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 First Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mmgiardina - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I bought on my own. I have been really happy with it. The reliability is fantastic, nothing frustrates me more than bringing my car into the shop. When I have my second child Ill have to trade this one in, two kids and a Golden Retriever would not fit comfortably in the back seat. Hey, maybe Ill save it for when my kid can drive. Its got a lot of years left in it!

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  Lovn It - 2003 Honda Element
  By JCox - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Dont own yet hopefully will purchase today,we i went to look at them i was interested in the 04 LX model, but they had a new 03 dx and they threw in the sterio, alloy rims, and ac for free and droped the price to 16,000 it was 18,000. They called it there package deal and it was offered on all DX models.

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  Tremendous Value...wish it handled like an Acura TL - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rengoh - January 11 - 10:20 pm

  Applies to the Touring Model, FULLY loaded: The bottom line is this: The value is nearly impossible to beat. Although the car aint no Audi, if it had hydraulic steering, it could pass as an Acura TL hands-down and be priced as a $42,000 car--no joke. In fact, technologically, its interior is far superior to the Acura. If you are looking for a near-luxury, sporty family sedan under $35,000 that uses regular gasoline, then this is likely your car. You just have to make sure you can compromise with the very un-Honda-like electric steering. Its worth noting that the Altima is a serious competitor here, but the lack of rear-headroom and the lame sound system ruined it for me.

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  Best van around - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Vantastic - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent van. Great handling and power at all speeds.It is worth the higher price because resale blows the competition away.

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  Love My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By A.O. - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted an SUV,much research we found the Pilot. The color Green/tan interior. Ride is so smooth, engine is so quiet. Three rows of seats offer such flexibility. The 60/40 split of both back seats are perfect for every occasion. We bought it and three days later left for road trip. We put 1500 miles on in the 9 days. It was perfect for the trip! The children were comfortable with the air control in the back seat/ activity tray between them. The tape/cd player played all kinds of music beautifully. My 8 yr old is selling the car to everyone he meets! In one month, we have not found anything we dont like. Love my Pilot!

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  THE Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By accordian - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a delite to drive. As you can see by the miles, I really drive it. More support on the drivers seat and it would be perfect.

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  Honda tries to save on cost - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jkendall - January 11 - 8:10 am

  I just turned in my 2007 Accord for my 2010 Accord, and I miss my 2007 Accord. This is a nice car, but it screams cheaper to me. I really like the exterior of the 2010 better, however, the interior is assembled with a lot of the hard plastics, an audio display that is unappealing, a seat I just cant get comfortable in, and an engine that seems a little more sluggish. I will say it does seem to have more interior room. I sold my 2007 to my brother, and I think he got the better end of the deal.

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  Going Green - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gamecockrph - January 11 - 7:50 am

  Entering 3rd month of ownership and this car is delivering the mileage I hoped for. I commute 75 miles round trip and vs. the small SUV I traded in for this I am saving $30 plus weekly. It rides well, is plenty roomy and my worst tank was the first tank at 38.5 mpg. Best tankful 47 mpg. Love passing the gas stations.

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  The new civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jay - January 11 - 2:50 am

  2006 civic ex coupe is a fun car to drive. It handles like a sports car and looks great. Best of all is the gas mileage, especially with what gas costs. My 1 tank of gas I averaged 34 mile to the gallon in city driving with tdhe air condidtionindg on. Great looking, fun to drive, and excellent mpg.

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  The End of my Accord - 1991 Honda Accord
  By doughenning - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This weekend, I put my 91 Accord to sleep. I will be selling or donating after 169K miles. Too many things had to be fixed to keep driving. Axels, tires, Timing Belt, Brakes, Steering fluid, Rear lights, speed sensor etc. All told around 3K. Loved my car but time to go. Bought another used car.