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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  2003 Honda - Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bob richardson - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 5th Honda our family has owned and without a doubt the best. My last one had 265,000 miles(6 mos. ago) and is still going strong. Hondas reliability is outstanding. Nice trim and styling, very good gas mileage and peppy V-6. Visibility could be improved somewhat. Also variuos controls could be improved by location & identification. Offer more colors.

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  QUALITY - 2003 Honda Accord
  By utley - April 11 - 10:00 am

  WHY CANT AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MAKE CARS LIKE THIS

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  Love my Accord(AGAIN) - 2003 Honda Accord
  By David Johns - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my third accord and the best one yet. my kids are driving the other two and are already talking about whos getting this one. I wish they had some type of rebates, but not having them keeps the resale value top in its class.

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  The best car ever made - 2002 Honda Accord
  By merrifield - April 11 - 8:00 am

  This is the best car! Everything about it is wonderful. Good resale value, reliability, and an all around gem.

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  Didnt think it would be this good - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Tim - April 11 - 6:13 am

  Had our Fit Sport a month now with no issues and we are getting 38.5mpg. Much better than posted. It is fun to drive, pretty peppy and everybody likes the way it looks. It is roomy and really great visibility.

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  Love this vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jgold1038 - April 11 - 5:20 am

  This is my 2nd pilot. Also own a 93 with a NAV system. Vehicle is terrific to drive, plenty of room. Good mileage for the size/weight/type. Just put gas and oil in it and go.

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  Handles Like a 4WD Civic - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Anthony - April 11 - 3:55 am

  I have a 2009 Honda Civic Coupe as a summer driver, and going from that to this is not very hard given how small the Pilot handles for its size. It takes curves like a much smaller car, and has more than enough kick to remind you that youre piloting a V6, instead of the four-banger in the Civic. Definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for an older (but still stylish and functional) SUV. To heck with Ford and Chevy.

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CivicSIGuy - April 10 - 9:50 pm

  This car performs well and has good interior & exterior styling & solid build quality. People talk about the torque but you cant be afraid to let it rev to get acceleration. BTW it sounds great when reved. Its a fun car but, you must drive carefully in the city & around traffic. Watch out for stuff on the road because of the sports suspension. For some reason Honda put airbags in the back of a coupe where you rarely have passengers. The c pillars are so big that they make blind spots. This is the sportiest civic people have been waiting for but it amazes me that people now complain about it being too sporty. There are going to be trade offs. Those guys should get something else.

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  07 HONDA FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By micha - April 10 - 11:36 am

  I think that the car is expensive. Sometimes I regret buying the car. I guess it is ok and if it lasts for a long time then it is worth what I am paying for it.

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  Civic Confidence - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Honda Man - April 9 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Civic I have 4500 miles on it.No problems. Getting 36 to 38 MPG .