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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  Best - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By nelia jucu - July 26 - 10:39 am

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  Always loved Hondas, but... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Puggy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 2 years now, and the major complaint Ive had with my CRV is all the plastic in the interior that causes MAJOR rattles in cold weather. My 89 accord after 13 years never had as many rattles as this CRV does. Ive had it in 3 times to get them fixed and after 2 days they always come back. Drives me crazy.

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  A Real Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Justice - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I realized that the Pilot drove more like a Honda (car) than a truck. I was aware of the convenient placement of the gauges, and the audio,heating and cooling controls. The interior of the Pilot was - well thought out, well constructed and pleasing to the eye. The configuration of the seats and the ease of converting the rear ones to allow for more space is a definite plus. The V-6 engine does its job well on the open road Overall my Pilot has lived up to my highest expectations.

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  the best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By navi - July 26 - 2:00 am

  i test drove lots of suv but the pilot was the best.it has better gas millege then other suvs. iam a 6ft person and i could fit in the 3rd row seat.the ridding is smoth.looks good.dont listen to honda haters. try itand youll like it

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  THE Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pjotter - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this CR-V for two and a half weeks and actively seek out trips to take and errands to run. Its that much fun to drive. In my opinion its sets the bar for its class. I poured over ALOT of research before this purchase. Low road noise, good engine pickup, roomy and lots of room for big items and that great Honda reliability and re-sale value. Try it yourself!

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  Trip to Dullsville - 2004 Honda Civic
  By aca2983 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My other half bought one of these, and while I have owned other Hondas too, I find newer Hondas to be terribly boring and uninspiring than they were 10 or 15 yrs ago. The Civic LX/auto engine is rather buzzy and tends to downshift a lot. Of course the MPG is great. Handling and steering feel are what I HATE about this car. The steering is not precise, and the suspension feels floaty to me, with lots of body lean. Feels like a 20 yr old Buick Century. Unimpressive braking too. If you want an appliance with the soul of a refrigerator on wheels, buy this. If you want a little more personality and spirited driving fun, shop elsewhere.

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  2003 Accord - it really sucks! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By shak-atak - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought a brand-new 2003 Accord b/c of its reliability However, we have been very disappointed, for the main reason we bought the car. After the 1st month we had to have the entire steering system replaced. Ever since then it has been down hill. The dealership we used in Atlanta was very unhelpful with these entire processes. The car now has some kind of electrical problems and the little pop open holder under the stereo sticks constantly it does not open easily anymore. I am glad we bought the extended warranty b/c we will need it. My wife has always been Camry loyal and I am upset now that we didnÂ’t buy one, b/c I didnÂ’t like the styling.

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  New Civic Coupe EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CRM - July 25 - 2:40 am

  I just got the new Civic coupe over the Renault Megane 3 weeks ago and the car is very handsome. It have a very good ride, I like its firm suspension but the tires that come in the mexican version (goodyear) doesn´t have very good grip the ABS kicks in very easily and tend to slip in high speed cornering. The brake pedal feeling is puffy at first then the brakes bites in no time they are difficult to modulate.

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  Love My Lude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By gshhk - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car!! Handles Superb,Panoramic View,Excellent Shifting,Hot Styling. This is the FIRST new car Ive EVER had that did not have to go back to the dealer to get the "BUGS" out.Ive yet to have to bring it in for a problem! This car SHOULD NOT have been discontinued. What a mistake on Hondas behalf. I was going to buy one in 1998 and bought a Ford Explorer Sport instead which cost MORE and what CRAP!!! So the time came when I couldnt deal with the problems of it anymore and found out "NO MORE LUDES AFTER 2001!!!" I HAD TO GET ONE!!!

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  S2K is the best car ever (for the money) - 2001 Honda S2000
  By biberachie - July 25 - 2:00 am

  You can say the Vette is the best bang for your buck, you could say that a BMW Z3 or Porsche Boxster are more appealing, but you could never say once you have driven them all that the s2000 isnt the most fun. I have been the proud owner of a new s2000 each summer that they have been built and I have never had a single problem with any of them. 9300RPM are you kidding? Test drive one and fall in love, however I would recomend a 2001 or newer, the synch is bad from 1st to second in 2000 and also there is no clock in the car untill 2001. Hooray for Honda on finally building a car thats a blast to drive and not a blast to your wallet.