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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  Excellent compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By HOnda_CRV_ACE - May 17 - 1:16 pm

  I bought my CRV few weeks ago. I havnt drove much yet however I take it for ride on every oppertunity I get. EX-L model packs in all the luxury you get when you high end luxury version. Driver seat is comfortable.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bill - May 16 - 4:06 am

  The S2000 is a totally reliable and fun car to drive. We have done a 900 mile day and were ready to get back into it the next morning. No problem!

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  Just what I wanted! - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Burt - May 16 - 3:41 am

  I purchased my pilot used/off lease in January of 2016 and I think it was quite pricy. I test drove this pilot and a 2014 Durango and I thought the Durango may have been a notch above the pilot in handling however the pilot was by far the smoothest. The Pilot is quiet, tight and a great highway vehicle. Now, I owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 for 10 years and switching to this pilot was night and day! Now, the interior does have a lot of hard surfaces but I think this keeps with the intended mission of the Pilot, its designed to be a sport utility vehicle. If I wanted plush I sure as hell wouldnt buy a Pilot! Our regular weekend trips to the Poconos was far more enjoyable for me because after 3 hours in the Pilot my back and left leg was no longer sore and numb, this Pilot has great seats! I read the reviews before buying and was concerned about the VCM issue however I have never felt any vibration, as a matter of fact the only way to know is seeing the little ECO light flash on and off. I think the driving position in the Pilot is great, how the pedals, the steering wheel and controls all fall within easy reach. I spent some time setting up the audio and blue tooth and never had any problems. The stereo system works quite well however a few stations I used to pick up with an antenna I cant get with my Pilot. I think the final decision for me was the shape and interior storage, the second row can easily seat 3 adults and the third can easily seat 3 teenagers, with the rear seats down the storage is amazing. With the looks, storage and Hondas stellar reputation this was an easy decision.

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  My first Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hondas Rock - May 15 - 10:13 pm

  Well I bit the bullet and traded my Chevy Tahoe. I thought I was going to cry, I loved that truck!! Until I bought my Honda Accord Coupe, I thought that I would feel claustrophobic after driving a huge SUV for almost 5 years but I didnt, it totally surprised me. Ive had it 3 months and absolutely love it. The only complaint is I get 27 mpg, Id rather have much more but I dont drive far and its almost double of what my Tahoe was. It feels and drives like a luxury auto twice the price, the handling and space for all my gadget is superb!

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  honda crv - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mike - May 15 - 3:53 pm

  excellent craftsmanship, very quiet and smooth ride, seats very comfortable, hatchback design superior to toyota rav4, outstanding audio with satellite radio, 6 cd changer and mp3 adaptor. drawback: no power seats Get em while their still under priced

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  Great company, great car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KW - May 14 - 9:03 pm

  After just leaving the world of SUVs, I have made an excellent choice with this fun, yet practical car. I have read multiple various reviews and performed several comparisons to conclude that Toyota and Honda were definitely the best options. However the Honda offered the most features, especially safety features, standard. I built the same car as the Civic LX on Toyotas website and wound up several thousand dollars more expensive with the Corolla.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JON - May 14 - 7:46 pm

  I purchased my car almost a week ago and have already put about 400 miles on it. I cant say say enough about it. I love the car, it drives so good and is soooo much fun to drive. great pick up for passing and still very fuel efficent. these are great cars for ppl who drive alot or just like to have the sporty and classy look of a great car.

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  Best in Class - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gtd - May 14 - 2:53 pm

  Features, quality, reliability, and performance, at a price no other car maker can touch. That is why so many people keep buying Hondas, and the 2008 Accord continues that tradition. This is a very good car.

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  Civic - What you expect no surprises - 2009 Honda Civic
  By laxrx - May 14 - 6:03 am

  So far so good. This car is everything that I expected. Great gas mileage 33miles/gallon mix city/highway. Not especially sporty or exciting to drive but to get to work and around town works well. This car doesnt accelerate from a stop very well but then this is part of the gas saving component. I believe a model equipped manual transmission would improve this and be more fun to drive. But for me not practical since I drive in stop and go rush hour traffic daily. This car does have a significant amount of road noise but no more so than other cars in its size class. One other item that is an annoyance, the fabric (black) on my LX-S attracts lint and hair like a magnet. Is hard to keep clean.

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  Honda Odyssey 2016 minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By eitan darel - May 14 - 1:36 am

  Great minivan, great seats, that later save on doctors bills. Nice passenger side camera on the mirror, that shows the right side, when turn right. The things that I do not like is the new Blue tooth, that is partly disabled when driving, low acceleration, and paint that peel easily on all Honda models