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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  great mini-van - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kev - January 6 - 10:00 am

  its a great minivan, with all-wheel drive to boot. Its great for car- pooling to soccer practice, famiy trips and holds tons of groceries in the back.

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  Worth the Wait - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bytrain - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Honda hit a home run. Wed been on a waiting list for this vehicle, and it was worth the wait. Classic Honda design with lots of included bells & whistles. Feels more like a car than an SUV - smooth ride, no tippiness, and very solid.

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  Civics rock - 2001 Honda Civic
  By anne337 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car -- by performance and looks -- for the price. Great gas mileage, gets a lot of looks, and the easiest to customize.

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  great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ewaf@vdf.com - January 6 - 10:00 am

  great car and good gas mileage.

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  Accord LX 2003 Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By toddchitt - January 6 - 7:20 am

  Ive been incredibly lucky, or just another extermely satisfied customer. Ive only needed to change the oil, rotate tires, and perform the manufacturers recalls. Well, that and some very bad luck with getting nails in my tires (I live near a construction area). The exterior back end is a bit basic, but the trunk is enormous, and more than ample for the size of the car, but with the backseats folding down - you basically have a wagon-sized back space. The drivers seat is comfortable, and the controls are easy to reach and very simple and elegant. Additionally, I am getting better gas milage than is EPA estimated. This is my first Honda, and I will be a repeat customer.

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  Mine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By BBills - January 5 - 10:17 am

  Right size for what is needed. Truck is well-built and I feel it will last a long time

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Rocky - January 5 - 3:42 am

  Ive enjoyed the vehicle. and would recommend it to anyone. this is my first Honda and I would buy again. US made does not come close. My other car is US and there is always something going wrong with it. Ive got 11,000 on the Honda and only one small A/C vent broke on me.

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  "Simplify" with perfect reliability! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Texasmcallister - January 4 - 10:33 pm

  It is refreshing to get back to owning Hondas...just now recovering financially from owning 1996 Dodge Caravan, and 2000 Volkswagens. Although our Odyssey was nice and convenient, we needed a super durable vehicle for our bad roads-the Pilot has been just that! (Knocking on wood) After 72,000 miles on Texas Hill Country roads (and "off" roads), our Pilot has batted 1000 on reliability and durability. Good luck on finding one lightly used...this one is a keeper!

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  Nice Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RicK Till - January 4 - 11:20 am

  Great car for the right price

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  Nice Small Honda CR-V EX-L AWD (love it so far) - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Ray - January 4 - 9:02 am

  Recently picked up an 09 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD with 88,800 miles on it (This is my first Honda). Go to say, overall I am fairly impressed by it. I did a thorough overall inspection in, out, around, under, etc... and that was before I got in it to test how it drives, shifts, sounds, etc...) For having that many miles on it I have to say it looks and drives like an auto that would have half the miles on it. I cant comment on reliability and costs yet as I just picked it up a week ago. So far though, it runs, drives and looks great. I got an excellent deal at $11K purchase price. Everything in and out functions as it should and I received it with new brakes all around and new tires. I have owned a few Chevy SUVs in the past and seriously those were ready for the junk yard by the time they hit 100k miles, not to mention that they were both money pits (I do maintain my autos faithfully and do most of the maintenance work myself so I know the job is getting done correctly). I do not beat on my autos, it can be hard to determine how a machine will hold up as everyone drives and maintains there autos differently. I will try and do my best to update my review as time goes by (this one will be tested in the New England environment). We like my Honda CR-V so much that we are in the process of trading in my wifes Kia Soul (purchased new, now has 78,000 miles on it) for another Honda CRV