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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  gks pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By karlstad - April 8 - 5:43 pm

  Excellent truck. Short of a heavy towing need, this is all the utility you need. Great build quality.

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  Great All Purpose SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Davek1 - April 8 - 8:20 am

  Just purchased a 06 4wd EXL. Great all purpose SUV. 3rd row seats are a big plus. (great to be able to recline the 2nd and 3rd rows). When both rows are folded flat, the amount of cargo space is tremendous. Easy to fit large boxes or equipment (i.e., bikes). Just drove in through our first snowstorm and it passed beautifully. The four wheel drive engages and disengages quietly (although, you will hear a faint clunk, as the rear differentals disengage). Heat side mirrors are also a plus. The versatility of this SUV is comparable to a minivan. More adjustable seating configurations than most other SUVs. Has decent acceleration from a dead stop, but much better during passing

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  Best Value for a Small SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John H - April 8 - 5:20 am

  I tried the competition, Honda CRV LX is the top dog, drives like a V6. The CRV has it all comfort, great power, great gas mileage city and highway ave 28 to 30 on a trip. Cruise control is the key. My wife finds it easy to drive. Resell value is another thing in its favor. I recommend it highly!

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  A real eye-opener - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By topher619420 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  After doing months of research in picking out my first vehicle, I choose the Honda Prelude. And let me be the one to say this car has been extremely reliable. It has never left me on the side of the road. It may be lacking features that some of us cannot live without, but for those of you who enjoy a real sporty four-banger, this is an option for you. I recently had a new VTEC engine installed, and are now pushing 220 with intake/headers/sport clutch.

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  Impeccable quality - 1990 Honda Accord
  By J M - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have loved my Accord. I purchased the car used in 1993 because of its reputation for reliabilty. (Anything would be a step up from a Chevy Lumina). The Honda did not disappoint. The car now has more than 261,000 miles, with the original engine, transmission, clutch. The car just keeps going and going. Regular, obsessive maintenance is important. The car may be bland, but my wallet is happy. All are surprised that the car looks and acts younger than it is. Sadly, I have decided to sell it -- I purchased a used Acura RL with 132,000 mile, half the miles of my Accord. Shall I be as lucky?!?

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  My first Honda product - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Duncan D. Aker, Jr. - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda, it has 110,000 miles on it. Overall it exudes quality. Dependability and reliability seem to be its genetics. There are some downsides to it, but because of the many sterling other qualities, I can easily overlook those poor ones. First the seats are abysmal-they are the worst feature in the entire package. Second the engine is way too noisy, third, the transmission shifts weird and is unacceptable, but bulletproof I am sure. As for driveability and repairs. Love it, no problems, probably wont be any. I would buy another, hopefully the seats are right and transmission and engine are smoother and quieter in future models.

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  More Bang for your Buck - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 1BADCIVIC - April 8 - 2:00 am

  With 140 horsepower stock, you can easily upgrade to over 200, and not have to worry about gas prices, or wether or not its going to start every time.

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  Love our minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy Lipinski - April 7 - 10:13 am

  seriously very happy with our purchase. I just think the user interface for the controls could be better. and the one thing we HATE, is that there is no way to adjust the passengers seat height.

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  Perfect Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By meltron+HondaLove - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happy with my Civic. It is a blast to drive and looks excellent. The car has 94000+ miles on it and has never had any of the original parts replaced! It is excellent on gas. Went 313 miles on one full tank of 87 unleaded. Parts are cheap as is the maintanence. I have a 5spd manual and the throttle delivery is fine on freeways. Enjoy your Honda. It wont treat you bad. Just watch out for shady salesmen and get a good clean, mechanically sound car no matter what you buy.

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  Terrific so far - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 6 - 10:00 pm

  This is my first Japanese car. So far, I am really enjoying it. I bought it for the safety (front, side, and side curtain airbags and a good structure), the comfort, and the gas mileage. I was used to a gas-guzzling Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, and the Honda is head and shoulders better in all categories. Its smooth, quiet, gets great gas mileage (30 MPG so far).