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 car for your buck! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jack - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  Not expensive. GREAT gas mileage. Love the look. Roomy interior and trunk. Rear passengers dont bump their head on the top of of the car when going over a speed bump, unlike other small cars. Great sound system, and just enough kick to pass up the "overly cautious" driver in an instant.

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  Better than my mazda 3 hatch - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Liam - September 30 - 7:56 pm

  I traded my 2007 Mazda 3 hatch M in for the fit. I have to say I like this car much more. In every day driving this car puts a bigger smile on my face. Obviously you cant push it as hard and when passing on the highway the Mazda was far superior. Seriously though, this car just makes you smile every time you get in it. If you can drive a manual car this is so fun to shift and smooth with a little practice. The ride is smooth for a car of this class Engine noise is a bit loud at high revs, and wind noise is a slightly intrusive at highway speeds but never punishing. I forgot how fun it is to drive a small low powered car hard.

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  We like this car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Owner - September 30 - 6:53 pm

  This car was the perfect mix of a minivan/SUV, priced good and room for our two kids. The only downside is the interior scratches easily (plastic sides in the back and dash). We love to drive it, and the gas mileage is very good.

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  THE BEST CAR - 2002 Honda S2000
  By JASON HOBDAY - September 30 - 10:10 am

  YOU CANT FIND MORE CAR FOR THE MONEY. IT ROCKS!!!!!

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  Generally great but a few details lack - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cm - September 30 - 2:36 am

  Some things overengineered (the heating/air-conditioning is confusing to operate). Non-adjustable armrests are a nuisance (adjustable armrests are only available with leather interior). Gas mileage better than expected.

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  This is not a great car - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Sail - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I dont know why Honda wantedto ruin its reputation by marketing a Isuzu Rodeo. I had a great confidence in Honda and that was the reason I bought my Passport (iT IS ACTUALLY AN isuzu Rodeo. Too bad I didnt know that and It was too late when I realized that). After I bought this car, I have to go to the dealer very frequently. The reliability of this car is horrible. vThe ride is very bumpy as well.

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  This car is awesome!!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Kalcium - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Forget Z3/4, Forget SLKs, forget the 350Z, forget TTs, even forget Boxters (not Boxster S though), THIS CAR IS AMAZING. Its like a motorcycle on four wheels. On the fun to drive and reliability scale, its off the charts. Clearly though it does not have accord reliability, but its still a VERY stable and dependable Honda.

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  Hiway 1 California - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Blueeyes - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I just took possesion of my new 2002 S2000. As if anticipating the arrival of my car, the weather cleared and the sun shined brightly for my first road trip. We drove the car through the Santa Cruz mountains and on Hiway 1 north of Santa Cruz. What a head turner. People of all ages gawked at the car wherever we went. Some open mouthed! Twisting roads? No problem! This car behaves as if chained to the road like a roller coaster. Awesome!!!!!!!! Through the mountain roads, I led a pack of BMW enthusiasts. They tried to keep up but you know!

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  as advertised - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ken003 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Expect exactly what Honda promised with this vehicle. A wide, solid, roomy and reliable car-based SUV. No flash here but lots of value. Mediocre gas mileage, good sound system and high residual value. Dont expect to take on any z-4s through the curves but will likely quash most other mid- size SUVs with its standard features. The large "P" is however for practicality rather than passion. Enjoy!

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  Snow - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By redford - September 30 - 2:00 am

  It Just Snowed 18 Inches here in the North East And I did not Have my drive way cleared. No Need to. The Pilot handeled the snow with ease. Even my wife hade an easy time driving it in the snow. She back down into the yard, by mistake but no problems, she drove right out. I was amazed. I have been snow plowing for 3 years and that thing handeled the snow better than any truck I drove.