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:

• 

  Honda Forever - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Johnny Sok - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Honda Accord in 99. I have no problem with the car design,interior,and performance etc., I love the car so much I invested almost $20,000 to make the car look better and faster. I cant wait to get the Honda Accord 2003 Coupe. Honda is an excellent automobile.

• 

  Super Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By icydon62 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Never thought Id own a minivan and I fought this one but I relented, now I dont know how life is possible without one. Typical excellent Honda design and quality. Very quick and agile especially considering how large it is. My daughter loves the DVD--just wish shed watch something besides Winnie the Pooh.

• 

  Great buy!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Maribel - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV after comparing it with both Lexus SUVs, Toyota Sequoia and Highlander, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz and BMW SUVs. I have to say it is very smooth to drive, has great power, and the features are incredible. Even though in Puerto Rico it is much more expensive than in the States, I believe it is worth the price.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By TCH - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking about buying a new Toyota Corolla when I saw an ad from a Los Angeles County area Honda dealer selling its Civic Hybrids for under dealers invoice. I went there, test drove and bought it. Its all what the reviews say about it -- very confortable, quiet, peepy performance, good quality in fit and finish.

• 

  Im converted to Honda!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fieldschild - May 22 - 8:58 am

  After my auto accident in 2007, I needed a vehicle easy to get in and out of. The Honda Fit was just the right height. I didnt have to climb in or out, just sit and twist my legs in and out. I love the folding rear seats. I am single and have to tote groceries, landscaping supplies for my yard, mulch and soil. Even the salesmen couldnt believe I got so much in my little car! They were impressed.

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Love My 99 Civic - May 22 - 12:12 am

  I purchased my 99 Civic EX coupe with a 5 speed manual transmission back in 2001 with 32,000 miles on it. It currently has 122,000 miles on it and has never given me any problems. I did replace the power window regulator and the CV axle boots (a very common problem on this generation Civic), however nothing else other than routine maintenance. My previous 87 Civic was still running well at 241,000 miles when I sold it, so I believe that this one will last at least as long. I love my Civic!

• 

  What a great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HONDA MAN 06 - May 21 - 9:46 pm

  I have only had this car for a few weeks however my wife has an 06 EX V6 which is a great car however I love my EX 4 cyl. as its is just as smooth as her V6 but gets better gas mileage and feels a lot lighter as I drive it and really feels just as powerful This is one great car.

• 

  Great overall vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jesse Burque - May 21 - 12:34 pm

  The safety features that come with the Honda Sensing is well worth the value I use the ACC and LKA on a daily basis. I agree with others that the FM radio needs an upgrade, but overall this is a great family vehicle and fun to drive.

• 

  Great Vehicle to Drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sp - May 20 - 3:04 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda Civic & Ive loved them both. They have both driven well & perform very well. As w/ my 1st Civic the mileage gets better as the car gets older. Id buy another Honda any day!

• 

  My first Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boomersooner - May 20 - 2:00 pm

  We traded our 2000 S40 Volvo for a CRV SE. We need more room and a vehicle that was less maintenance intensive. I miss my turbo and sport car handling however the CRV is a fun vehicle to drive. Honda has made a midsize SUV for a reasonable price. I enjoy the steering wheel controls and the materials used in the vehicle are as nice as some of the more pricey SUVÂ’s. I commute and needed a fuel-efficient car that was comfortable to drive with luxuries found in the higher end cars and Honda has delivered. We love the car thus far!