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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  I like my Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Guy - December 27 - 6:50 pm

  We bought our Pilot used with about five thousand miles on it. Weve had it two years and absolutely no problems. We live in SC. We drove it to Oregon and back this July (100 degrees plus out west). We drove back in three days with sightseeing in Utah. It handled and drove like a dream. There were three of us and our stuff. The engine has great power and does 80 with ease. Gas mileage was as advertised. Stability control saved me from an accident on a five-lane through Charlotte, NC when the guy in the lane to my left started to pull into my lane before he looked, and I instinctively yanked the steering wheel to the right to get away. I would have lost control of a lesser vehicle.

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  The car I bought - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John Briggs - December 27 - 5:06 pm

  My evaluation of the Honda civic is to be somewhat good, I have had no problems since owning it. I love driving it!

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  Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Don Walker - December 27 - 10:34 am

  You will not be dissapointed the price and the car outstanding. Very dependable and very stylish

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  happy owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Alfredo - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I like the power the Honda pilot has, The space it has is unbeated by other suvs. I had before an 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport an the diference betwen the two suvs is enormous. I am very happy to own a class vehicle

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  Honda Oddessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By KKS&J - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is are first van and we will by far trade it in on another Honda Oddessy.

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  great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rm - December 27 - 2:00 am

  a true value! a must for all!

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  PERFECT CAR FOR SINGLE PARENTS - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sunameb - December 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE PERFECT CAR FOR SINGLE PARENTS..IT IS GREAT ON GAS.

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  Best car driven to date - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Johnnie - December 27 - 12:23 am

  Bought this car for my wife and havent stopped driving it. It is definitely a step up from the Ex model civic with lots of extra power. The seats hug your back with comfort while it handles with ease. Feels faster than the Mazda 3 and accelerates harder also. For the price you cant beat it. This car seats my family of 4 comfortably and is excellent on gas. One day Ill let my wife drive it.

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  Prelude=Spectacular - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By J23erbs - December 26 - 12:16 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It does exactly what I need it to do and then some. The performance is truly a reflection of Hondas brilliance and the engine is one of the best honda has ever put into production.The h22 is just remarkable. It revs so freely (not like a wankel engine though)and it displays remarkable durability.The car is also built with exceptionally well build quality. The Prelude, like all Hondas, can withstand lots of abuse and still run like a charm. I would highly reccomend it to anyone, unless you want to use it as a family car because the back seats are lacking space, but if your like me you didnt buy the car for back seat room.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Car Critic - December 26 - 10:38 am

  The Honda Accord is the best car in its class. It takes the bumps like a sports car. The pickup is smooth and quiet. This car makes the BMW 3 Series look like the pile of junk that it is! This has got to be the best value of any car on the road.