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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  You should get ONE !!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TalouseCat - June 26 - 1:03 pm

  Im 20 yrs old and this is my first car .. and Im glad its my first.I have a 4dr honda accord EX. I love the driving experience it gets good gas mileage , and I have yet to have any problems with it. If I had the option to purchase another car I would probly stick with Honda and purchase the Pilot. I feel that Hondas are a safe and reliable car and I am a proud owner !

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  Great Buy - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Robertson - June 26 - 12:13 pm

  The car is attractive and smooth. I have a tech background and love the technology that is has. Overall, Id highly recommend this vehicle. The only issue I have is that its more of a sporty vehicle than a family car.

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  Perfectionist View Point - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Vinny - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Just got back from trip to PA. Drove around 600 miles this weekend, ,absolutely love my Odyssey. It rides better than every other minivan I test drove. It handles like a luxury car. Best investment in a new vehicle. No dissaponments hear. The kids will love the dvd player and I can listen to cds at the same time. GREAT features all around. Engine has lots of power was able to cruise at 80MPH at only 2,000 RPMs on the TACH.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Francomv - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent choice for families looking for a mid-size SUV with a huge cargo are when you only need seating for 5, and the advantage of seating for 8 when the need arises. The interior room, features, comfort, and quality and workmanship are excellent. The engine has just the right amount of "get-up-&-go" for the typical family that needs it in city driving. The 17 and 22 gas mileage I think is better than expected for a vehichle of this size with this kind of accelaration.

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  exactly what I wanted in an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rosyina - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a bigger vehicle for past 8 months. Waited to see what Pilot was like. The final choice came down to Highlander, Odyssey and Pilot. Highlander was quickly eliminated. There was a lot of going back and forth between Pilot and Odyssey. I think we made a good decision.

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  a good car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By peel gallery - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Only problem is road noise. Would like less.

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  3rd one, still keeps me happy - 2002 Honda Accord
  By leomaccord1 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Racked up 90+ thousand miles on my 98 when I was stupid enough to trade it for an SUV. Missed my car the whole time I was driving the SUV. Missed the handling, the sporty feel and most of all the 30+ mpg. I recommend this to anyone. Had a 97 that was traded for a CR-V which was also a great car (just not good in N.E. winters) so I recently bought my 02 EX. Ive got almost 10,000 miles on it now and I have no doubt Ill be seeing another 0 at the end of that number in a few years. These things need nothing but oil chgs, brakes and tires to achieve 6 figure milage. Excellent!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jmtip - June 25 - 6:00 pm

  This truck is more of a gentlemans truck where the ride and the handling are far superior to the Chevy truck and the Yukon that I had previously. The interior fit and finish are excellent and the brakes are better than most cars. I have pulled trailers and it does this with ease. If you want a heavy duty work truck, this vehicle may not be for you, but if want a great safe everyday driver this is the truck. By the way, my son is 6 3" and he can ride in comfort in the back seat. I would buy the Ridgeline again.

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  Great "truck" that isnt! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By NYS traveler - June 25 - 3:22 pm

  This vehicle is great if you want the benefits of a truck without most of the drawbacks. It can hold lots of cargo and 5 people in comfort. Backseats are much better than any of the vehicles in class. Smooth ride and acceleration. Gas mileage so so. In bed trunk is brilliant and should have been developed years ago. Folding rear seats offer even more cargo. Well equipped for price paid. Really not used for towing much. Towed a small boat just under 2000 pounds and not much strain though gas mileage did suffer. Will never get anywhere near the 5000lb Max so this vehicle is great for me and my family.

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  Coming back to Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Luis - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  After 17 years, I am coming back to Honda. Had a 1983 Accord for 7 years and was superb. I think that the car is great, but road noise is very disturbing, considering the prestige and class of this car. Fuel economy is great, compared to the gas guzzler Kia Amanti V6 just traded in. Do not have the opportunity to hear the XM Radio, because the satellite signal cant reach Puerto Rico, but the outside antenna gives class to the car. At the beginning had problems with the seat, but got used to them.