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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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda Element
  By ColleenpWhitlow - November 3 - 2:40 am

  I really like this vehicle, but it cant pull my horse trailer. That is the only downside that Ive found so far.

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  ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bea - November 2 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this vechile for the saftey features as well as the space. i traded in a 03 toyota 4runner for this vechile. I have enjoyed driving it, its extremely smooth ride. the kids have more room than before. as well as having the trunk in the back. i wouldnt trade this truck.

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  Best car ever, period! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By 06 S2K #1 - November 2 - 12:07 am

  This is simply the best car ever, period! If we must drive cars then why not not something thats super reliable, likely to never have a problem. A car with great gas mileage, today that is probably the most important thing with gas near and over $3 a gallon. Style, everyone wants a stylish car. This one is not only stylish but stunningly beautiful, a designers dream. People literally fall over themselves ogling this car, people love this car. Handling and safety. This car could be the definition for handling which promotes safety even at high rates of speed which brings me to performance! Now everyone just admit it, we all want to drive race cars. This car is a blend of all that!

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  Excellent first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By seaniboi77 - November 1 - 11:15 pm

  Excellent first car, tons of fun to drive. VTEC engine is full of pep and after adding a short ram intake sounds amazing. Fuel mileage is great and hardly any problems. I bought it with some mechanical work needed due to overheating but all I need now is to replace the tranny fluid. Great car, Id never buy anything but a Honda(except a stang).

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  Quick and fun to dirve - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Defcon - November 1 - 9:32 pm

  There have been no problems. I purchased the car off my neighbor, he was the second owner. He owned it for 3 years now it is my turn to fly around in this little car. I love it. It is quick, and handles great.

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  This is a truly wonderful car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Katrina Kesler - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive owned, I will continue to only buy Honda in the future.

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  Another winner from Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilotfan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at SUVs since 1995, but until now none seemed worth the price. The 2003 Honda Pilot changed that for me. It has a great, comfortable ride, and plenty of power for cruising and passing. I know that it is not an "off-road" vehicle, but that is not what I wanted it for. My only complaint is that the demand for the vehicle precluded any real negotiation. I felt fortunate to get it for sticker price. Still, compared to others in the class, I think it was a bargain.

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  Excellent first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By seaniboi77 - October 31 - 11:39 pm

  Excellent car, lots of fun to drive. I bought with some problems but its all fixed now.

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  Love It - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tom H - October 31 - 7:54 am

  I was a little worried about fuel economy, but not any more. City driving is about 17 mpg. On a trip to FL., we averaged 25 mpg. One time was 27 mpg. between fill ups. There is plenty of room. Seats are comfortable. There is more horsepower than Ill need.

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  Mommy van no longer needed! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy B - October 31 - 5:09 am

  Couldnt be happier with this car, but as kids grew, activities (gear) increased, & technology improved,needed size upgrade from Acura MDX. This car has not given us an ounce of concern, & besides routine maintenance, only expense was a battery replacement after 50 months! Its paid off, garaged & in perfect condition inside & out, but empty nest mama needs less room & fun to travel & for errands!