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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  My pick for best value overall - 2006 Honda Civic
  By aleighs9 - March 21 - 12:58 am

  I recently purchased my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid w/ Navigation and it had 79,000 miles on it. I was a bit worried because the hybrid battery expired at 80,000 miles and as we know, theyre quite expensive. So far, so good though. At 85,000 miles and going strong. I love the design of the car and feel its perfect for a young person. I have been getting 36 mpg in town, but its been under 30 degrees in Iowa and mpgs have improved with temp increase. Love having the 12.3 gallon gas tank, fueling is a breeze. I think Priuses are ugly and love the way my hybrid looks. Everyone else seems to, too. CVT transmission took awhile to get used to - no shifting. But overall, dont hesitate! Buy today.

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  Absolutely Amazing! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By eilou - March 18 - 9:24 am

  My wife and I decided to trade our 14.5 MPG Nissan Armada for this wonderful 26.0 Highway MPG living room on wheels! We purchased the Touring Elite in Smokey Topaz w/Truffle interior and its beautiful. The overall performance is better than we expected and its actually fun to drive. Its kind of funny that two people with no young kids are driving a minivan. It actually rides like a luxury car. The onle complaint we have however is there is something loose rolling back and forth as you make turns from left to right in the dashboard, the dealer has already pulled the dash apart once and could not fix it. Its getting ready for round 2 a complete dashboard disassemble on Monday!

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  One Sharp Car! Must keep tires at 34+ - 2011 Honda Accord
  By nyjock9 - March 11 - 5:42 pm

  Picked up my Accord Coup EXL V6 Automatic,polished Metal Metallac,w Black leather interior on Jan 28th for 26,300$ before tax with splash and door guards,wheel locks and trunk tray included. Have 1,000 miles now and my V6 is getting 28mpg highway,15mpg city,fine for such a fast car. Ive gotten nothing but praise since i bought the car,surprised i dont see more on the road here in the NY area. One thing i did notice is the dealership had the tire pressue at bout 38lbs!,I knocked them down to bout 35 lbs of pressure and the car is getting fine mileage with great handling and response from a dead stop,any less than 35lbs and the car feels sluggish and the gas mileage drops bout 2 or 3 mpg.

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  Best car ever built in history of the world!!!!!! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By rob190 - March 9 - 12:36 pm

  Bought new in 95 now has 200000 miles on it. Aside from routine maintenance, have had to replace brakes, axle boots, radiator, drivers interior door panel, engine mount,and that is it. 30mpg, can seat 7, 8 if you put 3 kids in the rear bench, drives like a car, has a fair amount of pep, versatile interior, comfortable driving position. I pray every night that Honda will make this exact van again. In 40 years of driving, I have never loved a car this much. I will never sell it, and would like to have it buried with me when I die. If this van was a woman, I would make tender love to it every night, and take romantic walks with it on the beach every morning.

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  Great change of pace at good price, excellent performance. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By cajuncooker - March 7 - 10:10 pm

  Been driving a 98 Explorer, 99 Olds Silhouette, (Pilot replaced), and my wifes 08 Tribute what a change. Looking for something to give us driveability, comfort, roominess that could replace a minivan, but yet give us the versatility of a SUV. Enter the Pilot. After researching and driving the Equinox, Edge, Acadia, CX-9, Santa Fe, Murano, Highlander and Explorer, the Pilot just offered so much more for the value. Our first Honda, we have been very pleased. A much roomier, comfortable vehicle the Pilot is heads above the competition. Comforatable quite rider, great handling and reasonable mileage, I would highly recommend the Pilot.

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  Love my Fit! Perfect for small families on a budget - 2009 Honda Fit
  By m_h - March 7 - 12:47 pm

  We bought this car because we were looking for a newer model within our price range. We needed a car that would be reliable and could accommodate a child seat. We loved the look of the exterior of the Fit and its safety features. The car drives great, handles with a sporty ride. Seats are nothing fancy, but still comfy and durable. We can fit my sons car seat in if he is forward-facing, or rear-facing with myself in front of him. My husband is 6 ft 2" and cannot sit in front of my sons car seat when it is rear-facing and positioned behind the driver seat. The car seat cannot be put in the center seat.

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  Love this car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By idahoguy248 - March 7 - 4:42 am

  Bought my 2000 Honda Ex with 100000 miles on it. It now has 165000 and runs like new. I havent had to do anything to it except change the oil ever 3k miles. Dont know if tranny was replaced before I bought it but I dont think it was. Honda hit the nail on the head with this car. Easy on the eyes and wallet. Plan to drive another 100k.

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  I like the fit more than my old Civic - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ctscream - March 6 - 3:37 pm

  When my 1999 Civic was stolen and would have cost too much money to repair I was heartbroken. I didnt have much money at the time and couldnt afford to buy a new Civic (and the new ones didnt appeal to me) so I started looking at more affordable cars but really didnt want anything but a Honda. The Fit was a perfect match for me. What made me attracted to it was the hatchback and extra trunk space because I barely ever have passengers. When I had the Civic it was always a pain to fit things in the trunk and fold the seats down with only 2 doors. It felt cramped especially with passengers in the back seat.

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  Private Jet - 2005 Honda S2000
  By trickrat - March 5 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my 2005 in February of 2006 with 11 miles on him. I ride a Suzuki sport bike, so I have a need for speed. I was flying down the highway with the salesman, & he told me I was only in 5th gear. This car is fabulous & I will never sell him. If you love speed, love looking great topless (top down, that is), this is the car you need. The most fun you can have on 4 wheels.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dave346 - March 3 - 6:39 am

  I recently traded in my Accord for a new car. it had over 150,000 miles on it and still ran strong. Smooth powerful engine, great MPG, comfortable ride, and seemed like it could last forever. However, the transmission had to be replaced at 78,000 miles.