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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  Accord EX-L nav-A - 2007 Honda Accord
  By peter - October 21 - 3:26 am

  Great on the road and very smooth engine and just great on the MPG. Love the calculator since i am metric...lolol

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  grandpa digs his element - 2003 Honda Element
  By a .francesco - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i fought my wife all the way,here.i didt want to part with 1990 crx si.but she said i needed the room for when i took the grand children on vacation. it has definitly has grow on me. the element will go more places,carry more, dives great,good on gas,and looks cool.and with honda quaility i know the element will give me years of dependible service.

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  Built for the crowd - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Chandran - October 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this to carry my big family around and it does the job right. The back side look makes it look like a Van rather than an SUV but the front design proves it wrong. All of a sudden, my wheel lights are showing up even though my tire pressure is good. Also, the Oil change light popped up once in a while. The door light also showed up once I was driving and the doors locked.

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  1998honda accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By bentley - October 20 - 10:00 am

  i really enjoy my honda its reliable and has a sporty look to it and its comfort is wonderful.it in good shape gas mileage is good

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  Commuters Take On The 98 Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Nahani - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Honda, a 98 Civic LX, in January 2002. I knew that they were extremely reliable cars, but beyond that, I wasnt sure what owning one would be like. It had 28,000 miles on it when I purchased it, and it currently has 62,400. Ive only had a few minor problems with the car, includiong two recalls and a loose heatshield. The heatshield was probably from bouncing down the rough roads in Vermont.

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  It is all that - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Damn good car - October 20 - 10:00 am

  You cant find a more reliable sedan. This is my 2nd Accord. Its quick, theres no need to pay extra for a V6. After 50K miles, its done everything well, almost too well, boring even. But hey, you want to get where youre going or no? I would recommend this car NEW to anyone. I would imagine the used Accord is a good bet also. My sister has a 94 Accord EX, 170,000 mi and has only basic maintenance, no major repairs. Get the leather, its probably easier to clean. You are going to have this car for a long time.

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  very nice surprise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rickf0628 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Pilot was my third choice, but every now and then you get lucky - I did. Its a mans car. I have been stopped twice by strangers wanting an evaluation. In 31 years of driving, this is the best car I have ever bought, excluding one Mercedes.

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  Great for traveling - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jana Garcia - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Honda Pilot! I especially enjoyed it while on vacation. We drove from Texas to Utah and everything in between and it was the best Ive ever done that trip in. The DVD system was incredible with five children.

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  Love that Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Cmann - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Mercedes ML320 for 3 years prior to getting my Honda Pilot. Without a doubt the Pilot is far superior in every aspect. Perfomance, comfort, convenience, everything...I love the Pilot.

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  You Can beat the Vehicle for the Price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Joein610 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We price many SUVs and he feature.. Honda had the edge on all the categories we were looking for price, quality, safety!,4 wheel drive, etc.. For the price nothing touches the Pilot especially if you want Navigation or DVD... ask me, I Have 2 !!..I have a black Pilot with Navigation and side steps, and another Sage Brush with the entertainment system! Take a look at then Navigation its worth the extra fee, once you get Navigation you can get an aftermarket DVD System... Joe V