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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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Oceana - January 23 - 7:10 pm

  Ive always driven Honda Accords (used) and decided to finally purchase a new vehicle and without a doubt it would be a Honda and after driving the Civic there was no question. I bought the Civic EX model and this is the best car Ive ever owned and the manual transmission is the smoothest of any Ive ever driven. This car has a lot of power for a 4 cyl and the 2 tier dash is awesome and its hard to ever speed w/ the digital odomoter right in front of your eyes. If anyone is looking for a reliable car that is so much fun to drive, this is the car for you. I cant say enough about how great and comfortable this car is.

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  Could be better - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Arsi - January 23 - 3:13 pm

  My Honda is excellent in every aspect, except that the road noise could be heard from inside with the radio on low. With a little bit rain on the trunk you cannot open the trunk as the rain water gushes in from the edges of the door. I also agree that the blind spots are annoying mainly due to the design of the windshield frame. When driving at night the headlights dim down and go up constanly. The dealer says it is a feature on all Hondas to manage power consumption, which I find extremely annoying. Otherwise, it is an excellent car.

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  New Accord Owner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By AndyN - January 23 - 3:16 am

  Im a new owner of a 2008 Accord and it is one nice car. When I first tested the EX-L V6, the performance and handling of the car sold me- I had to get it and I did. The ride is very smooth, the suspension is a little stiff so you feel almost every bumps of the road but the noise level on highway is low. The interior is comfortable, neat and you can find everything within reach. There are plenty of space in the back seat and the trunk is big enough for all your needs.

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  No frills, lots of thrills - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Condor1 - January 22 - 8:43 pm

  This car reminds me of the quiet looking family sedans of the 1960s that housed serious power. But with the Honda you get the addition of handling. Cant tell you how many times we have lost this car in the parking lot. It looks like every other 4 cyl LX model.

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  excellent - 2007 Honda Accord
  By stan parratt - January 22 - 2:53 pm

  Great car, nice ride, good looks, nice interor and handles great. My third Honda keep up the good work.

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  Awesome car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By buckeyedrifter86 - January 21 - 9:37 pm

  This was my first car. I bought it when I was 16 and kept for 9 years and simply needed a change. This is a car for anyone, be it your first car, a project car, or a commuter car. By no means was the car fast, but it took corners like it was on rails and it was very lively; especially compared to V6/V8 Toyota/Lexus that my parents own. My only grip was the placement of the cup holders. To access them, you would have to open a flap which in turn covered the slot to the CD/tape player. Great car to blast around a track and the best part was I still got solid gas mileage regardless of how aggressively I drove. Very easy/cheap to repair, own, and soup up. Very sad that Honda doesnt make their cars like this anymore.

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  Great Purchase - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By my3kids - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the Honda Pilot. It is very easy to reconfigure the seats up and down depending on how many you need seating for, or how much cargo you need to load. The center console holds a lot of stuff. I was worried about children being able to get in and out as easily as a mini van, but Ive had no problems. The seats flip up easily for access to the third row. The Rear Entertainment Center is wonderful. The children love to have DVDs on trips and it is so nice to be able to listen to different music in the front while they use headphones. The Pilot drives very nicely. Ive driven on interstates and in town and have no complaints.

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  The Best - Its a Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Very Nice - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2001 Honda Odyssey, which was perfect in every way, for the Pilot. The quality on this vehicle exceeds that of any vehicle weve owned. Power feels like much more than its rated 240hp, probably from the very efficient 5 spd that never has to hunt for the right gear. Gas mileage has been better than the Odysseys. Comfort is supurb; on a recent 6 hour road trip, I didnt even need a break, and its dead silent at 80mph + on the highway. Theres a ton of space in this thing, enough for 2 car seats and an adult to sit comfortably in the 2nd row seat.

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  Does just about everything well - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jboy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  There is no other crossover vehicle out there right now that has the best combination of features, reliability and price. Not a head-turner, but will be attractive and fresh 10 years from now. I spent 2 years looking and just could not find a more balance vehicle!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dkcooley - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We have driven this vehicle for two years now with no problems. We follow the scheduled maintainence program with our dealership and have not found a complaint with them either. The front passanger side shock/strut was defective after 15000 miles which the dealership found during a routine maintainence appt. and fixed the problem under warranty. The dealership provides us with a rental vehicle at their cost during all maitainence appointments. We will definitely buy another Honda and most likely form the same dealership.