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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  Reliable ride, classic look, holds it value - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Toby Peratrovich - September 24 - 5:15 am

  One of the safest older cars on the road. No recalls, no air bag issues. Very little maintenance. Road noise level fairly high. Not quite enough room for long legs. Terrific cargo space and flexibility.

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  Reliable ride, classic look, holds it value - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Toby Peratrovich - September 24 - 5:15 am

  One of the safest older cars on the road. No recalls, no air bag issues. Very little maintenance. Road noise level fairly high. Not quite enough room for long legs. Terrific cargo space and flexibility.

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  Reliable ride, classic look, holds it value - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Toby Peratrovich - September 24 - 5:15 am

  One of the safest older cars on the road. No recalls, no air bag issues. Very little maintenance. Road noise level fairly high. Not quite enough room for long legs. Terrific cargo space and flexibility.

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  Perfect vehicle for us - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John Quinlan - September 24 - 5:10 am

  This minivan has proved itself to be perfect for our requirements. I cannot think of how it could be improved except for gas mileage. My only comment otherwise is: why does the speedometer show up to 160 mph? Much as I like my Odyssey, I do not plan to drive it at 160 mph. John Quinlan

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  my first new car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tammy - September 23 - 2:26 pm

  i love almost everything about this car very stylish my family and friends say it looks like a lexus I have to agree and only a fraction of the cost a very nice makeover inside and out

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  My 2003 Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Marie Edwards - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I am a 60 year old woman and lOVE my Element! We drive it to our mountain home, 175 miles away, EVERY weekend. The only thing I hate about it is that there is no arm rest on the passenger side. What nimcoompe designed it that way?

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  Many things to offer but... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DannyL - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Out of all the other vans I looked at this one was by far the most smartest minivan buying decicions I could make. The mpg was good, price was much lower than toyota and dodge, and I know that Honda builds very realiable cars. It even looks better than all the other vans with its unique front face and long sides ending with large tail lights. And you know when it comes with 240hp it has the capabilities to do the unthinkable. I had an old Dodge caravan but that didnt last very long. It would stall all the time, even on stop lights and sometimes it can take more than 10 tries to get it working. It only had about 200hp and it didnt offer much. Glad I bought it

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  A brilliantly designed &engineered SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Dudley - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Afer sliding around in the Connecticut winters with a BMW 540, I decided go to with an SUV. The moment I test drove the Pilot (after test driving competitors) I knew I was home. A great feel to the vehicle. Nice acceleration, very comfortable, feels you are protected in case of a crash, yet very easy to drive and manuver. After the 540, I thought I would be bothered by an SUVs lean in curves. No such difficulty. Had occasion to drive it on an 4-hour trip through the mountains of West Virginia. No feeling of top heaviness. Third seat just fine for two small adults. Brilliantly designed interior. What a great car!!!

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  My Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By B.Brown - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a SUV and had not really been shopping when I went to a Tent Sale and they had this Pilot. It was Silver (the color I preferred) and had practically everything I wanted on an automobile. I wanted something with room and the 3 seats were excellent because I could carry all the grandkids. I wanted something I could haul my dogs to vet in as well as haul flowers, etc. This car just fit all my needs. It gets decent gas mileage and is comfortable to drive, etc. The dealership from which I purchased the car has been excellent and service great. I am well pleased with my Pilot. My daughter loves Hondas and had just purchased a new Honda Accord.

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  Love My Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jdmc - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and features