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 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By james l mccoy - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I do have one complaint. I have taken this to the dealer for excessive vibrations within the vehicle while driving and all windows are down. It is so excessive it bothers my ears. The dealer says this is normal and nothing can be done.

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  Honda Accord EX - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bl - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Acoord EX is a fun vehicle to drive. It offers a surprisingly quick 4 cylinder. The exterior offers sleek styling, while the interior is a spacious family sedan. You get piece of mind when you buy a Honda, due to reliability and performance.

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  Great CAr, but needs bigger gas tank - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KCRV - May 1 - 2:00 am

  After 2500+ miles a two long trips I love my new CRV. I am 63" and have no problem driving the CRV for 3+ hours without stopping. The trunk just swallows up luggage and the storage under the picnic table is great! The only complaint is the small gas tank that is only good for about 300 miles.

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  Basic economic "sport" coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By xdprez - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for everyday driving. It gets great gas milage and is even a little fun to drive. It is a very reliable car and is put together very well. Interior design could use a little help as far as functionability. The radio/CD player is mounted far too high and angled upward. This is bad for anyone under 6 4" tall. On sunny days you cant even read the display without leaning forward and craning your head up and looking down on it. This is of course not good when driving down the road. I knocked the rating on Interior Design hard for this because in this day and age, the stereo is a highly used item in everyones vehicle.

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  Terrific Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gibber - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought through Cars Direct, at 200 below invoice. I really like sticks, unfortunately the 6 does come with one (for the sedan). Excellent car for the money, surprisingly powerful, good mileage(~27-28 mpg over 4000 miles), very roomy and comfortable. Easy to drive, all controls extremely well designed. Very smooth 4 cyl-very easy to be in 4th or even 3rd gear on the highway and not notice it. Lots of interior places for stuff. Interior is very attractive(mine has the leather). Exterior really grows on you, only blemish the rear end.

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  Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By roanoke - May 1 - 1:30 am

  Honda Odyssey rides better than my 05 Dodge Grand Caravan. Engine is smooth, fuel economy is great. Small amount of road noise, not serious. Overall very satisfied.

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  2009 Honda EXL - 4cyl - 190HP - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda-Man - April 30 - 7:26 pm

  This is the first car in 30 years for my wife as we have always had vans and suvs. The 4 cyl - 190 HP is very responsive and the first 337 miles we got 27.7 mpg with 65/35 hwy/local driving. No doubt that this car will get 30+ cruising at 65 on the hwy. The steering is very responsive and the leather seats are supportive and comfortable, no problems with the headrests. Lots of std features. Great deals now on the 2009s. Our dealer bought outright our 2007 Honda Pilot EXL with 13 months on the lease and we got the Accord with no money down and very low lease payments.

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Victoria - April 30 - 7:43 am

  I love my new CR-V! Its very comfortable to drive. My steering wheel was not stiff at all. I 100% recommend this vehicle to anyone. The backseats are SUPER roomy and the drive makes me not want to get out of my car *****

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  A golden oldie - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Braverman - April 30 - 2:55 am

  1 owner with less than 57000 miles and all records since lnfancy.Traded vehicle march of 2017 still in good running condition

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  Great fuel economy car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By cheese9988 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel efficient and reliable car, am buying a 91 crx now. Car usually got around 36-38mpg and stick shift makes it fun to drive. Very easy to work on and easy to find parts for even for an import. Usual tune up parts was all that needed fixing. I would definitely recommed.