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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  Love the Pilot!!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ex-Ford owner - December 25 - 8:00 pm

  Traded in our 2001 Windtsar SportSE Van, and were looking to purchase Odyssey. But after test driving Odyssey, wife wanted to test the Pilot. Fell in love with the Pilot immediately. It rides just like the Odyssey, but appears to have much more room. Engine is very peppy (cruises at 80mph at 2.5RPM) and gets decent gas mileage. We even did a little off- roading, and had no problems with traction or slipping. We didnt think we wanted the EX, as we felt the options werent anything we needed to spend the extra money on. But after seeing the LX, side by side to an EX, visually, the EX is a much sharper, better looking vehicle. Weve had no problems mechanically whatsoever, unlike our Windstar.

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By rhody56 - December 25 - 8:00 pm

  I have only owned ford and gm cars in the past. I decided to try another company and I have heard everyone who had a honda never ever complain about them and they kept them until 100,000. I used to have a Saturn Vue and it was a junk box. I love my accord. I cannot complain except for the drivers seat, a little uncomfortable. I love how the design looks like a BMW 3 series. Honda did a great job in the redesign and making a car affordable with the looks. I hope to keep his one until it dies.

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  Perfect for me - 2007 Honda Civic
  By preciousTS - December 25 - 2:00 pm

  I needed a vehicle with great gas mileage, yet big enough to hold luggage, two keyboards, stands, an amp, a large box of equipment, a large dog crate and a bicycle. I can fit all of this and more into my little Civic Hybrid. While shopping I actually had salespeople attempt to load my music equipment into a Prius but it would not fit. This little Civic is a joy to drive, looks great, is quiet and comfy and has all of the safety features I have come to love and trust about Hondas. I get anywhere between 43 to 57 miles per gallon, and find this to be a zippy little machine. I previously drove a Chevy Malibu and loved it, but for the savings in gas the Civic wins the day. Sweet little car!

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  2004 EX-L V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 25 - 12:06 pm

  This has been the best automobile I have ever owned. It has an abundance of power and still gets great gas mileage. The engine is bullet proof, and I will replace this one with another.

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  "Honda".... What is there to think about!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By natalie ewing - December 25 - 11:53 am

  I love my new car!! It has such a quiet interior. It just handles so effortlessly. The turning radius is amazing! It feels good to purchase a Honda knowing it has an amazing resale value as well.

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  The real deal - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Diehard - December 25 - 7:56 am

  With a bit of reluctance I decided to test drive the 6 speed Accord. What a car!!! This is a fast car and fun to drive. The gear box is as soft as butter and the interior is impeccably finished. No bells and whistles. The XM radio is a must and the sound system that comes with the 6MT is fantastic. Only the 6MT has 180w. The leather seat are very comfortable and the rear seat have plenty of room. Handling is superb and the redesign tail light looks great.

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  I love this car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By MarkV - December 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome, go and buy it!

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  Comfortable/affordable/fun commuter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cash-money - December 23 - 8:56 pm

  My EX is sooo easy to drive. I have an 89 Si and this is a big improvement. The 06 Civic gets great gas mileage, is practical, but also nice looking with the new design. The EX has most of the luxury features that I became accustomed to with my sport/luxury sedan so I dont mind moving down in class to save money and get to where Im going comfortably. Besides, most of the time I drive at a moderate speed and dont treat this like a sports car. This car is perfect for our expected baby (safe), an occasional friend, and an easy to drive tool for getting from place to place without the hassle of a big bulky vehicle. We installed leather to make the ride seem more than it is. Mileage= 31mpg

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  Things you should know - 2007 Honda Element
  By Honda lover - December 23 - 3:31 pm

  Its exactly what I expected. Only car I have ever owned in which I do not get a backache-amazing support on short or long trips. Split rear door is extremely efficient-infinitely better than most splits & better than all single doors. Very useful for utility, carrying big & lots of things. Great traction in snow. Only 3 negatives which I expected:rear seat is useful only in a pinch had to remove headrests from rear seats to see, but dont use them anywaychoppy ride. Otherwise turning radius is great,headlights great,lots of stg places,easy to clean. Got armrest stg option, and love it. Would not suggest for young kids with carseats. Great for dogs-leave backs of rear seats down always

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  Awesome Little Red Wagon. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Claude Lafler - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. There have been many of all genres and price. Since 2008 there have been many technological advances. However at the time my CR-V was on the leading edge. It is comfortable, economical, and trouble free. The beautiful red makes it a standout