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:

• 

  The Most Solid 25K Sedan on the Road! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brad - August 16 - 8:40 pm

  This is my third Accord in 7 years and they still surprise me with innovation and design. Exterior design lacks somewhat, but there are more important things like safety, ride, features for the money and reliability. XM radio is great and all the controls are easy to use and reach. Honda is bar none the best engine builder in the world. This engine is a 3 liter engine and so powerful yet good on gas unless you punch it.

• 

  Most enjoyable - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By John Buzek - August 16 - 8:56 am

  Most enjoyable vehicle I have driven for work in 25 years. Handles great and gas mileage is good around town. Viewing while driving is great.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By STL, MO - August 16 - 4:43 am

  My search for a new vehicle took 10 months. I test drove many others. I could not be happier with the Pilot. It offered the most features standard. The residual value made the lease payments very affordable. It is extremely comfortable and quiet, and it rides as like a car. The power wont snap your head back, but it is certainly adequate. Transmission is very smooth. Gas mileage: realistically, I get about 16/20 on average. Highway mileage and combined highway/city mileage is good for an SUV, but if one does only city driving, the gas mileage is not nearly as good. Overall, a great vehicle!

• 

  Good all around vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paintpedlr - August 16 - 2:10 am

  Good roomy all around Vehicle for a variaty of uses. Handles well and is well designed for convenient multi use. Mileage is not quite as good as I expected.

• 

  Just Purchased - 2007 Honda Fit
  By pkaia - August 15 - 8:20 am

  Surprised how peppy this car is, especially with the paddle shifters. I think it is a stealth Mini. Typical Honda quality. Great handling for the price.

• 

  Buy One - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Steve - August 15 - 1:40 am

  Ive had this auto for about three months and its a great car. I set the odometer when i left the dealer and so far its showing 43.1 for all of the driving that weve done (4500.) The car rides well, has plenty of pep, and is very quiet. The only minus in this equation is road traction in snow and ice. Traction and control was scary until i bought a set of snow tires. I wasnt made aware of the need until i drove it in snow for the first time. I nearly quit driving it. Once the new tires were on it felt like it could climb a wall! No problems since.

• 

  Classy SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Dan Powers - August 14 - 10:49 pm

  Upgraded from the EX-L to the Touring AWD and love it. Purchased during Black Friday and got a great deal. Insurance premiums dropped considerably due to all the safety features. My wife loves the heated seats and remote start features. I like the roomy interior for taking my golf buddies and equipment on golf outings. The newer model has a classier body style compared to the older box style.

• 

  Lots of bang for your buck - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By SBNP - August 14 - 9:41 am

  Great at everything, but with it had paddle shifters like the HR-V to downshift. That would really help with mileage.

• 

  Would Buy It all over again! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RC - August 13 - 7:44 pm

  Bought this car 8 years ago. It had 74,000 miles on it at the time. I now have 213,000 and it still runs as smooth as silk. Only repairs Ive had to make were due to simply age. As much as I would love a newer car Im in no hurry to as the price of even a good used car is ridiculous. Best statement I can make is I would drive this car across the country and not even think about it!

• 

  Update to My Post on 4-5-04 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MikeyMo - August 13 - 4:00 pm

  I have now owned this car for 15 months (bought new) and here is an update to my first review. I have 43,000 miles. I drive a lot for work. Interior is still in perfect condition. Original brakes are still on car and work great! Road noise/engine noise are both the same as when purchased (very quiet). I see some complaints about the drivers seat. I love the firmness/comfort level. I drive an avg of 4-5 hours per working day and my back and legs have never been uncomfortable. Some people complain about no daytime running lights. Those are stupid and primarily found in US cars. Engine and Transmission are still like brand new. I have never regretted my decision to buy the accord.