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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  Wild Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Wild Ride - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Easy to modify for street racing. Given tools, money, and a little time you can transform this car into the car of your dreams.

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  Why bother with an Acura? - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Scott - August 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my coupe after looking at the Acura TSX and the TL and Im glad I saved my money and went with the Honda. It drives like a dream and the engine has all the power I need not to mention it takes regular unleaded.

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  05 Civic Hybrid CVT - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kathi Mag - August 14 - 6:56 pm

  I drive a Civic out of choice, not necessity, I am disappointed that leather was not offered as an option. I had to order it as a custom item. Also, I would like to see automatic turn off of lights in the future. You wouldnt believe how many times Ive run my battery down. Wish Id opted for MP3 compatibility--was it an option? The mileage has not yet reached the advertised levels, but perhaps its not yet fully broken in. During the recent high fuel price crunch, I was not complaining about my 38-41 mpg performance, but to date I have not reached the optimum 47/49 mpg. Overall, I have been very pleased with this car.

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  Civic SI - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Shelli - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun, I love my car, I would suggest this to anyone who wants a small reliable car!

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  Engine discrepancie - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lori Sullivan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Engine or drive train has a Hum at 1475 to 1525 RPM. Most noticable at 50 MPH. I tried removing the top part of the Engine plastic enclosure.The hum is loader than road noise---Joe Moore

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  Brilliantly Designed & Built - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sardar - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot borrows from both the Odyssey & MDX and adds a touch of its own. There is plenty of room for 8, & the detailed finishing and features for the interior are truely well thought out. It has a quiet interior and the view from around the cabin is excellent. Its going to be an excellent road cruiser and versatility of the seat configurations allows even tall passengers to be comfortable on long journey - you can always fold the one or both of the middle row seats for the extra leg room...there is even reclining middle row seats! The power is more than adequate and the fuel economy is excellent for the size. The best thing is that 85/86 octane can be used!

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By joe B. - August 14 - 10:00 am

  We had just purchased the vechile and a nearby delership who got early shipments. Worth every penny that we had to pay over sticker.

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  Excellent Coupe! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By MD Tran - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Since I already own 2 Accord Sedans, a 1993 and a 1999, I thought I would go a different route and go with the Accord Coupe. I really like how Honda has given the coupe its own look, and the look is very nice. The back lights remind me of the Acura NSX and the overall design looks a lot sportier than its sedan brother. The interior design is pretty much the same as the sedan but it is very functional and not confusing at all. Back seat room is pretty good for a coupe, and the ride and drive is smooth and not underpowered. Overall, great car with good looks, good space, and good power for a 4 cylinder.

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  Honda 2005 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - August 14 - 3:10 am

  I had always been a Ford Mustang GT (fun and sporty) driver, until I decided to try something completely different. I purchased my 2005 vehicle in December of 2004, and couldnt be more pleased. The car is so smooth, Im speeding before I realize it! Its classy and elegant, but also sporty! There are so many more details to the car, then I could even start to explain. I highly recommend!

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  I Love My Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cbcompton - August 14 - 12:16 am

  I have own my Pilot for 2.5 yrs and I still love this car. It has over 40000 miles and not one problem. I recently took a 3000 mile drive thru Mexico with 7 passengers and luggage and still got 19mpg. My dad was so impress by the comfort he is test driving an 08