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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  Honda Pilot EX n/leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tadreb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This cars handling with the widetrack and AWD has been good in wet and dry highway conditions. The widetrack has to be accomodated when garaging, its wider than the Honda Accord 4 Dr. SE I had. The acceleration is quick with a pleasant exhaust sound as it goes through the gears. It easily passes on hte mountain passes going to and leaving Las Vegas Valley. There is power to spare while passing at 80 mph on I-15. I like the higher sitting possition over the Accord 4 Dr. SE.

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  Its a honda!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By z - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 2000 Accord EX. I have 97,000 miles on it now but bought it used. So I only put 30,000 on it. Runs good. Its a honda!! My backlight to my clock went out - they want me to pay $150-200 to replace and I have an extended warranty up to 100,000 miles. What a rip off. Someone needs to come up with a better program where you can get these 15000/30000/50000/etc. maintenace intervals done at a more reasonable price. Come on you already pay thousands for the car. Should not some of these non-major problems be taken care as part of what you are already paying for.

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  Great Car But... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By violettj - February 22 - 10:00 am

  WE bought a Civic knowing that in 5 years it will be paid off and ready to go to college with my daughter. But I love it so much I may keep it for myself.

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  WoW for the 2nd Time! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By AEjock18 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2001 Civic Lx Coupe in for a new 2004 Ex Coupe and i am just as amazed. This car is incredible! Its the beginning of the model year and i got $800 off, the gas milage is almost 40mpg (and its not a hybrid), and it looks HOT. Besides maitanence, i put $0 into my last civic over 3yrs. These are truly THE best cars out there!

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  poor craftsmanship for a honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sivi - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I am a Honda lover but after iginition problems, headliner replaced due to leak, multiple rattles and squeaks from various locations, and horrible customer service... I am dissapointed in Honda craftsmanship. I just wonder how bad it will get 5 years from now

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  Great Car!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By sherine - February 22 - 5:53 am

  This is a fun car to drive! I was concerned about the size of the vehicle because I have kids. They fit comfortably. The car has great power and excellent gas mileage. I used to drive a Yukon Denali and was disappointed with the handling. For much less, I got a smoother ride, fun car and great gas mileage.

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  A minivan that a dad could drive - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By OurFirstHonda - February 21 - 9:50 pm

  Wow! This is a fun minivan to drive. The powertrain has great response & Oomph when you want it, yet its very smooth to drive around town or through winding roads. My wife drives it mostly, doing the mommy thing with two kids in tow. She loves it, and finds it very easy to drive - she says its very much like our Camry was. I love that it doesnt feel like a minivan - on the highway its very smooth/stable going 80+. Likewise its easy to manuever around town, tight turns & parking lots. Built-in Traction control makes it stable in snow & heavy rain - thats if your tires arent worn. Its a great family vehicle - roomy & flexible as a van, safe & easy to drive as a large car.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sammy - February 21 - 6:13 pm

  Never had a problem with my 1999 Accord EX. This car is very quick. I never have to worry about merging or getting over, because I can pass just about anything else on the road. Excellent car!

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  2015 CR-V Vibration/Shudder Issues - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By alta_56 - February 21 - 3:56 am

  This is our familys 6th Honda. I am quite sure that if Honda does not come up with a fix for this terrible vibration issue it will be our last ! All, I repeat all the new "So called SUVs of the year" have this problem. At idle around 500 to 600 rpms. Then again at 1100 rpms. And again at 2200 rpms ! The rpm range that you use to run around town. On the highway it seems to do well. Please , when you test drive one make sure the vehicle is warmed up and take a service tech with you. Do not just drive around the block ! Go out for 20 minutes. Also , this wonderful new CVT makes a high pitched whining noise as you are descending a steep hill. We are very disappointed with this purchase.

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  Ugliest Car in the World? - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hunter - February 21 - 3:46 am

  I thought it was until we went to Italy and I saw some of the Fiat vans over there. We love our Element. We put 200k miles on a 1987 Real Time Wagon and thats why we bought Honda again. Were still driving the wagon to keep the local round-town miles off the Element. Element has entirely adequate power, tons of interior room if somewhat excessive headroom. Handles OK, rear seating is comfortable, but visibilty is limited from back there. Whats with the sunroof in the back where you NEVER use it? Should have made seating for 3 in the back. Theres room.