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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  We love it! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rockiedave - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We recently bought our Pilot and were lucky that the day we called, they had one that was available! We paid MSRP, but when I compared that to what I could buy an Explorer for, it made my decision easy. The prices were very similar, but the Pilot is a Honda. We love everything about the car from the 8 passenger seating, to the DVD entertainment system in the back. A lot of reviewers feel that the styling is not very agressive, but I think it looks great! Acceleration is good and the sound system is powerful and includes a subwoofer.

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  Near Perfect - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By chazmeister - September 25 - 2:00 am

  After reading a lot of good reviews on Honda Pilot, we finally purchased one. This SUV is everything the reviews said it was: it has good fit & finish, ideal size, nice looks and excellent ride. Having driven Hondas in the past, I do not anticipate any reliability problems down the road.

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  Come-up - 2002 Honda Accord
  By dannie254 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Im totally in love with this car. Perhaps it is because Im making a come- up from a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. After replacing the transmission 7 times - yes 7 - reliability was at the top of my list of priorities. The dealership, Sussman Honda in Philadelphia, treated me well and I got a great deal. I went into the dealership ready to buy a Civic. When I saw this car, I fell in love. Not only was it an emotional buy, but it was a smart buy too! I plan to keep this one until it falls apart, but I have a newfound loyalty to Honda now.

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  End All, Be All! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Hunch - September 24 - 4:14 pm

  Having owned 7 cars in the past 10 years, including a Lexus, a BMW, an Infinity, and an assortment of others, THIS is the car Ive been looking for! I thought I was looking for luxury, but what I REALLY was looking for was the purity of performance in a great looking convertible! I tested the BMW Z4 and the Nissan 350z, but they paled in comparision, especially if you consider price in the equation. Ive never felt this "connected" to a car. As you slide into the cockpit, you become one. Every aspect involves you. I dont miss the bells and whistles. In fact, their absence makes me enjoy this car even more! My advice? Take one for a test drive before you buy ANY other sports car!

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  Perfect economic car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Edwin - September 24 - 3:23 pm

  It is a nice economic package the DX trim and it performs as an EX in a complete driving experience. The wheels are very nice, and its sporty look and the inches factory lowered give it something extra.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Paul T - September 24 - 9:43 am

  I shopped and shopped for weeks. Being a Nissan fan I drove a Murano, Pathfinder, and then the Pilot. The others had some very good points and did their own thing very well. But the best overall SUV for a family is the Pilot. Pathfinder felt small inside and the Murano looks great but only holds 5 people. the Pilot drives like a dream. Its smooth and pretty quiet, you get some road noise but no wind or engine. I even can sit pretty comfortable in the 3rd row. You can not say that about most of the midsize SUV class. The price was less than the other two and they did not have leather. Great SUV and a great value!! I highly recommend it!

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  Good Job Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By GumDoc - September 23 - 4:03 pm

  Was the first in my town to get the vehicle. Got looks on the highway while test driving. First car my kids fit in the backseat without a complaint. Nice features for the price. Handles road well. Great stereo. Noise canceling a big plus for a Honda.

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  Element: SUV for Any Lifestyle - 2007 Honda Element
  By KovacAttittude - September 23 - 12:16 pm

  Honda reliability and quality is profoundly evident with the Honda Element. The suspension provides agile handling for such a high-profile vehicle. Acceleration is smooth and responsive at virtually any range. Overall driving experience was excellent with agile car-like handling. Every minute behind the wheel of this Element makes you like it more and more. This Element is much more than transportation it is a lifestyle companion that adjusts to any need whether transporting the family for weekend activities or carrying large objects for weekend home projects.

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  The best that I could have bought! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kyle Fortson - September 23 - 6:30 am

  I have no complaints whatsoever about the vehicle. I have an 88 Accord LX, with only 122,000 original miles on it, and everything works. The only reason that I bought the new one was because I could not see putting the money into the old one for new tires, rims, etc. to spruce it up. So, I bought my 05, and I am ecstatic. The engine performance is amazing. I only wish the mileage was better, but then I am using the 88 (4 cylinder and 5-speed) as my yardstick.

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  Dr Dons car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Don Kitch - September 22 - 9:20 pm

  I like the way it handles. I like the braking. The new dash is a big improvement. It is a real fun car to drive. Honda has done an excellent job and done it with quality.