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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  Better deal than TL - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accorded - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord in Jan. and have 1000 miles on it with zero defects. I wanted an Acura TL with navi and they were going for MSRP with limited availability. The Accord is nearly as good - just lacking prestige. Once you get in the car and operate it, you feel like you are driving perfection. You forget you are in a Honda "family" car. This is the fastest and smoothest car I driven. Its a vast improvement over the 89 Acura Legend it replaced (except in styling). I added a rear deck lid spoiler, splash guards and chrome exhaust tips to improve on the plane-jane looks. Its good to go.

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  Way to go HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tlmg21700 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the fastest ad comfortable cars i ave ever been in it is worth all the money !!!!!!!!! V-6 6- SPEED

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  THRILLED I bought this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Joe M. - April 20 - 10:40 pm

  I expected to buy the 06 Prius, but after test driving I found the Civic handled much better and didnt have as much cabin noise. The only disappointment Ive had is the fact the engine "auto-stop" feature (when stopped at a light) doesnt always kick- in. The manual explains some of the reasons this doesnt always happen, but there are still some times I cant figure why it doesnt shut down. Thats minor, though, in light of the excellent "green rating" (#1 on some lists) and my overall satisfaction - I HIGHLY recommend this car!

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  the best car! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By cc-money - April 20 - 7:11 pm

  the honda accord is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I have the 2012 EX-L V6 with NAVI. the V6 is a very snappy engine! I definitely recommend this engine!!!!!!! it gets you on the highway fast!. I know people make you think the seats are absolutely horrible, but they arent. I could drive 12 hours without any problems. this car is awesome and so reliable!!!!!!! you definitely get what you pay for!!!!!!! We havent had any problems with it besides a check engine light and faulty sensor. (only a 100 dollar fix) the handleing is awesome! it is so responsive, it practically drives itself! a very sporty car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hope you find this helpful!

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  loving it - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By mark - April 20 - 6:58 pm

  This vehicle was selected over some great competition. I have owned Accords in the past and currently own one now. The Pilot drives like a sports car. It is easy to handle and fun to drive. I picked Honda for its reputation. The final justification was a Honda will have problems in 7 or 8 years where a domestic vehicle in the same class will have problems in 4 or 5 years.

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  Great small SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By jay - April 20 - 5:38 pm

  Great small SUV! The Element is fun to drive, feels sturdy, has a fairly smooth ride (no rattles) with little road noise. This SUV covers all of your basic needs and more, so far has been reliable, and is well worth the inexpensive price!

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim0885 - April 20 - 3:48 pm

  I am 100% satisfied with the Pilot EX. Feels like Im driving a high end car. The vehicle is so smooth and quiet and has plenty of power. Merging and passing on the highway is great. I think this vehicle is the best value for the money in this class. Its also the largest in its class. Plenty of storage space and room for my kids and their stuff.

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  Great car; excellent value - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Steve - April 20 - 4:42 am

  This car is much nicer than Mazda3 or other similar cars. Interior and controls are laid out much better. Ride is excellent and there is minimal road noise versus other similar cars. Trade-in value will always be the highest with this car!

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  2nd time around - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By kaegea - April 19 - 8:46 pm

  Just love my CR-V. This is number two. Had 2000 and gave to daughter . (she wanted to "buy it" because it was my 8- yr old car. She knew it never missed an oil change and was not in Katrina). This one has more "suave style". Other was what I called a "kicky little thing". Fun to drive. This one does not handle quite as easily (me?). Is a bit bigger and still feels different. I did have the other one 8nyears. Does do ok though. 28+ gas mileage. Bought in mid Jan 08 have 3500 miles now with a 750 mile trip in there. I do combo suburban - city drive to work.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey LX minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Don - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  I did not realize how big this Honda minivan was until I got it in my garage. Yet, it pulls hills like they werent even there. My wife loves all the extra room it has. She likes the rear seat storage compartment in the back floor as a place to put the groceries when she goes shopping. They dont slide around there.It is quiet, handles sharp curves well, effortless to drive. The overdrive works extremely well, does not jump in and out as my older vehicles did. It seems to be able to read your mind, and drops into overdrive only when the driving situation is right. On level highway the move to overdrive is gradual, until the engine rpm is down to 1100 - 1600 rpm, and quiet! 18-22 mpg in city.