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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  2009 Accord sedan exl - 2009 Honda Accord
  By survivor1 - February 9 - 4:56 pm

  I picked up my car Saturday. I love being in it and driving. Its a comfortable ride, and looks great. I would definitely recommend this car for the money. I purchased the taffeta white with the tan interior, it looks so luxurious. I love it!

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  Good car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By orcren - February 9 - 11:00 am

  Good safe car, very comfortable.

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  52,704 miles so far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PilotFan - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe Ive taken this car to 52,704 miles so far. It has never been in the shop for anything other than scheduled maintenance. They took care of recalls during sched maint. Honda of Santa Monica takes care of me big time. California doesnt offer harsh winter weather to really test the vehicle but it has been to Tahoe(winter), survived pretty bad rains and even the nasty fires of so cal., and the dreaded heat of Las Vegas, NV. Ive been getting 20mpg highway lately. I took a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee to 242,000 miles and I sunk so much money into it by the 50,000 mile mark. The Pilot so far has been its weight in gold.

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  03 civic Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By allmtrep3 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  awesome car. fun to drive, handles great for a stock car. extremely happy with my purchase.

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  Alrighty - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nita - February 8 - 10:40 am

  This is my first Honda and Im loving it so far! The pick up is good but that 18.5 gallon tank lets you know when you accelerate. Getting about 20 mph and hopes that gets better. Wish the colors were better with matched with the interior and exterior colors offered. Where is the Navy or dark not Royal Blue and that is not Red that is Wine.

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  Love this car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Daybud - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 99 Passat and needed cheap transportation until I find the convertible of my dreams. I bought this one owner car with the original tires (replace yesterday due to rubber rot). What a sweet car, I have people beggin me to sell her to them. It didnt look so great under the car port with two flat tires, dead battery and an inch of dirt but today she looks like a brand new 9 year old car.

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  Awesome and 100% Better than pre-2002 s - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sherryi - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I awaited the release of the bigger, more powered 2002 CRV, as our 99 was underpowered and shifted way too poorly for our mountain living. The 2002 shifts like a gem, little if any transmission noise. Interior is much more comfortable and intuite, although the auto shifter takes a bit getting used to. All the Honda reliability, unique features and great mielage for an SUV. We are very happy with this buy.

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  Great bang for your buck! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By First Time SUVer - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I, too, almost purchased a Highlander, until my husband begged me to look at and test drive the Pilot. I was immediately in love. The space inside this SUV is amazing. It is much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside ... and the seats are very comfortable (love the leather). Being new parents, we really digged the DVD, and figured it would come in handy on long road trips with the kiddos.

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  Awesome car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RocketMan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car back and forth to work 40 miles each way, 5 days a week, for the last 1 yr+. Pros: Awesome mileage (AVERAGE = 38) for any car, nevermind an Automatic!!!, tight suspension (contrary to what Ive read) in that I can hug a well-rounded 90 degree turn at 40 mph, car exudes quality (kicks ass on any of the 3 Fords and 2 Toyotas Ive had). Cons: Stereo sound just so-so (needs high quality bass-response for the EX), road noise (a bit loud for my taste), no center arm rest (the one that it comes with is a joke!)

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  Another satisfied Honda Accord EX driver - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Derek H. Detjen - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The ride is great, quiet and smooth. My 3rd Honda in a row with NO mfgrs defects at all - great quality control. The service dept is quick, reasonable and reliable, about 1/2 the cost of a Nissan for any given task/service. This was my main reason for switching, after 25yrs driving Z-cars. The interior is immaculate, and looks like a much more expensive car - well keep this one for quite a while. Braking (ABS) is great and the car inspires confidence when driving. Gets the advertised mpg, both on the road and in town.