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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  WOW! - 2007 Honda Element
  By tkcox - October 8 - 10:34 pm

  My wife was against this "box" as I kept dropping the hints for the past 3 years. MUCH more comfortable for a 65, 230 male I told her. Being that the 2003 model was a rough ride (at best) - she was hesitant considering I bought it without test driving. I was not disappointed. Lots of room, fun to drive and SHE LOVES IT. Home run. Literally. :-)

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Deanne - October 8 - 2:40 pm

  I just got my fourth Honda and love this one the best. Its looks, drive, comfort and economics are awesome. It is way above and beyond my 2005 Honda Civic that I thougth was great by the way. This one is streamlined, inside and out. I would highly recommend this Honda to anyone interested in buying the best car!

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  I love the Honda Accord! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Liz - October 8 - 2:04 pm

  This is one of the best cars I ever had! I mean of all the cars I had. Runs great! No major mechanicals problems. Just Starter and battery. Beyond empress for this car! Talk about only 30$ on gas! I will never get rid of it is the best! Even if I decided by new car this Honda will always stay! Even though I bought as salvaged it was the best!

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  I love the Honda Accord! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Liz - October 8 - 2:04 pm

  This is one of the best cars I ever had! I mean of all the cars I had. Runs great! No major mechanicals problems. Just Starter and battery. Beyond empress for this car! Talk about only 30$ on gas! I will never get rid of it is the best! Even if I decided by new car this Honda will always stay! Even though I bought as salvaged it was the best!

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  at the 35000 mile mark - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Vincent Takeda - October 8 - 9:46 am

  The fancy floormat upgrade was a bad decision. Such soft rubber my heel tore a hole through it in less than 3 months... Acceleration only seems bad right off the bat from being so used to other vehicles... once the comparison bias wore off, its zippy enough in sport mode. Agree that the touch climate controls are unresponsive and having to look at them is annoying. Didnt think Id mind but I seem to. Love the magic seats. Would have loved the gauges to have a way to switch between english and metric. Love the maintenance notifications. Super love the backup and turn cameras. Engine way quieter than a prius under load and the CVT behaves really well. They need to get on the ball with android integration for that touchscreen, and though its nice to finally have a car that can play mp3 files from a usb stick directly, it would be nice if the sound suite could catch up to modern software technology and offer features like pitch and tempo bending like my maple app does. Would have liked roof rack to be standard issue, not top tier. Even kia soul gives you the roof rack, man!

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  Just plain HAPPY - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By George - October 8 - 1:13 am

  Solid as a rock SUV, thought the pick- up it has is great with the 4speed. Standard features and quality are just great.

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  Get the best, forget the rest - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By hugoz - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 02 EX-LRES, and this is the best vehicle Ive ever driven. All things considered, the Ody is pretty darn close to perfect: style, comfort, performance, room, safety and value. Nothing else comes close. Ive owned three Honda Accords, and the interior design, fit and finish is very similar, only better. I dont understand any of the criticisms about the "cheap" interior or bad ergonomics. On the contrary, with leather, the interior is luxurious. And with the 8-way power drivers seat with lumbar support, if you cant feel comfortable in this van, then you better look for a custom-made vehicle.

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  Great Steal for low money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Sue Jones - October 7 - 10:00 am

  For clearance and way under sticker this car is great. Just bought for $5000 under sticker, because of the pending 2003 design change. Great pick up, interior confortability, as if your floating on clouds. Cant beat for the low price and dependability.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Elizabeth Hance - October 7 - 8:36 am

  I had a 15 Pilot and just purchased a 16 AWD Pilot and it is like night and day! The drive is a totally different feel! I absolutely love my car! The only complaint is with the touch screen. I wish they had something to go over the screen so you dont see all the finger prints. And sometimes when I first crank the preset radio stations do not show. But I just power off the radio and restart it. Love love my new Pilot!!

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  Sporty sedan - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ray - October 7 - 12:22 am

  I drove a 2003 Acura CL and traded it in for the 2016 Civic. I love the way it drives and love, love the gas milage. Im in a lease right now but at the end of the lease a may purchase. I love my new Civic.