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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  Best vehicle Ive had - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Satisfied User - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a lot of Cadillacs and recently a RAV-4. I was looking to buy a new RAV-4 when my wife suggested the Honda CR-V. We bought one and it is almost the "perfect" vehicle. Small but not too small. Plenty of pep for city driving and rolls along the freeways well. They have thought of almost everything in the way of conveniences.

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  First time CRV buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a SUV that was small enough to replace my Forrester,yet had more pick up without going to a turbo. A SUV that was reliable,good looking,economical with a good amount of room. Took the CRV out for a ride after taking the Pilot out and made the choice,one CRV please,my wife drives it so she had to like it and she does so that was all that mattered

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  A great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Brianpli - July 14 - 10:00 am

  all I can say is..................I love it

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  love the accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By danz857 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  great car specially at the gas pump, averaging about 30 miles to a gallon, prett good for a V6. And the nav system is great also.

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  One awesome Truck - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mom of 2 - July 13 - 11:16 pm

  This truck replaced a 2008 Volvo XC90. I never thought I would love a truck as much as the Volvo. I was very wrong. The Pilot has a very smooth ride and great pickup for its size. The interior is roomy enough for several kids and all of their gear. Road noise seems less than in older models. Gas mileage is not great - 16 mpg on average, but its mostly city driving. I have black interior/exterior and its really classy looking. Was mistaken for the big Mercedes SUV the other day!

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  How the mighty have fallen - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. Nice - July 13 - 9:25 pm

  Not as special as as we originally thought. Honda has been resting on its past reputation. Their quality has fallen greatly and their dealer service centers are failing miserably. Do a quick online search for Honda Odyssey brakes and you will find many issues with their brake systems being defective and their failure to take ownership. Many like ours have had issues with less than 15,000 miles and Honda refusing to take care of the problem even though the car us under the manufacturer warranty. This is just one of many issues customers are facing.

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  Sporty Car at an Affordable Price - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eric - July 13 - 7:10 pm

  In its price range, the Si stands out. Stock, its on par with the GTI, Cobalt, supercharged tC, and RSX Type-S. Yet the GTI and supercharged tC are limited as tuner cars and are more expensive for the setup and dont handle as well. The Si even compensates for low toque with its high rev short throw setup. Its interiors and Hondas build quality beat out the Cobalt and RSX (how it beats the "higher class" version of the same company is a mystery to me), and the GTIs exterior is a matter of personal taste. Whether its stock or tuned, the Si packs a punch behind the wheel and outdoes its competitors. It even has bonuses like a 300w audio system, moon roof, and a sleek racy design.

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  Great ride ! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DJ - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  Really great car to drive. I love the way it picks up speed smoothly. There are a few little rattles especially when its cold. Besides that its been a great car to me.

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  Happy after 3 weeks - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vanessa McNamara - July 13 - 1:41 pm

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Lindsay - July 13 - 9:43 am

  I bought my 2009 Accord, and I HATE it. I have previously owned 2 civics and an Acura CL and this Accord is by far the lowest quality car of them all. After two months the paint on the front started chipping and Honda refuses to do anything about it. It has been the WORST customer service experience EVER. I am trading in the car after 6 months of ownership. Seats are uncomfortable and the car is expensive for the quality. Gas Mileage could be better. I get about 400 miles per tank, but that is 18 gallons of fuel. PLEASE do not make the same mistake I did, Honda has really let the quality consumers are used to go downhill.