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:

• 

  No regrets! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jec - September 12 - 6:53 am

  Bought this car new in 2003 and after putting 37k miles on it I have only praises. No problems with anything. The dealer did redo my brakes all the way around at about 18k due to a service bulletin, but nothing else has needed servicing.

• 

  LOVE this car! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By momoftwo - September 11 - 5:46 pm

  We recently got the EX with navigation system to replace our station wagon. I am having such a great time with this car. The drive is smooth and the power is impressive. The interior space is great, with room for a family and all the stuff that goes with it. There are so many extra features that make the whole experience so much more than any car I have owned before. The rear-view camera that comes with the navigation system is wonderful with children, pets and toys in the driveway. The audio system is awesome and is equipped with satellite radio. Drive one and I think you will have to have one.

• 

  Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jack McCormack - September 11 - 11:06 am

  I have taken this car on two long mileage trips. The highest hiway mileage I received was 55.8 and the lowest on the road was 47.9. It was fun to drive, handled very nicely.

• 

  Highly favorable review of Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lawrence Finder - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot rides well for a medium sized SUV. It has good pickup when entering a freeway, and feels more like an Accord than a truck. However, the vehicle requires more stopping distance than an Accord (the laws of physics rule).

• 

  fun to drive love the car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rhfoster - September 11 - 10:00 am

  only one thing i dislike about the car. It has only one hook in the back seat area for hanging clothes. So you can not use a hanging bar .. and I do a lot of traveling..

• 

  Best Sports Coupe under $30,000 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MattOhio1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at a variety of cars over the past several months, including Altima V-6, Mazda6, Subaru WRX I stumbled upon the Honda dealership who had a brand new Black Honda Accord EX V-6 6 speed on the lot. I was blown away as soon as a stepped into the drivers seat. The car was so luxurious compared to all the previously mentioned cars. When I pulled away from the dealership and put my foot into it I was rewarded with a European sports sedan growl. I was gone no longer than 10 minutes but I bought the car as soon as I returned.

• 

  One year with Honda Accord Ex-6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By trephil - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Switching to the Accord following 6 years driving a Subaru Legacy sedan, I thought I would really miss the security of all-wheel drive, but I have suffered no such loss. The road feel is excellent. [I switched to Honda because the refinements of the Legacy after six years were truly disappointing.Didnt even boast a remore button for the trunk lid.]In the past year we have driven several long trips and have ended each in great spirits, experiencing absolutely no driving fatigue.

• 

  Awesome new car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By zuffy - September 10 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the 2006 Accord EX-L with navi to replace my stolen 95 Accord EX. I cant believe how much technology have grown since my last car. The car is extremely fun to drive. Handles well, performance is great for a 4 cylinders, all the buttons are easily accessible. The moonroof is very slow to open/close though. I can open & close my moonroof in my 95 Accord approx. 3-4 times before the 06 completely opened or closed.

• 

  Since I bought it absolutely NO problems - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Ans - September 9 - 10:21 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid for about 3 years. I bought it used with only 25000 miles on it, it now has 74000 miles and so far Ive only replaced the battery and normal maintenance like oil change and tire rotation. This car does GREAT on mpg i get 44 mpg both in the city and highway so dont expect too much power. But overall this is a great car! Very reliable!

• 

  2009 Honda Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Ken Hovanes - September 9 - 1:20 pm

  Just bought and received an 09 Fit Sport. Feels very tight, and the first hundred miles are amazing. Its getting substantially better mileage than the EPA ratings. The car tracks very true and feels like a more expensive vehicle. The interior is finished very well and the changes from the 08 model are the perfect improvements. The wheels have a very sporty look to them and it sticks to the ground nicely. Radio is fantastic and the interaction with the iphone is perfect. Overall I would rate this vehicle as as close to 10 as you can get The price and quality are second to none.