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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  better than the 1st. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Trent C - June 17 - 9:06 pm

  This is probably one of the best new cars on the market for the average household income. Finally a good car that most people can afford. My purchase was the SE V6 model that offers improvements over my previous 03 Nissan SE, except hp which ill be glad to make that trade. Road noice in the honda but thats because of the 17" tires that just about every-every- every manufacturer is going to. My 1st honda was a CRX when i was 15 years old and it had 13" tires, guess those days will never come back when you can buy a set of 4 good tires for $200! Should we call that progress?- guess we have no choice. Overall, my hat goes off for the makers of the 07 Honda SE. 5 speed tranny is a plus.

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  Honda Pilot is Nice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Yakety - June 17 - 8:13 pm

  I am really impressed with the 2006 Honda Pilot we bought. I think it drives great and is safer than most vehicles in its class. I might be converted to buying foreign cars now!!

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  Some things never given a second thought - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Rich Martin - June 17 - 3:40 pm

  I only have vehicle a few weeks but was able to test it in heavy rains, ice and snow. I have been driving 4 wheel drive vehicles for the past 15 years, and this vehicle rates right at the top. Ive tested the rest of the competition in this category and found this vehicle to win hands down in the most important areas to me. It has excellent pick up, great handling in all conditions, and a solid comfortable ride. etc.,etc.,etc.

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  Great SUV , Great Price - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Justin in San Antoni - June 17 - 10:33 am

  My wife an I looked at several alternatives. Including the Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX, and the Toyota 4 Runner. What we found that at several thousands less and with all of the features we wanted, including Rear backup camera and DVD navigation we couldnt shy away from the value this vehicle has to offer. With the money we saved we opted for several accessories to add some class such as wood trim and chrome tubes steps and we still only hit the $31,000 mark. We got a great deal and a awesome car. This vehicles MSRp with Accessories is over $36,000 wow. You wont be disappointed. One note though, if there is any thing I would change it would be a tighter or firmer steering

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  My Second Honda Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ralph Lawrence - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord, having owned a 1985 Accord LX previously. This is an excellent car, and I plan to get another one in 2003. The only complaint, really, is the "pitch" of the steering wheel. It was slightly awkward in the 1985, and even with the tilt feature, still leaves something to be desired (Honda should check out the pivot tilt as used in General Motors cars). The "up and down" is not really a "tilt", just a height adjustment. Otherwise, I really prefer the Honda over any other car in its class.

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  Nice car for the money - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bcraft01 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I paid 13,500 for my car. The car is a perfect for driving around town.

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  What a Nice Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Markedu - June 16 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased this vehicle just two weeks ago. Awesome vehicle; Gas mileage went down 1 mpg vs up per manufacturer; EX-L with Navi and backup camera is unbelievable; Hands free Bluetooth for phone is wonderful. The volume on radio actually reduces so instructions can be heard on GPS. Loud and Clear. Volume of radio mutes when you get a phone call so you can hear the conversation over 7 speakers. GPS continues to work and be heard. More horsepower a welcome when accelerating when merging with traffic on interstate highway. Automatic headlight system is a fantastic improvement.

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  The Delightful Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By OrangeBlossom - June 16 - 3:20 pm

  An ideal city car. Excellent handling, brakes with adequate acceleration. Plenty of headroom and easy access via the four doors. Lots of interesting features for a low priced car. Adjustable steering wheel, display that shows when service is required and the efficiency of the oil and filter. Nice ergonomics and simple controls. Easy to use cruise control for long trips on Interstates.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By James Duckens - June 16 - 7:56 am

  Good family transportation. I recently took my family of 5 on a 3,500 trip and can only log a few complaints. I am 64 and could use a bit more leg room. The steering wheel block my view of the speedometer at highway speeds. The van does not offer integrated 3rd row sun shades like the Toyota van; the optional curtains looked so out of place, I decided not to have them installed.

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  Too much expectations - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Sky23213 - June 16 - 5:33 am

  Expected much more, but still happy with the choice. Ride is much bumpier than expected. Although otherwise loaded, the vehicle lacks some features available on older and cheaper cars - illuminated vanity mirrors, outside vs. integrated glass antenna. The alloy wheels dont look like such. Steering wheel-mounted controls might look clumsy, but are very convenient actually. A/C is listed as "dual automatic" - its just the regular one.