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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  The Best - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By christina - March 24 - 11:56 am

  I purchased this van at 80,000 miles. It now has 246,000 miles and still run like a champ. It is quite, smooth and great on gas. The only thing I had to replace on this van was the wheel bearings at 200,000 miles and of course breaks and rotors, which my dad and I replaced. The sensor in the cat. converter went out, but didnt replace it and no I havent replaced the muffler cuz it doesnt need it. The ignition switch was recalled so I replaced that cuz it was free. That is it oh yeah had to replace the starter again did it with my husband. I love this van. Went from Ohio to Daytona beach for $300.00 in gas at 3.27 a gal.

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  No Complaints - 2000 Honda Accord
  By E Serrano - March 24 - 11:19 am

  Started driving this car with 11k on in in 2000. I now have 158k on it. Very comfortable and still a blast to drive. The V6 is quick and the handling is smooth. My sister has the 2003 and it does not compare. The suspension on this model is much smoother, rides like a luxury car. Have had previous Cadillac owners tell me it rides like a Caddy! The EX trim leaves nothing to be desired. I have had the transmission replaced after factory recall. Just replaced the 02 sensor. Other than an alternator replacement, no big issues with the reliability.

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  Nearly Perfect Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Chandler Phillips - March 24 - 10:49 am

  Ive driven a lot of cars and I can honestly say, it doesnt get much better than this for the money. I wanted good gas mileage, utility and performance. It handles great, the utility far surpasses my expectations and the gas mileage is, well, acceptable. Its a perfect around-town car: easy to park, great visibility, flexible seating and cargo set up. And I like the way it is simple, no frills. Honda put its effort in the right place.

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  Really Nice - Not Great - One Sour Note - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ChiliMac - March 24 - 10:32 am

  Purchased new in 1993 - the first off of the lot. As of March, 2008 it has 136,000 on it - almost all city with a once-a-year or so long highway trip. Mileage VG 27 city, 30+ highway. Have replaced radiator (2x), starter (2x), CV half shafts, clutch slave and master cylinders, misc. relays, etc. Mechanically, its never really let me down. My complaint is the paint -- the dreaded Honda clear-coat paint failure hit. It looks like C*!%. Roof, trunk, hood, etc. Honda wont cover any of it ("...normal wear and tear..."). So Im supposed to justify $500-to-$1,000 for new paint on a car thats now worth $2,500. Despite my satisfaction otherwise, I dont plan on buying another Honda.

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  2005 Pilot EX-L - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bucky - March 24 - 4:26 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 6 months and 9000 miles. The vehicle is extremely peppy. The horsepower is rated at 255. I think the 2006 Pilot is rated at 240. Can this be right? My Pilot is white and has the rear A/C and all windows are tinted. It was one hot summer here in Dallas and this thing kept me cool. A $9 oscillating fan in the back helps things too. Ive had two four wheel drive adventures in the Pilot. The first one was in 5 inch deep mud. I was nervous and put the VTM 4 switch on. The Pilot pulled out of the mud fairly easily. The second time was yesterday in some damp grass and Im guessing a 30 degree angle. It went right up twice. Once with the VTM off and then with the VTM off.

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  Great truck, could use more power - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Woby - March 23 - 8:16 pm

  Used as a commuter and family trips. Occasional off road use at the beach or back roads. Great in the sand. Ride is excellent. Power is lacking - slightest hills on the highway cause downshift. No maintenance issues after 36,000 miles. Very comfortable for 4 adults. A little tight for 5 or with a baby seat installed and 4 adults. In bed trunk is awesome, dual action tailgate is very convenient.

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  T otally Disappointed - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ginger - March 23 - 12:35 pm

  I purchased this car without hesitation because of my experience with my previous 88 Civic which was the perfect car...great gas mileage and NEVER gave me even the slightest problem. This one has been troublesome from the get go. Everything about it just seemed cheap and flimsy. But my major problems were mechanical. I kept having to take it to the shop because of the oxygen sensor which for some reason the dealership couldnt get corrected. Then my transmission had to be replaced as soon as the warranty run out. The current transmission is not doing too well either. It feels as if its out of line, but I have had it aligned twice and nothing helps. This car has soured me on Honda.

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  Best crossover - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By hillmanjim - March 23 - 10:56 am

  We compared all the crossovers and the CRV came out the winner. We are very satisfied. Had a 97 Merc Villager, and the CRV is a quieter ride with a lot of nice features. 4 cylinder has plenty of pep. Still getting used to the smaller size, but the overall handling is very good.

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  My awesome Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Judd66 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot! I have told many people that all I need now is a stewardess. This drives like every Honda car I have ever had - smooth! But it is an SUV. I would encourage anyone looking for an SUV to drive the Pilot before you buy anything else!!!

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  quiet rough ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Zack Ery - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a horse drawn wagon, rough, I expected better. Quiet ride, handles well,