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! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By J - May 2 - 1:10 pm

  Fun and classy. Gas mileage on streets is probably about 17-19 mpg, not 21 like the sticker says.

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  Gotta love Hondas!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By rrd - May 2 - 12:40 pm

  Test drove many different SUVs but Honda Pilot was just eye catching, its ride comfort unmatched. There were so many options to stow your stuff and transport an entire family comfortably. I was a bit surprised that the mileage was low for a Honda but with my driving style expect to come up at the higher range.

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  Reliability - 1998 Honda Accord
  By minster7 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Car is basic, yet dependable and pretty much mechanically sound. Have had for 2.5 yrs and just done oil changes.

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  Fun to Mod - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Brian Ames - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The DX has a low HP engine which makes it not as good as the others in its model. But the car is fun to drive.

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  good vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By happyone - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Very fast compared to the Toyota RAV4 (2002). Super versitale.

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  2003 Honda Pilot, the best vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By thezmann76 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with the new pilot and would recommend it to anyone. It suroasses all of its competition with flying colors. I currently have 24000 miles on it and have had no problems whatsoever. Thank you Honda!

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  My First SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Guy Montreal - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drive with outstanding capabilities in the snow. Nice interior finish, smooth drive, very good acceleration for a 4 cyl SUV and very quiet engine. So far with 10000 km on it is a no problem SUV. The VTEC engine performs extremely well and it appears to be an outstanding technology. Only desappointment are the small tires and their noise

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  Bought a 2nd One - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By duck - May 2 - 10:00 am

  liked it so much I bought a 2nd one

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  2003 Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Danielle Moore - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my little Red Honda! It is such a cute car and fun to drive! I would definitely recommend it for anyone, well maybe not for a big family!

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  Rotten Eggs - 2003 Honda Accord
  By WantahavaM3 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car smells like rotten eggs all the time. Honda corporate denies there is a problem. One service writer at the dealer claimed that Honda knows what the problem is but doesnt want to fix it. She also said that this problem is common on 2003 4 cylinder models. The service manager told me I dont drive it hard enough. All I can say is it makes me sick and Im about to see a doctor and get a lawyer.