hit it a few times and itÂ’s quite an experience. ItÂ’s a very light car so the acceleration gets the heart pumping fast. It is kind of like strapping a rocket between your legs. You get the sound, acceleration, and feel of doing so. On dry days, it grips the road like glue. Shifting and steering are superb. ItÂ’s a loud car, so if your looking for peace and quite, buy a Buick.

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  The Best SUV/Crossover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RowlettTX - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Honda took their time in producing this vehicle for good reason. They cover all bases with value, performance, comfort, style, safety, and reliability. Excellent ergonomics and storage space. Smooth ride and excellent brakes and handling. Sure handling on wet roads.

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kerch - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Little SUV. I dont know if the EX is worth the extra cash. I got the LX and made the upgrades myself. I love it, it is fun to drive and you can see great out of it without any real blind spots.