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:

• 

  Best car in the world - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Melius Cordovba - January 18 - 2:10 pm

  Without a doubt, my Honda Insight is without equal. I get over 70mpg and all I do is put premium gas and change the oil. No problems at over 100k miles. Simply the best car.

• 

  Fun and Smart! Who Knew? - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sheryl - January 18 - 8:09 am

  This is absolutely the best overall car Ive ever owned (40- something... Ive had a few). Its fun, fast, economical, and rates fairly well for the environment for a non-hybrid. Im delighted with the performance and dependability, and find the design unique. As an event coordinator, I haul a lot of gear, and am continually amazed at how much we can fit in this bad boy! Its just the bomb!

• 

  Love, love, love this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By abby - January 18 - 1:03 am

  I replaced my 1999 Civic coupe with this car in May as a little college graduation gift to myself. The more I drive it, the more I love it. Everything about this Civic improved over the one I drove before. The most notable things are the vastly more supportive seats, the odd speedometer that I have come to appreciate and the butter-smooth clutch, which only my boyfriend has managed to stall (and he drives a truck with a stick). Its got more than adequate highway cruising and passing power (though I would have liked to have been able to afford an Si) and a smooth, though somewhat noisy, ride. It handles great in heavy rain. I have not had the pleasure of driving it in snow yet.

• 

  Best of the Best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By steve - January 17 - 5:53 pm

  The 2003 Accord EX V6 is very powerful and tightly build. Inside and out, I think the car is very sound and reliable. The car is quiet and smooth overall. I enjoy driving my car to work everyday. I believe Honda has nailed it with this 7th generation Accord. Thank You!

• 

  Our pilot saved my wifes life!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Helliwell - January 17 - 1:50 pm

  On Feb. 07 2005 my wife was in a devastating freeway accident, the Pilot was totalled, she walked away with only a sprained wrist and minor abrasions, she is emotionally scarred but will recover. I thank God and our Honda Pilot for saving her life,in March 2005 we bought another Pilot, what more can I say, its a great vehicle, buy one.

• 

  Love My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Catt327 - January 17 - 6:06 am

  I drove a Honda CRV for 4 years and while I really enjoyed it I love love love my Pilot. With two teenagers and a big dog we have plenty of room for everyone. The kids really enjoy the rear entertainment system and as a mom I really enjoy the wireless headphones. The luxury of my leather seats make me feel like I am sitting on a cloud. Living in the Northeast this vehicle proved itself to handle wonderfully in the rough winter weather. It drives smooth and silently every time. So did I mention that I love my Pilot.

• 

  2016 Honda EX coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matt Ruder - January 17 - 2:34 am

• 

  2016 Honda EX coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matt Ruder - January 17 - 2:34 am

• 

  Thought about BMW and Volvo but.. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jon S - January 16 - 5:40 pm

  I was a 7 yr Honda Civic owner and I really wanted to branch out to something more exciting and sexy; BMW or Volvo. But after months of research and learning what I know about reliability and resale value of these brands, I could not leave Honda. I am very pleased with my honda accord LX 4 cyl manual. I really love the shifting in a Honda, compared to a Toyota, which is more mushy and clunky. A Honda shift is smooth and exact. Love getting a bigger car but still 26/34 mpg. Very happy.

• 

  My Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By hsinatra - January 16 - 8:02 am

  This car has been a joy to own and drive. The only complaint I have about it is the road noise at highway speeds. If I was to do it again, I would order some extra undercoating so it would be a quieter ride at highway speeds. Well, I really have one more complaint I cannot keep my daughter out of it when she is home from college.