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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  2016 Pilot is a Winner!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dustin - April 9 - 11:20 pm

  We have had our Pilot for a little over a month. Weve taken it to Lake Tahoe, and around town of course. It climbed the mountains and handled the corners with ease on the way to Tahoe. Im anxious for winter to come so I can test the AWD system as I head to the ski resorts. The vehicle is incredibly comfortable (I suppose thats subjective based on each persons comfort level), and the interior is very nicely laid out. I actually look forward to road trips since we have more room to spread out. We will probably have the 3rd row folded down 99% of the time. With that, there is a lot of cargo space in the back. There is even a fair amount of room with the 3rd row up. My wife and I have two young boys, and they it is nice that their car seats are far enough away so that they cannot reach each other. No more fists flying back and forth between the two of them as was the case in our 06 CRV, which we kept since it is a great vehicle in its own right. The touchscreen radio takes a little getting used to, but it is easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. We were considering purchasing a Tahoe or Explorer, but are very happy we went with the Pilot. We are looking forward to having the Pilot as our family car for many years to come.

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  Nice and well equipped - 2001 Honda Accord
  By qamarmu - April 9 - 8:43 am

  My wife bought certified used Honda Accord with leather package. Nice and comfortable ride and great for computing. 4 Cyl gives great mileage, and decent hp, but not fun with 5 people in the car. I liked the over all performance of the car. Not to mention great quality engineering and very well laid interior.

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  Consumer - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Irwinplus@aol.com - April 9 - 2:00 am

  It should have more bells and whistles for the price. This is an overpriced vehicle called "HONDA". I am glad I did not pay for this full price for I would have killed myself. Honda has gone way too far. I love my 88 more than this vechicle. Honda has to produce something close to its price. They are taking advantage of their reputation in making quality cars.

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  This civic rules! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By keith ober - April 9 - 2:00 am

  My91 civic hatchback is a blast. It runs perfect and it has 121000 miles. It is a great gas saver and it is fun to drive!

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2000 Honda S2000
  By pak-man - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive it, especially on highways.

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  Love my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By damonhenry - April 9 - 2:00 am

  After a year of use I still love my Insight.

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  the new "Fit" - 2007 Honda Fit
  By wendymac23 - April 9 - 12:50 am

  We just bought the car yesterday, but based on what we know so far, we love it. Its very roomy! We bought the 5 speed manual, and it has a nice get up and go. I look forward to taking it out on the highway.

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  Not my dream car- updated from 8/06 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Myfirsthonda - April 8 - 11:23 am

  My 1st Honda-after 7mo, I like even less. Car struggles to change gears-told not fixable-electronic transmission. Learn to live with it. RPMs get stuck too high. If driving on bumpy road-car feels like it is thrown sideways out of control-especially on highway over 55 mph,-scary. If past miles the maint.minder scheduled oil change,each time cars started it blinks with the # of miles youre in arrears until you reset it until oils changed.(Maint. light on dash is enough).Drivers window now squeaks with window up/down.Brakes squeal with stop in rain.Car rattles like a car I drove over 90,000 mi.For all the Honda hype, Im sorry I traded in my old car. What did people drive b4 rating this car a 10?

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  Good, reliable transportation - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jerry Seltzer - April 8 - 6:10 am

  I leased this 2 dr. EX and I am qute happy and pleased with the vehicle. I have just a couple of minor complaints, of no real importance but that could bear some design improvement. The windshield pillar on the drivers side I find is too wide or thick and inhibits visibility when making a left turn. Also, the drivers seat lacks sufficient adjustments (manual). Last but not least, the drivers seat belt does not retract correctly and I have to fish around to find it. The service man told me that the belt is up to manufacturers specs. I have to retract it manually to get it into the correct position to enable me to fasten it. Other than these the Honda EX Coupe ia a good vehicle.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Will - April 8 - 3:36 am

  After many weeks of deliberation I finally decided on an EXL Honda Accord. I have previously owned Accords and my track record with them has been excellent. I am impressed with the cars interior and the responsive handling. It sure feels nice to be driving a new car again.