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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  2015 CRV AWD Vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Linda Burr - November 20 - 2:12 am

  I had a great 2009 CRV AWD LX until I purchased this 2015 CRV AWD LX a few days ago. There is vibration in the steering wheel while driving. As I read reviews today, I see that other customers have reported this 2015 CRV vibrates. The service staff at the dealership told me that the 2nd gear is "slow" and once out of this gear, the car will no longer vibrate, and that Honda is aware of the problem, but is unable to fix this problem at this time. I wish I was told about this problem before I purchased it. The salesperson told me today that he was unaware of this issue. The dealership has been very helpful so far.

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  Better than a BMW 2006 330xi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Stan Myers - November 19 - 2:03 am

  I finally got out of my troublesome 2006 BMW 330x1. Was a $50,000 car that cannot compare to my now 2009 Honda 6 cylinder coupe. So far, I love the Honda. It is fast and rides much much better. I tried out the 2009 Lexus I250 and the 2008 Infiniti 35x. I could not justify spending $10,000 more for the Lexus or Infiniti when I get a car of the same quality for less!

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  Good Price and Great Value - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Paul H - November 19 - 12:43 am

  I have been looking over the Accord for a while. The SE I feel is a great value. Think LX with Wheels and nice interior and upgraded sound. I bought the Accord for Invoice which I feel was a far price and with the lease special I pay in the 200s with tax per month. Great sales experience except for finance. Tried to force a security system on me. Didnt even try and sell it. Paul Honda Rocks!

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  Nice Car for Trips - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By The coop - November 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to drive our growing family (grandchildren) and the three rows of seats do that very well. It has an excellent ride on the freeway, is very comfortable, and gets comparitively good gas mileage (25 mpg on highway). Pulls our camping trailer very nicely as well.

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DaveCross13 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy one of these unless you want to spend A LOT of time at the dealerships service waiting room. Brakes sqeak, overheats, air will not work when its hotter than 80 degrees, seats uncomfortable, cd player eats cds. Nothing to reccomend

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  Excellent Compact SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By The coop - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is an excellent compact SUV. Everything about the car shouts quality. The transmission shift, the steering, the ride, everything is smooth and well thought out. After the first 5,000 miles break-in, the gas mileage improved gradually and I am very pleased.

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  kudos to Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  For the money, the Accord coupe with the silky smooth V6 is the best car anyone can get. I love this car. I drove about every car in its class and nothing could come close. You have to go a couple steps up to a BMW or Mercedes to get this kind of ride. I highly recommend it to everyone wanting a coupe. My friends who own BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes cars like my Accord as much or better than theirs; no joke.

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  So far, so good.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By QonoS - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I only have 700 miles on this car and am a bit concerned about complaints on this board re build quality and rattles. Ill post an update after a few thousand miles. But so far, its been great. Fit/finish seem perfect so far, *great* power for a 4, the tranny is plenty slick for me (but I wouldnt mind the short throw 6 speed.)

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  2004 Accord DX - an outstanding value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By redherring - November 18 - 10:00 am

  After recently comparing various cars, I was surprised to find what an outstanding value the Accord in the DX trim turned out to be. I originaly intended to buy either the Mazda6 or the Toyota Camry, but after test driving those models I decided to check out the Accord. While the base DX is somewhat spartan with some of the luxury items as compared to the Mazda or Toyota, it was also thousands of dollars less, and had a much more solid feel than the competition.

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  2k2 4dr automatic Honda comments - 2002 Honda Civic
  By james Carr - November 18 - 8:10 am

  Never been back to the dealer. Had no reason to do so.