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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  longtime Honda owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By longtimeowner - May 26 - 1:13 am

  This is my 4th new Honda I purchased this car in 12-03 I have had excellant service from the car. I think it is a good little car the quality is well above average. The service intervals suggested by Honda are long. I have had no problems with fit and finish. I could suggest this ride for anyone needing a "GOOD SMALL CAR"

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  Feel like driving offroad - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Al - May 25 - 9:03 pm

  From experience, brakes with tranny and ABS on this car make something hard to control. For example, when I drive at 60 mph and need to slow down to 20 mph fast, I press brakes moderately and feel tranny first gear down and RPMs go up, then it suddently drop the RPMs and feel like stalling out for a fraction of a sec, becoming really shaky, while gas pedal feel solid and hard to move. Then I press the gas pedal slowly for 1 sec, the tranny switches the gear up very rough, and after I release it, gets even worse, creating a clattery vibration in the cockpit. It seems that tranny confused which way to shift, and keep on clattering back and forth until I go faster.

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  Fit As a FIDDLE - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Don Cook - May 25 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this new Honda after much research, and trading in my 03 Element.This vehicle is extremely comfortable and is nimble and very steady on the road. Check out Car and Driver for May 06..beats 15 other cars in the Fits catagory..Rated #1 on all levels and 50mpg on the Highway and excellent crash test results. Honda is again the benchmark for vehicles and purchase price wont kill the pocketbook.

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  I love it - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ashlyn - May 25 - 10:43 am

  I love the car I just got. Its so nice inside. I love the leather. I would recommend it to others. It drives so smooth and is just wonderful!

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  Tough customer - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Roger - May 25 - 6:40 am

  Has the 5 speed automatic, which I could find on no other 2004 4-cylinder car. Im 6 4" and fit pretty well,find the seat comfortable and driver position good. A requirement was that I fit in the back seat, which I do, with no headroom problems (Camry failed this test). Handling is good with sport suspension and tires--twisty roads are fun. Brakes have great feel but are a tad weak,the antilock brake system works well. Engine is smooth and has zing. Tranny is uncanny, as is the cruise control. Interior is stylish and practical, heating and a/c work fine. A slight buzz developed after a bad Spokane pothole. Exterior is good- looking,somewhat stubby rear end--if you like gaudy, get a Pontiac.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive ever owned! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert Ponce - May 24 - 11:11 pm

  And, Ive own a lot! American and foreign cars all by being in the Air Force. I used to buy and sell cars from military folks who were switching assignments to and from other bases. I worked on all makes and models on my last count approx 30 cars and a dozen motorcycles. I personally owned cars for no more than 2 years tops! Not until I bought this 1995 Odyssey in 01/1996 on a year end close out! Ive had it now for over 12 years and it has 415,000 miles. None of my friends can believe that Im still driving my white Honda Odyssey? Ive only replaced the timing belt and master cylinder and CV Joints and about 6-7 sets of tires! Im keeping her!

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  Love the pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By amatoleo - May 24 - 10:40 pm

  Wife & I just got the 2010 pilot and we are very happy, its very roomy, smooth, and good performance. If it is as reliable as other hondas, we will be good to go for long time. Great hauler for a family of 6. Interoir is well made and well thought out. Have owned many suvs but this one just feels right.

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  First 4-Door - 2005 Honda Accord
  By darkridrDE - May 24 - 8:23 pm

  Took possession of my new Accord on Christmas Eve. I wanted a change from my unreliable VW 2door. I had been very impressed with the navigation and sound system in a friends TL and realized I could have almost all the same features at a much lower price in the Accord. It has a powerful V6, with decent mileage to boot. Plenty big enough cabin/trunk space and just about every feature I could ask for in a car. This particular model must not be too popular, as the dealer had a hard time tracking down an EX-V6 with Navi. Foglights and rear lip spoiler added just the right touch.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cmf - May 24 - 3:50 pm

  The care handles extremely well. in the first snowfall, it was above average. I wish all wheel drive was an option. The heated outside mirrors was a big plus. My daughter loves the DVD. the leather is easy to clean. Easy to use fold up/down rear 60/40 split seat. Easy access to third seat even with second row middle seat in. The second row windows that open are EXCELLENT!!!

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  Towing - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By lucas - May 24 - 11:51 am

  Bought my truck specifically for a cross-country relocation. Refused to let me down going through the mountains in Colorado. Stayed strong towing a 5x8 trailer (@11-14 mpg!) average almost 18 mpg city/highway combined, which is pretty good for a pick-up truck.