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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  So Far So Good - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By avj97 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a Pilot for 2 months now and love it. Initially I refused to even consider one because I didnt like the wimpy look of the front end and it didnt offer a sunroof. The ride is really smooth and I love the look of the interior, very rich. Id hoped to get around the same gas milage as my 2000 Odyssey but that is not the case. At first I had some problems when starting the truck. After taking it in, I found out its the WAY I start the truck that was the problem. I was putting the key in the ignition and turning the key to fast. Something about a microchip in the key. I start it slower now and havent had any trouble.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wendellgee013 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Not the fastest thing in the world, but more than adequate for any legal speed. Excellent handling. Crappy dealership tires (Firestones)- should be replaced at purchase. Aamzing interior.

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  Give it 2 thumbs up - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Attitude - August 18 - 10:00 am

  When i first bought the car, i thought, "I could have gotten me something a little bigger (since im 59"). But the more i drive it, the more I realize that it is just enough room for me and the comfort of the seat. O MY GOD!!!perfect 10!! the gas millage can not be any better. (providing that the gas is high right now. It is also a very sterdy, dependable little car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  I cant believe I bought an import... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Epaphroditus - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The EX adds enough features to make it worth the price premium over the LX. 5- speed is a joy to use, although the i- VTEC peaks at 5,500rpm. Interior is, far and away, the best in class. Teenagers like the look; adults think it is a sports car. Also enjoyable is the 30mpg in the city and 37 on the highway (EPA says 26/34). The resale is also predicted to be well above average for this segment.

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  "ONE BAD MUTHA" - 2004 Honda Accord
  By vsiX2nr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After owning 1 month and 1,000 miles on my 04 Accord V6 Sedan all I can say is this one is definitely "A KEEPER". I mean its a no brainer Its no wonder its been rated Motor Trends one of the "10 BEST CAR OF THE YEAR" and consumer rates it the #1 HIGHEST RATING in crash test performance with the side curtain airbag standard on all EX V6.

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  Awesome sporty family ride - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jravelo - August 17 - 11:44 pm

  If you still think that a fun-to-drive car and a family sedan never go together, think again. Go to your Honda dealer, test drive this V6 accord, use the S on the gear shift, and enjoy !!!! Build is tight, looks are great inside and outside, the technology is a little confusing, but great once you figure it out, and overall, is a great car, Simply put, you CAN NOT go wrong with this car, it drives great, it looks great, and as soon as you drive it, you know you will have a long lasting car.

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  Good purchase and worth the money paid - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Simon Lai - August 17 - 11:22 pm

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By thebehrs - August 17 - 9:31 pm

  We have owned this car for almost a year and are very pleased with it. We shopped for the Rav4, Equinox, etc but the CRV came out ahead. On a long trip recently, which included a mountain pass, we got 33 mpg! Its cute, handles well and is great in the snow and on ice. On the down side, the tires that come with it are garbage and several people have had to replace them after only one year, including us. The folding rear seats are a VERY poor design. They wad up behind the front seats and give you almost no extra room. Honda designers should take some tips from Rav4 rear seats and have them fold once, and completely flat. Also, the hatchback, when opened, can drip muddy snow and rain.

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  Happy to own one - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By originalbryan - August 17 - 4:50 pm

  We (wife & I, no kids) purchased this due to our frequent outdoors trips. Shortly after purchasing, we drove in a blizzard and on icy roads for 2.5 weeks. The AWD worked great during the storms and icy conditions. After the blizzards, we loaded a small (4x8) trailer on the back with our belongings and drove 1,300 miles along the western coast, then through the deserts into CO. We drove though the Rockies and in snow often, eventually driving another 1,200 miles with another 4x8 trailer to the south eastern US. Weve spend a LOT of hours in this vehicle and used it to drag a trailer across the entire US. OR to CO to AL. Love the vehicle, no complaints at all.

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  Honda prelude review - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Bdawg22 - August 17 - 1:02 pm

  I bought my 1998 Base model Honda prelude about 3 months ago for 7,000 dollars at a used car dealership with 104k miles. When I bought it, it had a few aftermarket features such as DC sport headers, apexi n1 exhaust and lowering springs. I was looking for a good car to buy all around and the prelude fit my description perfectly, decent price range, good gas mileage, speedy car and reliable. The car is pretty quick my kill list includes Mitsubishi 3000GT, Every truck that has ever raced me, Audi TT turbod and any v6 mustang. The only problem I have had is the vinyl plastic under the windows both dried up and crusted off (common problem which is a pretty easy fix) and maybe cheap paint?