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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  My Accord is NICE! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By admiralshaw - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Accord is one of the most reliable cars out there! I have about 112 thousand miles on mine and its running beautifully. Granted this gen is a little lacking in power, so I added an intake and exhaust! It runs great now with about 150 hp! Im keeping this car as long as it runs! If yours is falling apart, you probably arent taking care of it.

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  2016 Pilot Elite - great cars, two improvements - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By li so - November 13 - 12:20 am

  Bought 2016 Pilot Elite. Pros: lots of cupholders (that are lit up), lane keep assistance, automatic cruise control. Major selling point: one touch 2nd row in/out (no other manufacturer has this for 3 row SUVs) and spacious 3rd row. Cons/improvements: right turn camera does not exist (in the touring model, there is a camera on the right side mirror that shows on the display when you turn so you can see the blind spot) in the Elite there is a sound indicator but no camera (one would think for the next model up, it would have been included), backup camera only (no 360 view camera) with all the "cameras" and detection in the car one would assume a 360 surround view camera, DVD play works great but one has to use the remote in the back seat - no menu options from front console (have a heck of a time turning on subtitles, hitting the play button, skipping chapters, and theres no memory play) one has to pull the car over and set the dvd to the correct setting before driving or one has screaming kids. (Note: use case is 3 kids, husband and dog)

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  Very nice car and 60% US part contents - 2009 Honda Civic
  By frank875 - November 12 - 2:46 pm

  Very nice car, very reliable, I dont even think will I make it anywhere. Great gas mileage. Assembled in East Liberty Ohio with 60% US part contents...check out some Pontiacs G3- G4s, etc. Some 100% Japan. The only bad thing I have to say about the Civic...that it wouldnt hurt to get some snow tires for snow, my escort handled better in the snow. Other then that, I always get people looking at my car, very nice looking car and great style.

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  Pilot class AA - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tfxm1 - November 12 - 2:30 pm

  A great vehicle with great road feel and quiet, great performance. its very comfortable and seats eight! My wife loves it!! Easy to drive and a pleasure in traffic

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  "Was Well Worth Waiting For " - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By neilg - November 12 - 11:43 am

  I been driving the odyssey since I got it this past August,and I was a leasing a Ford Freestar 04 SE.Comparing the two is like going out with a super model. The ride and horsepower I enjoy, and with a very bad back and hip I feel more comfort with the seating. The inside looks great compare to what I had in the freestar.My wife likes the leg room in all rows,plus the storage to put things away. Remember Honda Resale is the best out there American cars are loosing its grip (as you read the news about layoffs with GM and Ford). The internet help the those looking for the right vehicle,and compairing them between the U.S., Aisa, And Europe market.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SHigh - November 12 - 11:03 am

  I bought the Accord 4DR EX-L V6 without nav 3 months ago and I have been very pleased! So far, I have averaged 25-27 mpg, driving around town. Havent taken a road trip yet, but am pretty sure it would be even better on the highway. The VCM is obviously working. It is very comfortable, easy to drive and park. LOADS of trunk space, too. Plenty of room for backseat passengers, as well. I have owned 3 other Accords before this one and this is my fav, by far. Only 2 things could make it better; memory seats and a smoother shifting transmission. I can really feel it shift gears and wasnt expecting that. Not horrible, just takes a little getting used to.

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  Everything is great but the paint! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By D. MacArthur - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little SUV. We did some research prior to replacing our incredible 1989 Camry wagon, and based on safety tests, interior design and the vehicles handling, we went with the CRV. However, the one glitch is the paint job. Our Chianti red paint is chipping off the hood at an incredible rate! At 2 years of age, the hood and front fenders are in far worse shape than our 13 year old Camry. The rest of the vehicle seems to scratch very easily as well.

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  Good car but . . . - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kendoll - November 12 - 2:00 am

  There is lots of room for improvement. I have the EX model with 15,000 miles on it and I get very poor gas mileage no matter how I drive, (17 mpg). At 61" tall, I barely fit in this car. I have one in black and the paint appears to be very thin and shows swirl marks and scratches easily. I added the aftermarket leather and aftermarket 16" wheels with Bridgestone Dueler tires to make the ride a little bit smoother but it is still rather punishing on the freeways. Overall I think the car is very good but I think the engineers at Honda could have put a little bit more thought into it to make it a really great little SUV.

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  Happy with our Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mwiz - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Honda and we love it. Honda certainly gets it right in terms of fit and finnish. Believe it or not, we chose this over a BMW. We thought for every day use this car drove just as nice so the extra expense of the BMW was nothing more extra expense. Personally Id prefer a full console to the flip-down tray. Other than that its great....quite fast too.

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  Honda CRV - Good choice for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mattgella - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a small SUV that had to satisfy four requirements: 1.) It had to come from a reputable manufacturer. 2.) It had to be fuel efficient. 3.) It had to be attractive. 4.) It had to be fun to drive. As soon as we took the CRV for a test drive we knew we found the vehicle we were searching for!