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 Civic LX 4 dr special edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By southerngirl - July 18 - 9:43 pm

  I have not had any major problems and I am overall satisfied with my purchase. The care is great on gas and overall is comfortable. Nice trunk tray and spoiler.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By JPF - July 18 - 2:30 pm

  I looked at them all - Pathfinder, 4 runner, Commander, MDX, Volvo and even a BMW X3. Couldnt see the difference in the SUVs 10K more?? The X3 had a tighter ride but being 63" the back seat on the Bimmer was not usable for an adult. The Pilot has great room in front and rear. The third row is for twelve year olds and younger. Great ride, great fit, XM is really cool, cant say anything negative about it. Alot of SUV for the money.

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  My first car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By BJL - July 18 - 1:33 am

  This was the first car that Ive driven, and have been doing so for three years now. I havent had any problems with it, even though it now has 115,000+ miles on it. Only routine maintenance had to be preformed. The car has always had good pep, and has no trouble with high speeds.

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  Fabulous Accord - Honda Does It AGAIN - 2016 Honda Accord
  By A Nonomus - July 17 - 5:36 pm

  There were BIG changes made with just about all of the mechanical aspects of this car. The outside appearance is about the same as prior years. Having had it less than a month, it is more sporty.... this car purrs as moves along, our prior Accord was extremely quiet and business like. The 2016 feels so different, as well as sounding different. The suspension is improved. we like the wheels MUCH better. We cant rate maintenance cost, or resale value but our prior Accord was outstanding, which is why we bought another one. But the 2016 is not just another one. We didnt know what was in store when we bought it, not entirely. After a very short time owning this outstanding value, so much for your money, we are so very, very glad we did buy it. The only thing that needs any attention is the navigation. It does not work as well, as smoothly, as our 2008 Lexus. We hope that a technician can improve its performance....

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 1994 Honda Accord
  By binky - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I cannot believe how reliable this car has been for me. Currently at 154,000 miles and I plan on keeping it for a while.

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  Like a Good Friend - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Like A Good Friend - July 17 - 2:00 am

  To say this car is reliable is an understatement. I have only needed to do regular maintenance to the car and it runs like a champ. For a sporty little car it keeps you happy on the freeway and at the gas pump. I wish someone made a truck as reliable and fun to drive as my civic ex. The only thing I dont like is that Im 6 and I dont fit so well in the seat. I have to lean the seat way back and scoot down a bit to feel comfortable. The radio sounds nice and the sunroof doesnt leak.

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  Simply a good car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By melanie - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been fun to drive, very reliable, and fantastic on fuel economy.

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  crv great mini-ute! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crvnh - July 17 - 2:00 am

  in a few words-this car is great! its peppy, reliable, great in the snow especially with snow tires on it, its functional and safe! what more could someone want?

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  Remarkable Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sundance - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a number of Accords and this is the best by far. It looks and drives like the day we bought it. Our servicing dealer has done all the normal PM and we have had no mechanical problems. It still has the original brakes! While we have drived a new V6 Accord and the Acura, they do not materially inprove on this car.

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  Pilot - More than just a pretty face! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BRAT - July 17 - 2:00 am

  ... Its rugged too! I think my Honda history tells it all... 2 Civics, 2 Accords, 1 Odyssey and now a Pilot and Im only 29 years old. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one take it. I purchased my Pilot in June of 2002 and most recently, we added an Element to our brood!