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 honda Civic SE - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Dass - January 19 - 2:52 am

  Great car, nice to drive, I Like the safety measures of honda. I am moving out, so want to sell this car.

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  Excellent choice for large families!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Linda Smith - January 19 - 2:13 am

  After recent snow and a steep driveway I realized I need something more powerful. I fell in love with the Pilot and its perfect. It also holds all 3 of my kids (2 in carseats) extremely well. We are now even trying for our 4th since we have plenty of room for one!! I highly recommend this SUV for anyone who needs a reliable car in snow and space for kids.

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  2006 Pilot a definitel WINNER! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Windridge - January 19 - 12:36 am

  I have recently taken delivery of a new 06 Honda Pilot EX-L with Navi. I previously owned an 03 EX-L model. There is little comparison between the two. The 06 is significantly more refined in so many ways. Leather, Exterior Styling, Interior Design, Sound System and over all ride. Honda has hit a home run with the car.

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  Me and My Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Karla - January 17 - 5:20 pm

  Ive always been a jeep owner for 12 years. This is my first Honda and I love it. I cant believe how roomy it is! We didnt sacrifice space with this smaller SUV!

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  I Heart My Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By DeeDeVaux - January 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving all the mid-size SUVs on the market. my husband and I found the Element to have the most comfort (head & leg room), the best pick-up when moving into 4WD, and the best price. The stereo system is awesome and I wouldnt trade it for any other SUV on the market! We love the uniqueness of the outside, too.

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  AWD extremely poor - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sugarfoot - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehbicle EXCEPT FOR an AWD system that doesnt cut it. With no locking differential, I find the vehicle has very poor traction on wet or snow covered surfaces that permit diagonal front & rear whels to lose traction. For me, this happened far to often. There is also an issue with windshield cracks that is not acknowledged or backed up by Honda. Ground clearance is also too low for off road use. Gas tank is vulnerable.

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  Fun Car, drives just like an Accord - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By breadsoup2001 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve own our Honda Odyssey for 2 weeks now. Nothing but pure driving fun, drives just like our old Honda Accord. Cant tell the difference between driving a Minivan and a sedan. V6 Acceleration is strong, handling is great, and the interior is very roomy. We have twin daughters and putting them into their seats couldnt be more simpler. Third row, when not in use, hides underneath the floorboard, gives us added room for groceries and other things. Leather interior is soft and easy to clean- up. Drivers seat is comfortable, easy to adjust. Overall driver visibility is great, with use of a broadway rear-view mirror adds more of a better view.

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  No buyers remorse here - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Madison1197 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my CR-V. I traded up from a Civic last year and I have never looked back. I commute to work on the highway daily and I no longer feel like I am going to be squashed by monster SUVs or 18 Wheelers. They can all see me now. My CR-V is comfortable in long commutes, everything on the dash is reachable, and the storage is incredible. The only thing negative I have to say is that I wish it got the same gas mileage as my Civic. I hope that they come out with a hybrid for the CR-V. I will be first in line to purchase it.

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  A sleeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By johngabor - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We did not expect to by this car but it won out over the Nissan and Toyota similar models.

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  black civic ex wifes(2001) - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mblaesing - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Civic ex sedan, fun to drive reliable gas saver. good buying and operational experience as a commuter and on long trips. Not as comfortable or fun to drive as vw new bettle, but less expensive to operate, more reliable,and dependable in the long run. great little car for point #A to #B. not a sports sedan but nice.trading in my vw bug for a 2004 Civic like my wifes