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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  Best car ever made - 2007 Honda S2000
  By S2K Tommy - November 29 - 2:27 pm

  This is the second S2000 Ive owned. The first one was the 2001 version. This car is amazing. The power curve is smooth and the handling is even better. The looks of the exterior is classic. Since Ive owned it, Ive added full race suspension to it and upgraded the wheels to forged 18x7.5 front and 18x9 in the rears. The car was also lowered about 2 inches all around. The car handles so much more better although comfort was slightly compromised, the benefits greatly outweighed the feeling of having just a "normal" ride, not that the factory suspension wasnt stiff enough. Im an auto enthusiast and have owned more powerful cars in the past but this car the least say is the most fun of all!

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  Sooooo Cool - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Went to the Honda Dealership to test drive a Pilot and although a very nice vehicle, my wife and I saw the Odyssey and we immediately fell in love with it. The interior and the overall look of this van is awesome. A much more practical and roomy vehicle than the Pilot. My wife particularly likes the DVD and the leather interior. Handles like a car. Have owned Fords all of my life but when my 2000 Windstar started giving me problems with 37000 miles on it we decided to go with a Honda because of its reputation for reliability and resale value. Will not own another Ford! Considered the Sienna but it was $5000 more. Excellent vehicle. Great Value!

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  Great Family SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By kzak - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my eye on these since it was introduced in 03. It was an easy decision to replace our domestic minivan with the 04 Pilot. It has easier 3rd row seat access than the Explorer and gets better gas mileage. The ride is very good, Interior is roomy and comfy, and the DVD System is wonderful. All in all its a great vehicle from a very reliable manufacturer.

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  Value - 2004 Honda Civic
  By seal6 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Great value for the money. Bought this car for my college bound daughter and I enjoy driving it more than her. Fun to drive,great handleing, great gas mileage. Test drove a Chevy Cavalier and was not impressed even with $5500 off price. Being 64" the honda has room to spare not so with the cavalier.

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  Great Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mikeW - November 28 - 12:48 pm

  Bought this car back in Dec of 04. Best value for my money hands down. car is up to 100K miles and drives like its brand new. all systems (electric, sound sun-roof, & leather) work beautify and never had a problem. Passengers and friends dont believe that I have 100K miles or that the car is 4 years old. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Best econo-box for the money! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brian - November 28 - 5:10 am

  I bought this car with economics in mind. I have a long communte (70 mi) round trip. I have been getting 32mpg on average. I recently took this on a long trip, and I did get 34 mpg. Quiet, plenty of power, great mpg, never have gotten under 30!!! Its not a thrill to drive, its still a 4cyl economy 4 door, but it does handle well, and is very smooth and quiet. If you are looking for a greaet daily driver, with enough room for a car seat and stroller, this is the car for you!

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Vilma Aceron - November 27 - 11:42 pm

  Its an awesome car and I am very happy with it

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  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MaryD - November 27 - 1:33 pm

  I drive my honda over 100 miles a day, and it has never let me down. It is a very fun car to drive.

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  Not surprised - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Julie Hazelton - November 27 - 1:13 pm

  I test drove the Ford 500, Altima & Camry and EX was by far the best. Smooth ride, quiet, good sound system (this could be improved), handles great, peppy for a 4-cyl. However, I am disappointed in the gas mileage so far but the car is really not broken in yet. Could have a few more bells and whistles like seat position memory, in- dash indicators of fuel and mileage. All in all, I LOVE THE CAR. Leather interior is soft and does not really hold the heat and here in Alabama, that is a consideration. Stop thinking, just buy one! Note to car manufacturers: please think of something to hold a womans purse!

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  Great Package - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By J1bodden - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is a great package, everything you could ask for in a SUV and at a reasonable price. Id highly recommend it.