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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  2004 EX-V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jimbo2215 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Beat car I ever owned

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  Ill miss this car! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Gilmore - February 19 - 4:54 pm

  I bought this car back in 03 from the 2nd owner, the 1st was a honda salesman at the local dealer. My owners manual has his name in it! Hes sold my wifes family many cars over the years. Including the 04 Accord she drives now! I love this car more than any car Ive owned but the fams growing so Ill be upgrading to a newer 4 dr Accord soon. I just felt like telling everyone what a great car this has been for me. Its been very reliable and aside from the rear quarter panel rust, which is par for this model, this 91 still looks great. I wish it had 4 doors! 16 yrs old, and Ill still get about $1000 for it. Whoever buys it could probably put another 50k on it too! Hondas Rule!

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  After Driving Every CUV, the CR-V wins! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike S - February 19 - 4:36 pm

  Flexible space, love the trunk and cabin space. +26 MPG thus far. Handling is good, HP to 180 is a noticeable difference vs 09 Build quality is top notch, this vehicle is tight, no gaps in panels or rattles. Integrated bluetooth for 10is a plus. Well drive this car for 5 years and it will be worth 50% of its value.

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  Love our Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By nd honda fan - February 19 - 1:11 pm

  We have loved our Pilot from Day 1. It has been fun to drive and the AWD has been great in the winter. We love the space we have, especially for road trips. Weve also found that we can fit a twin size bed, with box spring and frame, inside when we fold down all of the seats! It has been very reliable and weve only done routine maintenance. We had driven a newer Expedition before buying the Pilot and feel like we have more interior room and a less boxy vehicle. Wed recommend it to anyone!

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  Best Little Car Out There - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HUSKER JIM - February 19 - 8:33 am

  Im a big guy, 6 290lbs. This doesnt feel like a small car, but more like a rocketship! I dont feel cramped with plenty of leg, hip, and because of tilt/telescopic steering enough belly room. This is the most responsive car I have ever driven. Touch the gas and hold on! The steering is tight and precise. The brakes are fantastic. When I get up in the morning I cant wait to hit traffic. The dash layout is impressive the dual dispaly upper shows speed, temp and fuel and makes it easy to see while keeping your eyes on the road. Over all this is probably the best vehicle (out of 8 new cars) I have owned. This car isnt a home run but a Grand Slam.

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  So fun to drive!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Darlene B - February 18 - 10:06 pm

  I downsized from a 2004 Suburban to my 2006 Pilot. I have previously owned a Civic and an Accord, and have longed for the day that I could get out of the "bus" and get back into a Honda. With a large family, I thought I would be waiting several more years to be able to achieve this, but the Pilot fits perfectly!! Admittedly, I did give up cargo room, but the only time we ever need it is on vacation, and I just couldnt see driving the "bus" around the other 51 weeks out of the year. I was initially scared of the mixed reviews on the mpg, but I got 14 mpg in the city in the Suburban and at this point, any improvement is welcome. Im just thrilled with my new Honda Pilot. Dont miss it!!

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  This car is great - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Laurie - February 18 - 7:36 am

  Just got my new Civic and I love it! I had a 2000 Civic EX with no problems just decided after 7 1/2 years I wanted something new. I looked at a lot of cars and the Civic is still the best deal around. Love the navigation and steering wheels controls!

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  My 2007 Civic sedan Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By emoney1122 - February 18 - 3:53 am

  The car drives like a much more expensive sports car. The sport tuned suspension and the VSA keeps you under control at higher speeds. The V-TEC kicks in at 6000 RPM and screams like a Ferrari. So far my car is super reliable. I the overall design, reliability, gas mileage, and the 197 ponies.

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By kellnron - February 17 - 9:01 pm

  This vehicles exterior design may leave something to be desired however, the safety and innovative features won me over. I love my Ridgeline and I didnt consider myself a truck Person before buying it.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Element
  By jewlesinaz - February 17 - 8:00 pm

  For the price, it is very good. If you have big animals that you take on the go, it is more than perfect! Underneath the back hatch handle is a piece of plastic(handle) used for closing it, comes out very easily. The flooring gets scratched easily, if you want it to stay in new condition, dont haul anything.