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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  Honda Pilot is Fun to Own - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By souda - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like the Honda Pilot. I now can more people around. Before that, I had a Honda Civic. I could only fit 4 adults in the Civic comfortably. The Pilot is fun to drive, it has a wide turning circle. Parking the car is easy.

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  CRV Performance - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondadriver - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Honda packs a lot in this package at a nice price. Good handling, nice pick up and size. Perhaps my one complaint is that the ride could be slightly quieter and less stiff.

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  GREAT FUN CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NJguy - December 2 - 10:00 am

  HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 WEEKS NOW AND LIKE IT MORE EVERY DAY. HANDLES BEAUTIFULLY, RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH AND CABIN IS VERY COMFORTABLE. THIS CAR HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET FROM POINT A TO B IN STYLE AND COMFORT.WHITE WITH IVORY LEATHER REALLY TURNS HEADS.THIS HONDA GETS AN A+++++.

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  i love my car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By stephen catallo - December 2 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car for my wife and she just loves her car. we had a buick park ave. for 10 years. We went to a HONDA because of the service and their relia- bility. I have owned a HONDA odyssey for 4 years and i have been totally satisfied with its performance and honda of bostons service... 4 stars from me !

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mcwrightt - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the second New Honda Accord Ive purchased. It is an excellent car!

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  Really like the civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 2 - 4:33 am

  Had our new civic for ~2weeks now and really like it. Thought I wouldnt like the futuristic dash but actually like it now that Ive used it. Managed 30 mpg on first tank (mixed driving) and hope it keeps getting better. Traded our full size truck as we commute to work 50+ miles per day round trip. Miss the ability to throw stuff in the truck bed sometimes but the improvement in fuel economy is phenomenal! Great car, A+++

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  My seventh and final Honda. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David. - December 2 - 4:07 am

  1. Navigation. Resets at toll booths. Continually recalculates. Requires three different shots on two screens to show a turn. Cannot adjust frequency, so you will be told 4 times in the last mile before approaching a toll booth. 2. Vibration. I have now had the car in 5 times. I have had all of the parts replaced, the software fixes. It still vibrates. It gives me a headache. I have driven seven Hondas. I will never drive another. It is, to be perfectly honest, an awful car.

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  Love this car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By heronak - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new and have loved it ever since. Aside from regular maintenance, have only replaced brakes, muffler and just last week, CV joints. No problem installing an after market CD player. Gets around wonderfully in the snow (with studded tires) and is a kick to drive. Very dependable.

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  205000 and still strong - 1995 Honda Accord
  By CEB - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and at 205000m is still strong. Never broken down. Original clutch. No rust although a NE car. Gets over 32mpg now and revs smoothly and powerfully to the redline to which I frequently take it. Absolutely no rattles -actually am amazed, especially as I installed stiffer shocks and springs F&R swaybars (absolutely essential for decent handling), done the basic engine mods and drive this thing fairly hard. Brake work is expensive though with the pressed on rotors. If I knew it was going to last this long I would have bought the EX for more power, discs all round with ABS, sunroof, and power locks. It would have been well worth the extra money.

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  Luv my Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Russ - December 1 - 12:43 pm

  After driving the Chevy Cobalt, Corolla and Aveo I tried this car and there is no comparison hands down, the Civic won me over. I have had no problems at all. Very little road noise. This car is sharp inside and out and excellent on gas. Very solid and stable performance. Im looking for reasons to drive it. This is my first non GM car and now I see why GM is slipping. Only Honda for me from now on. The A/c will freeze you out!