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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  almost perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CIC - June 5 - 9:56 am

  I love the look, inside and out. I had a 91 CRX for 13 years. But, had the car 1 month. On 3 tanks of gas, got 24mpg in the city, 30 on highway, and I drive very conservatively. If I knew it got this kink of mileage I wouldnt have bought it. My 1991 got 2x the MPG of this car in the city!

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  Great car for great price - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Gregg the car freak - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Altough every one in America has a CR-V it still is a very good car. It is harder to rub it into peoples faces because theyll just say "well i have one to it is no big deal." The exterier of the car is some what ugyl.The 4 cylinders narrows the cars off road abilities. The engeine is a little bit nosiey. There is so much room in the car it is amazing. The ride is a little bit bumpier than other cars. There are alot of cool and useful features in the car. All in all the Honda CR-V is a great car to have for its cheep price and great prices.

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  notacrankyredhead - 1995 Honda Passport
  By redhead1 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Passport for 3 and a half years (bought it used) and I love it. My husband was reticent to buy it because the ratings were average on reliability, but we have had NO major problems with this car (only a bad motor on the drivers side window). It is very roomy and has a good cargo area. It handles well, too. The only problems are comfort-related. The blind spots are bad, and the cup holder is too far back (behind the emergency brake) if youre short like me and have to sit with the seat pulled up pretty close. Other than that, its great.

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  My fourth car, and my first Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - June 2 - 6:23 pm

  Ive owned three vehicles prior to my 08 Accord. My first love was a Malibu, my second was Olds Alero and finally my Isuzu Ascender. I enjoyed every vehicle but, I had problems with all of the in the first year. I have to say that my Honda by far has been the most reliable. Its quiet, get good gas mileage and looks clean inside and out. I love the new body style and the interior is a simple pleasure except for the center dash. Overall I have had minimal issues and the car performs like a champ. I believe its in the top four cars for the price range. I dont think I could have made a wiser choice in a vehicle for a single guy or family vehicle for that matter. Best vehicle for the price!

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  2006 AWD Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - June 2 - 2:13 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Pilot in November of 05, so we only have 2,000 miles on it. That said, we really like the Pilot. The ride is very smooth for a SUV and the features you get for the money are great. The build quality of our Pilot is excellent, the materials used are all nice, and our previous experience with Honda cars & vans has been good too. We wish the mileage was a little better, but we like the quick acceleration so we live with the trade off. The in dash XM radio is another favorite feature. AWD system works well in snow. Our insurance jumped up $35 a month compared to the Honda Odyssey we traded-in so check your insurance costs before you buy. Overall, a great SUV!

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  I researched them all for a year - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dizzie - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very happy I did all the leg work driving all the other suvs. Price was right. It has everything I wanted: standard. The body styling is much better than years past. I want it all, but can not afford it, so this made me happy.

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  Hanover Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dick Wolan - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent riding vehicle. I know because I personally drive an 8- cylinder Ford Crown Victoria on a daily basis. The ride is as smooth in the Honda Accord at 80 mph as it is in the Crown Victoria. The Hondas suspension system is excellent, providing for a firm yet very comfortable ride. Noise reduction is excellent. Controls are easy to use and offer a variety of options for balancing the temperature on either the drivers side or passengers side. Safety is very important: two side air bags give some peace of mind. The only negative aspect is that the interior height in the front could be higher.

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  Just bought it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dan Miller - May 31 - 1:13 pm

  I have had it for a month. So far so good.

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  Looking at Replacement - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By divers - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Researching new vehicles already. Pilot is a let-down. Great value & great protection for me & 5 month old when hit (back driver-side) by a light- runner (40 mph w/$10k damage). The problem - the roof rack piece falling off & after 5 trips to the dealer they cant get rid insane rattling (windows+). My husband hates the road noise & the signature sound rounding corners. After looking at the Yukon and Sequoia, Im going to miss the storage and my payment. If only...

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  Review - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Twilightx - May 30 - 10:00 am

  For 1st time buyer, this car is the one. The DX model is not fast, but it holds its own straight off the line if you have a manual transmission.