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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  drews car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By drewboy221 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Awsome car, hate the brakes though.

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  Great car, yet not all that it could be - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fred in Illinois - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for the money.

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  "Perfect" Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Shelbydel - February 19 - 4:20 am

  Love the FIT. I have had my FIT for 2 weeks now and it is a Perfect FIT for me and my daughter. Drives like a dream and the room inside is incredible! I have a 30 mile commute each way and it has made getting to and from work FUN. The gas mileage is wonderful! I average 35 mtg. GREAT car for the money!!!

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  I love this car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By clb97702 - February 19 - 4:10 am

  I bought this car last year when local gas prices hit $2.50 per gallon and I had to make 200+ mile trip over the mountains 4-6 a month. The only problem I have ever had in the last year is a nail in the tire. I love this car and I love how easy it is to drive and take care of. This car ROCKS!

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  great - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By big pappa - February 19 - 2:00 am

  i think that this care is outstanding

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  honda mixer - 1997 Honda Civic
  By j.p. - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I had, was the radio & CD player. The CD player is a 6-CD changer in trunk. The connecting cable becomes loose at the radio & makes the CD player fade in & out. This has been repaired 4 times & is now starting to act up again. The rest of the car has been great.I realy like the fuel economy, it averages 42-HWY. 33-CTY. Also the AC will freeze even the hottest person.

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  tsim - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By tsimone - February 19 - 2:00 am

  A great car for getting around close to home.

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  05 PILOT - 285,000+ miles and still purrs - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By DeeDee - February 18 - 8:50 am

  cons- (keep in mind that my vehicle is 11 years old) *one of my headlight lenses has moisture build up on the inside, *my cd changer malfunctions often (I have 2 cd players. The one that only takes one cd at a time plays just fine *the rubber molding around the lift gate is loosening *the keys no longer will fit nor unlock the driver door *had to replace the fan as a piece of it had come loose *when not in use, the air conditioning/heating unit makes a low grumbling noise unless the control knob is turned as far as it will go on hot or cold (when it is not in use) *the older it gets the more sensitive it is to gasoline grade. The engine light will come on if it doesnt like the gas but will go off when that gas has run out *sometimes I can smell antifreeze, but have never had a problem with the radiator or the engine temperature running too hot pros- I LOVE MY PILOT!!!!!! *It has a weird sound when its starting up (Id recognize my SUV starting up from any other vehicle) but it has NEVER failed me *it handles the road beautifully *its still a smooth ride *the engine is still quiet *the sound system is awesome *it has taken me to Lake Erie from NC at least 5 times or more per year, several times to Miami, all over the east coast, in snow storms and heavy rain with no problems whatsoever! *I love the ease of changing from 2 rows of seats to 3 rows and everyone seats comfortably *it has plenty of storage spaces and cup holders *it has quick acceleration (hubby got a warning ticket for his speed, he wasnt ready!) *I have been blessed to never have had a major repair bill. The most that I have paid for a repair is $150 for the fan *theres so much more about my PILOT that I could add. I just love it and will get another one. My Dad is looking to get one and my daughter is looking for a CRV. Love the Honda motor!!!!

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  Good reliable stuff - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By TinLiz - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I often leave my CRV sitting for a week without driving. I call it my car that sits well. It always starts without a murmer. Its been very reliable, no maintenace except regular oil and filter changes. Brakes are excellent, tires and balance excellent - I do mostly highway driving and once it gets to 65, it has to be kept in check. If it ever gets old, Ill buy another CRV.

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  A good SUV that can be improved - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rajiv butala - February 18 - 1:25 am

  Expect Theee types of Noise 1) Aerodynamic noise due to height. I am sure Honda can reduce this noise by improving insulations on roof. 2) Tyre noise can easily be reduced by changing to a better quality tyre instead of Continental tyres. This tyres also make it feel as if SUV is out of wheel alignment and keeos pulling in one or other directions. 3) Transmission noise. Its because of new CVT type transmission.