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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  excellent - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Kristin Nelson - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I like my car, it has held up well considering the miles I have put on it. I did have it in the shop for over 3 days for an ignition recall that honda did not inform me of and the dealer was unaware of. This has been my only down fall.

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  2nd ridgeline awsome - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By tony - June 26 - 9:50 am

  love this truck fits my life style perfect ,owned bigger trucks before but this is the best one so far!!!

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  Keep up the good work, Honda! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jennifer - June 26 - 4:20 am

  Having owned a gas-guzzling sports car, this car is a blessing. I went in searching for an Accord but drove out in the Civic. Way more personality and it sees to have more get-up and go. But maybe its just me. I dont think theres a better car out there right now! (in its class, of course!!)

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  Very Nice - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jofaile - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Good performance (I have bumped mine up to 141 hp), nice styling (mine is black /w pearl coat), and awesome reliabilty (havent had a problem with it yet).

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  Honda Fit Sport 09 - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Gimme a Fit - June 25 - 12:53 pm

  I agree with all the positives that people have included in their reviews. I look forward to driving my Fit each day. I have read many of these reviews and have been surprised that not one person, as far as I have read, has complained about the door panels where your elbow rests. If you use your elbow and lift yourself up a bit to adjust your seating position, it causes these areas to now be cracked underneath the fabric. You cant see it but you can feel it with your finger if you lightly push down on it. This has now happened to both front doors and one of the back ones. I hope it is covered under warranty.

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  I love my Accord! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Nicole - June 25 - 10:56 am

  I love my new Accord, the seats are very comfortable, especially the back seats. There is plenty of leg room in the back seat as well. Its fun to drive and handles well. The only somewhat negative comment I have is that road noise is a little loud but nothing thats unbearable. The stereo is great, the Navigation system is awesome and it has a great ride. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  mom mobile graduate - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hoser - June 25 - 10:00 am

  After graduating our kids, we graduated from the Odyssey to the Pilot. It offers the same practicality as the Honda "mom mobile," but with a touch more sophistication and style, and the "fun factor" is high.

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  Smooth flying with my Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By huffy - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We ABSOLUTELY LOVE our Honda Pilot. We replaced a 2000 Chrysler T & C and I couldnt be happier with the decision. The Pilot has a very solid, comfortable ride that is very carlike and it handles very smoothly. It feels very safe and solid. We have 3 kids under the age of 5 and the DVD system is a godsend. We havent had any problems whatsoever in the first year of ownership. It seems to have superior reliability. There are a few improvements I would like to see in future models, but overall, the Pilot is tops. And the gas mileage is surprisingly good for an SUV and the engine has great power. Thank you Honda for such a great family vehicle.

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  Pleased CR-V Buyer - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gohonda - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a second car that would have more cargo room than my old sedan, good enough gas mileage to commute in, able to get through the occasional snow storm (4WD), and enough power not to get blown off the road. The CR-V fit the bill on all accounts. Very impressed by the 4cyl performance,this car is flat out fun to drive and does not seem lacking in power in any situation. Interior is well thought out and stylish; seats are fairly comfortable, although I could use more legroom in the front. The ride is smooth, and fairly quiet for an SUV.Combine that with typical Honda reliability, and itÂ’s a no-brainer when compared with the Santa Fe and Rav4.

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  2nd t ime around - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Malex - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first CRV in 2001 when my car was flooded in parking lot during a tropical storm. Never owed an SUV. Was impressed with the CR-V and the salesman and dealership. Decided to buy another. Went back to same salesman, dealership and said...lets deal! First time I ever bought the same vehicle a second time. Now I think I am hooked!