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:

• 

  Happy to return to Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By carolina - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  Sold Jeep Grand Cherokee. Thought may lose interior space & power, but very pleased CR-V has plenty of space & 4 cyl has surprising zip. Smooth ride & good turn radius. Compared to Toyota Rav4 & Jeep Liberty. CR-V better vehicle/price for money. CR-V fun to drive, smooth ride, lots of head/leg room interior, avg 22-26 mpg so far but dealer says will increase after 1st oil change. Told by several people CR-V exterior similar to Lexus & BMW 4WD.

• 

  Love at first drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By latnluv - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Smooth shifting. Plenty of interior space. All controls at fingertip from steering wheel. Best priced SUV as compared to others with similar features. And cant beat Hondas reliability.

• 

  The Near Perfect Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CJMends - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Pilot is everything that was and is advertised. Great family vehicle that pleases everyone in the family. Wife loves driving it. For this size vehicle gas mileage is very good,have experienced 19 - 21 with mostly highway driving. First time Honda customer, can see the quality of their products. Definately will buy Honda again.

• 

  New owner but thoroughly tested - 2003 Honda Civic
  By deleereus - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car handles quite well, rides smoothly and is very quiet. Sporty, fun to drive, better overall feel than a Cavalier. No frills. There are some annoyances -- one delay wiper setting, how the door locks work, cramped driverÂ’s quarters because of a large door storage space that digs into your knee. Brakes are not responsive; you have to mash them to the floor to stop. Shifter does not stop you from shifting through Drive or bumping it out of Drive into gear 2 or 3. The speedometer is difficult to read because the lines that show odd numbered speeds (like 30 MPH) are too short to differentiate. Hard to tell these things on one test drive!

• 

  A SOLID AND RELIABLE CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By THE MOPAR MAN - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel milage,handles pretty good at high speed cornering(should be a bit sitffer for my driving habits).All in all runs smooth,good power(1.7vtec).Im 37 years old with 2 fat 03 ram 4x4s---I love my 4x4 but it stays parked.I am very happy with the overall on my car. civic ex-03

• 

  From best to better than best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ted MacDonald - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1994 Lexus and have test driven several 2002 and 2003 Lexus.(All ES300) My new Honda Accord (which I bought loaded) is bigger and better! Firm sports car ride and handeling. Not mushy and all over the road. Extremely smooth transmission that does not go bump! Excellent gas milage on regular gas. Peppy? WOW! 6-CD canger in dash- -youve got to be kidding--at this price? All this and a friendly dealership. I did a lot of reading and bought the car I test drove. High expectations? This car is beyond the highest ones I had. I went from the "best" to better than best.

• 

  Much More Than I Paid For - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hondaguy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Again Honda proves that it makes the most sensible mid-sized car. It is a great design with great quality execution. I have owned several Accords, and presently also own an 02 Accord. Though I was initially hesitant about the unconventional looks of this latest design,I am more than won over by the aerodynamics, safety, fuel economy, low emissions, interior room, and acceleration. The car was delivered with zero defects. With Honda you get much more than you pay for and as a bonus you also have great resale.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chesley - January 10 - 8:53 am

  Well, I upgraded to the HCH II from a Jeep Wrangler, so this is like driving a Lexus for me. But, based upon my memory of my previous Coupe, this car blows all others away. Honda really got it right this time. The new Civic feels more like the Accord sans the leather seats. I opted out of the Navi because the dealers in the Los Angeles area are charging $1500+ markups. The $650 TomTom does the job.

• 

  Black Beauty - 2013 Honda Accord
  By robert tolbert - January 10 - 5:38 am

  This Honda has been the best one of all the previous ones (7) Ive owned! I have had no problems with it over the past 3 plus yrs.!!

• 

  2016 Odyssey - perfect family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom to busy family - January 10 - 3:54 am

  Plenty of room inside; comfortably fits 8 passengers; drives and handles well. We considered moving onto a SUV but couldnt pull ourselves away from the convenience and practicality of a minivan. Easy entry and exit for kids, plenty of space and lots of trunk room to haul lots of sports gear, groceries, large purchases and many other objects. The trunk room just doesnt compare to the small space offered by most SUVs. Plus the gas mileage is great!