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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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By monkie tyne - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned an SUV before. I dont generally like the truckish ride and feeling like the vehicle is going to roll over. The Pilot has a nice, car-like ride, and the interior is comfortable and spacious. The new leather also smells nice.

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  Very pleased - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Phil - November 26 - 6:16 am

  Ive had my sedan for a month now and am very happy with it. Driving this car is simply effortless - the engine is smooth and responsive, the steering is perfectly tight without feeling heavy, and the suspension handles corners well without feeling harsh over bumps. Ive made several 3+ hour trips with it and never felt worn out like I did with my previous car (a Pontiac Grand Prix).

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  speedometer not accurate - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Norman Wray, Jr. - November 26 - 12:48 am

  I bought it new in 2013. It is a 2013. I am 6feet two inches so it could have a little more leg room. In order to go 50, 60, or 70 miles per hour you have to go two and one half mph faster on the speedometer. This is a fact checked by satellite. My last ford and dodge were exactly right on. It supprised me really as that was the case in the 50 and 60s not today. The other thing I dislike is the flat tire indicator will only hold 5 tires in the cars computer and I am the type of guy along with thousands of others, including my honda salesman, who buys four new wheels and snow tires and put them on myself at the first snow and then of course the car says I have 4 flats so I ride with the light on. All new cars are this way i I imagine. You have to buy 4 senders and have honda reprogram. By the way I let the air out of one tire just to see and the flat tire warning light did not come on untill ten psi. You could be riding with 15 lbs. What a bunch of balony. Norman , Mcveytown.

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  need some improvements - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Joshua - November 25 - 12:26 pm

  bought in Sep 03. had to change battery twice (warranty still good) within 1.5 yrs. Pretty annoying rattle from overhead. Took it to the dealers for repair twice but the rattle doesnt go away. had to live with it since I like the rest of it.

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  Best Mid-Size Sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mike - November 25 - 5:10 am

  You cant beat this car for the money. No American made car i had even caddys are this well put together.I have 4000 miles on it no rattles or squeaks. My only gripe is that the radio sounds fuzzy on certain stations.

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  Bump detector - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Alan - November 25 - 12:10 am

  Other shoppers: it is not as comfortable as it should be. You can feel every bump on the road.

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  NICE - 2005 Honda Accord
  By silver05accord - November 24 - 11:26 am

  THIS CAR IS AWESOME....YOU GOTTA GET IT....Dont waste ur money on that american auto crap...its all about teh japaneese reliablity and quality....this car is real quick too...i took it out on teh road with a stop watch...0-60 mph is exactly 6.0 secs, real nice for the v6...ACCORD!!!!

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  05 Pilot EX-L Review - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dprerrn - November 23 - 10:26 pm

  Im very satisfied with my purchase. I looked very closely at the 05 Nissan Pathfinder and 05 Toyota 4-Runner, and decided on the Honda. This is my 4th Honda that I have owned, and Ive never been dissappointed with one of them. If you are looking for class with a nice amount of performance this is a perfect choice. The nice feature about this car is that it comes with AWD and a standard 3rd row seat that is easy to get in and out of. The 3rd row in the Pathfinder is difficult to get out of and to find a 4-Runner with a 3rd row is impossible and its an extra charge. I am very dissapointed however with the poor sound from the stereo system.

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  Jean - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jean - November 23 - 9:56 am

  This is my second Honda. This 2007 Honda Accord replaces my 1990 Honda Accord. I am very happy with my purchase. The 4 cylinder is very responsive.

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  Si complete - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tmsou - November 23 - 7:46 am

  I have owned 9 new cars and bought this for my son, this car is unbelievable, full of power, safe and fun to drive. A bit too peppy for a teenager.