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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  Great Honda! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Steve Urban - February 8 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle because my family and I did not want a mini van. The Pilot is excellent in all ways because of not only safety but comfort, and reliability. The Navi is great and we got the pilot for $5000 off msrp! The only quirk with the pilot is it seems to hesitate during acceleration and the dealer couldnt duplicate it. But other than that this car just ROCKS in almost every way!

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  Excellent car. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Peter Larouse - February 8 - 8:20 am

  We have had our car for three weeks now. Got the carbon bronze color. Think it is beautiful inside and out. Decided for the V6 and we are glad we did. The engine is silent and the shifts very smooth. So far, not a rattle or any annoying noise. This is a comfortable car and you get a lot for your money. Several people have come up to ask us about the car, and we got compliments on its looks.

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  Honda did it again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 4timesAccordOwner - February 7 - 9:06 pm

  This is my 4th Honda Accord, its just getting better and better. I have test drove the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima. The Accord is smoother and comforter. Lots of legs room and has the most stylish/best looking interior than the other 2.

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  One of the Best - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jerry S. - February 7 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had this car for only 1 week now and if its possible to love a piece of metal, then I must admit, I love this car. I find it to be a really fun car to drive, plently of pep (for 4 cyls.) and extremely comfortable and responsive. I would unhesitatingly reccomend it to anyone who want a quality car at a resonable price.

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  Great Car crappy CVT - 2014 Honda Accord
  By ryan - February 7 - 10:12 am

  I use the car for work and drive 30K a year! I have owned several CVT vehicles before this and this by far has the worst CVT I have ever owned. Car shutters until warmed up and I recently lost reverse until warmed up. Honda dealer replaced the valve body in the CVT as that is Hondas fix for the Accords and CRVs with this issue. This is a common problem in the 13-14 Accord and CRV. I now have reverse again however the shutter is still there. Besides the CVT its a great car! This is probably my fourth or fifth Honda and up to this car Honda for me meant reliability and resale. This will be my last Honda as the reliability is a real concern. I just bought my wife a 16 Pathfinder Platinum as the Pilot Elite has known transmission issues as well. Sorry Honda you lost me as a customer!

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  The car that wouldnt Die! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By cmcmeply - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned this car for 13 years now. Weve gone through 3 timing belts, cv boots, 2 axles, a gas tank, a radiator, A/C repairs and 3 brake jobs. BUT... My wife has driven back and forth to work (100 miles a day) with absolutely no oil in the car more than once and no water in the radiator with no damage what-so-ever to the engine and although the timing belt has gone 3 times, each time it went the car still got us home (this car has great "timing" on when to decide to breakdown)and again, no damage to the engine! Arent broken timing belts supposed to bend the pistons or valves? I think this car is our guardian angel!

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  Reliable+++++ - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Grayce - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and in 4 1/2 years all I have done is put in gas and oil and new brake pads(once). I do most of my driving in town and it is pretty good on gas. It is comfortable for our family of 4. The upholstery is basic but actually has stood up very well to the kids. The resale is also very high, but I wouldnt dream of selling it.

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  Just too practical!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chare - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and easy to clean out

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  New & Improved - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BP - February 7 - 12:10 am

  Looks & drive nice. New exterior makes it look like a high end luxury SUV. On the road a number of people stopped and said nice looking car! Seem to be doing very good on mileage.

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  I love my CRV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By April - February 6 - 3:26 pm

  I had the 2003 EX and loved it. Now I have the 2005 SE and love it even more! I love the fact that Honda listened to its customers and made improvements. One great improvement is the safety features - VSA, more airbags, and lowering the rear head rests for a better view out the back window when driving. Im enjoying the extra benefits of the SE, such as the leather interior, heated seats and side mirrors. Im really impressed with the difference between the 2003 and the 2005 CRVs in general. Great improvements. Im enjoying my CRV and hope to have it for many years. Thank you Honda for a great little SUV with great fuel economy. You did good.