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 Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By FamilyChavez - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Our Honda 2000 Accord EX is everything we could of ever of hoped for. We have had many other American cars and have always had some issues with them. The Honda Accord is one solid car. It rides smooth and performance is great for a four cylinder. Its always a pleasure to drive. Very happy..

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jwill - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Civic has been basically a trouble free car for the most part. We have had to have the the drivers seat track replaced 2 times under warranty and at 3 years old the right front strut was replaced under warranty. Gas milage has been great with over 30mpg avaraged in town and nearly 40mpg on the highway consistantly. The ride is good and the front leg room and dash design beats Toyota Corolla and others by a mile in my opinion. With the current lease deals by Honda we will get another Civic for sure.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Honda Accord
  By head - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned quite a few vehicles in my time bit this is by far the best. Its the only car Ive ever owned where I dont lust after other cars. Its a pleasure to drive and it was reasonably priced. Every time I see another car like it (and I see alot lately)I check it out so I can see how I look going down the road, I look great. It handles great and the power is there without losing fuel economy. I am seriously grateful that I found this car.

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  Simply the best for your buck - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Red Rocker - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Okay, Im biased, I bought a Honda civic 15 years ago and Ive never owned anything other than a Honda since. I get a new accord every 4 years or style change. Love em.

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  My Third Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chandos - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Love driving this car, I have to use the crusie control because this is a fast car. Ill be doing 90 mph and not even know it! For a 4 banger this car really performs like a 6 banger, handles well and you can accelerate quickly from 60 to 80 with a slight push on the gas pedal. My wife calls it "the fast car", she enjoys it as much as I do.

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  Love My CR-V! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bride of Mookie - December 28 - 3:24 pm

  We have had this car for 8 months so far and I love it! Just took our first long trip (1800 miles) and thought it was time to write a review. There is very little we dont like. The CR-V replaced our Pontiac Montana - wanted something a little smaller, but not a car. For a long trip that we make once a year, we missed the extra space, but for the rest of the year, it is great!

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  Bulletproof! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By borntodrive - December 28 - 1:49 pm

  There is only one word that describes this car... bulletproof! Im 18 and thus I have done things to it that I regret, yet barely phases it! It is a ballerina in the snow, and very comfortable for a long drive (I put 50 miles on it a couple days ago) and avoided an accident with my friend (AMAZING brakes). Excellent power too, great soundtrack when you step on it, and not bad mileage when driven correctly! Had a friend say she liked this car better than my friends 6 month old Grand Cherokee. Very roomy in the back, routinely transports 4 friends with no problems. Not another car among us that can do it so well (save for my moms minivan). Some of my friends call it "The Beast". It sure is!

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  Buy it for Speed, Own it for Life! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By bmoreys2k - December 28 - 9:32 am

  When the S2000 was launched I was fortunate enough to have been working at American Hondas headquarters in Torrance. Knowing that it was hand built along with the NSX in Japan is one thing but seeing first hand how the engineering of this vehicle delivered the highest horsepower per liter of any production vehicle at the time was just as astonishing. I have owned this AP1 for years and have enjoyed every minute of it. The AP1 S2000 have a 9K rev limiter and handle with precision. Buy it for speed, own it for life.

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  Great Family Sports Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ZHorton - December 28 - 8:42 am

  Im writing this review because Edmunds.com was such a valuable source of research when I was car shopping, and I wanted to return the favor. We recently bought a used 2003 Honda Accord EX v6 with 72,000 miles. Immediately I was struck with the aggressive acceleration of the Accord - this car is fast! I had driven Hondas in the past and always loved how tight they feel, both on road handling and interior components. Everything feels well considered and integrated. I bought this car primarily for my wife for her daily use. I drive it on long road trips (just logged 1,000 miles on the last one), and feel it is perfectly suited for our needs, reliable, safe (for when we have kids) and fun!

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  New EX-L - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By John - December 28 - 6:55 am

  Took a 600 mile road trip over Christmas. The pilot did great, we have one 15 month old and another on the way. The vehicle is roomy and very comfortable to drive. Love all the cubbies to store stuff in. The suspension is amazing and the highway ride is great as well. I did not notice any lack of power and got 21mpg as it is not broken in yet. Go drive one for yourself, I drove a lot of vehicles but none of them stacked up safety and feature wise to the Pilot.