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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  10 year old Honda Pilot...strong vehicle. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Chris Williamson - April 17 - 6:53 am

  Ive always wanted an SUV. Dreamt of driving a Ford Explorer. Then I came across this Honda Pilot at the dealerships used lot. It had one adult owner and meticulous records, taken in for oil changes, maintenance, and repair like clockwork. So it was in great condition and it showed. Ive now been driving it for a few months and I love it! It has 3 rows of seats in case I need to haul people, but those fold down to create a lot of cargo space if I need to haul equipment. Its a 2005 so of course I upgraded the stereo (had a tape player lol). The speakers are next. the starter went out as did the AC. The starter was a pain to fix but I did it myself. The AC I havent taken in yet. Hopefully it doesnt cost too much. Overall a great ride!

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  Best Mini I have had - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2k5ODC - April 17 - 6:00 am

  The 2005 Odyssey has been exceptional inhandling, power, convenience,andconfort. Except for the price (MSRP was as close as I could get the vehicle) I could not be more satisfied. I was really taken by the amount of power this vehicle has. The luxury appointment and overall design. The fold down 3rd seat is so much more usable now that it is 60/40 split. I had a Quest as a loaner when my van was having things installed and could not believe how heavy the Quests 3rd seat was and difficult to fold down. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking at a mini van to not miss this one. Worth taking a look.

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  Good family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Pp - April 17 - 4:27 am

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  3rd Day - 2008 Honda Accord
  By j2k4real - April 16 - 10:30 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Infiniti G-35 coupe because it was a lemon - Ill never buy Nissan again. I have heard about Hondas and Toyotas lasting forever so I settled on the Accord Coupe - as the Solara is unappealing. I have to tell you, in driving the Accord, the only big difference in driving experience so far is the report from the G35s exhaust, a barely noticed difference in takeoff speed, the 35 weighs more, but had +2 hp, and slightly more torque - but is helped by Nissans tuning, + it is rear wheel drive. I do miss the auto- stick a lot, but it was a small trade off +s for the Honda: more for the money: leather, sunroof, 87 OCTANE, Michelins, ipod support, warranty and service costs

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  Da Coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JT - April 16 - 4:39 pm

  This car is a great car from Honda. I have owned two civic coupes and both have been great. The coupe I have now is manual, and suggest folks to get the manual if you like stick and sporty fun. Gas mileage is great also. Overall, a great car for any age. Performance and economy all in one.

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  Nice as a BMW 3 Series - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mhunt2000 - April 16 - 6:36 am

  I just purchased my 2008 Honda Accord V6 this past weekend. As a previous BMW owner i was extremely impressed with Hondas finished product. The new Accord shares some design cues with BMW on the sides, trunk, and front headlights. The fit and finish are top- notch, and the performance is good as well. I dont think im going to miss my BMW.

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  Great SUV ! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kiko - April 15 - 10:49 pm

  This vehicle is awesome. I own a BMW X3 and the Pilot comfort ride is just as good. I enjoy the fuel economy it gives compared to other SUVs. Its roomy and the engine has a nice pick up. I have the EX-L and love the upgrades. I just cant get enough of my Honda Pilot. TRUST ME, I have a Toyota 4runner, BMW X3, Nissan 300z, along with a small list of cars but I just cant get enough of the pilot. I love my Honda. Its one of the BEST car buys that Ive made in my life !

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  civic lx special ed - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kevin - April 15 - 7:06 pm

  purchased this car last week..absoulutly love it. its an se coupe auto shore mist metalic..paid 15,300...im 6ft 1 and have plenty of leg room..and head room the car is very quiet handles very nice and the best thing ..it barely uses any gas...it also comes with a pretty good radio.

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  Dogmobile - 2008 Honda Element
  By Sheels - April 15 - 2:34 pm

  This is my dogmobile, where it is OK to have sand all over the floors and yet is easy to clean out. Several things could be better: 1) the window visor is too small in the LX, it does not protect from the sun. They provide expanding visors in the EX, but not in the LX, weird! It is about a foot long, and should be at least 2 feet. 2) there is a blind spot on the left windscreen panel. 3) a large clunking sound when breaking or changing gears, Honda told me this is normal.

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  05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jay - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Ive wanted this car since I sat in it in August of 1999 while taking delivery of my new prelude. It was well worth the wait. This car is everything you could want in a sports car and more. My face hurts from smiling too much every time I drive it.