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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  My awesome Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Judd66 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot! I have told many people that all I need now is a stewardess. This drives like every Honda car I have ever had - smooth! But it is an SUV. I would encourage anyone looking for an SUV to drive the Pilot before you buy anything else!!!

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  Honda Civic Hybrid manual - 2003 Honda Civic
  By davidlm1954 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is very comfortable to drive, and handles very nicely. It has plenty of power and has caused me to modify my driving habits, particularily how fast I start from a stop.

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  38 miles per gallon highway - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lifeworthliving - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something Sporty and the Honda 2 door 5 speed was nice ,but I had to think about my kids having to crawl in and out of the back seat. I settled for the Honda DX, I get good gas mileage, the stereo CD player sounds great and the cab is big enough for my family of 5. The only con I can think of is that there is a bit of road noise when the radio is not turned on. Another plus is the high resale value, compared to the other cars in its class. If you but from the Tim Smith store on highway 98 in Ft Walton Beach ask for Alex...he is a great salesman and will treat you right.

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  An Extremely Smart Purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MDT - March 22 - 4:30 pm

  I love my CR-V. I was looking for a sedan that would fit our 5 full size family members and would replace my Audi A6 that was always in the shop (frustrating!). After a lot of research I found this fuel efficient, AWD, roomy, fun to drive car that was loaded with features and just happened to be a small SUV. In fact it was such a total package at an attractive cost I saved myself a bunch of money not buying a Japanese luxury sedan. As a bonus I can bring my two dogs along when the 5 of us go out. After 7 months of ownership I am still thrilled with the CR-V. I also have competition from other family members that want to drive my CR-V instead of our G-35 coupe and old Mercedes ML320 SUV.

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  Wonderful ownership experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Wes Potter - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  Original owner with 70 k miles on it, garage kept and well cared for. In the 8 years that Ive owned it I have spent about $500. in upkeep, which includes oil changes every 4k miles, done at the dealership. Main items replaced are battery, set of tires, rear brakes, air and cabin filter both twice and an alignment. The only thing showing wear is the drivers seat, on the bolsters closest to the door. Gas mileage could be better but the car is large and heavy, so figure 24 around town and low 30s highway. Car has never used oil, but it doesnt have 90k miles yet, either. Hondas have a loyal following because they are honest cars, take care of them and they will take care of you. Great resale, low purchase price and cheep upkeep, thats as good as it gets.

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  Wonderful ownership experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Wes Potter - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  Original owner with 70 k miles on it, garage kept and well cared for. In the 8 years that Ive owned it I have spent about $500. in upkeep, which includes oil changes every 4k miles, done at the dealership. Main items replaced are battery, set of tires, rear brakes, air and cabin filter both twice and an alignment. The only thing showing wear is the drivers seat, on the bolsters closest to the door. Gas mileage could be better but the car is large and heavy, so figure 24 around town and low 30s highway. Car has never used oil, but it doesnt have 90k miles yet, either. Hondas have a loyal following because they are honest cars, take care of them and they will take care of you. Great resale, low purchase price and cheep upkeep, thats as good as it gets.

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  Love My 2007 Honda Accord! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dottie Mears - March 22 - 11:46 am

  The new 2007 Accord is fantastic! Its fun to drive, sporty and has plenty of power. I just sold a 1991 Honda Accord and was not sure what kind of new car I was going to get. I test drove some others and when I drove the new Honda Accord, I was sold! The quality and performance is just hard to beat, not to mention the resale value of a Honda.

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  V6 Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By oscar - March 22 - 9:56 am

  This is an excellant riding vehicle. The cab rides quieter than previous models and I like that everything is in reach of the driver. This model also comes with the new TCS system. Some negatives are the sounds system, although the EX copmes with 6 speakers and the very nice factory radio there just does not seem to be enough power and sound. Additionally, the leather seats are rough and look synthetic.

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  2006 4DR CIVIC EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Virginia OBrien - March 22 - 8:53 am

  This Honda has definitely redefined the driving experience for me- I totally enjoy this vehicle and am happy I purchased it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RH - March 21 - 11:10 pm

  I love my new Honda Civic! After test driving many other cars, Im happy that when I finally made up my mind to buy, the new version of the Civic was available. I never would have considered any of the older versions. This new version is stylish (Ive even been told that it looks futuristic) and classy. The ride is smooth and the interior is roomy for a small car. My husband is 66" and he has more than enough room! I am very pleased with my new car and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a small, economical, but stylish car.