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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  Lives up to the Reputation - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ConserveLiberty - January 30 - 9:06 pm

  This is our second Honda. My children drive a 2005 Civic LX We have been very impressed with the quality and value of that car, so when it was (finally) time to drive a car again and trade the Suburban, we researched mid- size sedans. All of the consumer claims about the Honda Accord seem to be true. Interior controls come to hand easily and logically (except the airconditioning On button), exterior is very well designed and attractive and build quality is excellent. Rear passenger room is the best of any car we sampled. Seats are comfortable for a long drive, the truck is cavernous and the eng9ine is silent and powerful. All in all, a sober, prudent, great value.

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  Awesome Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By double0sol - January 30 - 9:10 am

  This car has always been there for me when I needed it the most. It was always running never broke down, very very few problems and I loved hearing that v-tec scream!

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By life_is2 - January 29 - 11:13 pm

  Great car with great safety features, not to mention the great fuel economy. Very quiet ride with very good handling. I am averaging about 25 miles to the gallon with mixed highway/city driving. I only have 500 miles so far so the engine isnt broke in yet which should yield better gas mileage. I cannot express enough on how well the engine pulls.

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  Great value - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Amanda Irsch - January 29 - 9:31 pm

  Having owned Audis and Mercedes vehicles prior, this car is one impressive package. From the premium wheels to the LED headlights, the exterior is sharp and modern. The electronics really are second to none, offering literally everything you would expect from a loaded luxury vehicle. The kids love their captains chairs and the included wireless headsets are key for long road trips, allowing us to listen to music on the front whistle the kids enjoy a movie in the back. The countless media options allow us to play digital movies right from our iphones / iPads vs having to bring along blue ray discs. Cargo storage is not great but more than sufficient when the third row is folded down. Anyone w kids car seats will need the captains chairs because otherwise there is no way for a passenger to access the third row unless they enter via the trunk which is awkward. Great car for the price, tough to beat.

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  Another Near-Flawless Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - January 29 - 11:53 am

  Got married and moved to the country so needed to get rid of BMW convertible and get something practical. As a consolation, picked the five-speed manual which increased the fun factor. This is my fifth Honda/Acura product and they never disappoint. Five practically flawless years.

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  Car is awesome - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JD - January 29 - 5:53 am

  It is rock solid on the road and easy to drive: tons of power, good handling, quiet, and comfortable. The infotainment system is good enough I think, dont let some over-the-top negative reviews deter you. I do think they should add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and sure a volume knob would be good. But you use the steering wheel controls most of the time anyway.

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  Only Honda could build this awesome car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gowron - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a street-legal pure-bred race car. It has no negative features. Period. The engine is superb, perhaps the best 4 cylinder engine ever produced. The chassis is incredibly stiff. Handling and road manners are those that one would associate with sports cars that cost 3 or 4 times more. The car is not for everybody: if you do not enjoy shifting constantly and revving the engine this car is not for you (or rather, you are not in this cars league).

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  Dafunk - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dafunk - January 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is very solid, ride is firm, handling is very good, comfort is great, the ergonomics are very good. Acceleration is acceptable as well as the mileage. Unseen items such as traction control, 4 wheel disc brakes, courtain air bags and crumpling front and rear ends, provide a great degree of secutity.

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  best car i have driven - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bill ebel - January 28 - 10:00 am

  the honda pilot ex is the best car i have driven. it has all the the things you want in a suv. horsepower, smooth ride quite interior and reliability. great great vehicle.

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  Love the Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dizzie27 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I used to have an Explorer, I enjoyed driving it while everything worked liked it was supposed to. However, I absolutely LOVE driving my Pilot. Love it, love it, love it.