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:

• 

  LX V-6, 5spd auto. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Strgazr - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had right from the start. It is powerful and agile and fun to drive. The build quality is near perfect. Id recommend this car to anyone

• 

  Sun Visor/Rear View Mirror - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vince6269 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall Great! Honda always manages to make a great car even better.

• 

  100% Improvement over previous years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By new honda guy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Honda has really outdone themselves. There is more standard features like, keyless entry, abs brakes. The new transmission is so smooth, the older models very rough. All my friends love it, and it was very affordable.

• 

  This is a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BlackSheepNY - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything that I imagined when I ordered it. There is not one bad thing to say about it. It looks great, has a great ride that is solid and oh so quiet! 21 mpg on the first tank of gas...27 mpg on my first road trip.

• 

  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By T&T - February 24 - 10:43 pm

  The 2008 Honda Pilot is a great deal, pricewise (especially with big rebates now) and quality. Honda has had over 5 yrs to work out any bugs from an already solid SUV, so I feel like I own one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. In addition, it has enough pep, is versatile and roomy inside (we love the 60/40 split 3rd row seat for extra passengers when needed without shuffling around the car seats in the second row). It rides like a heavy-feeling, rather sporty car instead of a "floaty" truck- like truck. ItÂ’s a Honda with great resale.

• 

  Nice, but ... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By joe - February 24 - 5:20 pm

  Car rides nice and looks nice. I find the drivers seat very uncomfortable but hope to get used to it in time. Not sure yet about the user interface with the navigation and bluetooth.

• 

  Great Value - Lots of Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tim - February 24 - 3:40 pm

  I started out looking at the LX and ended up with the EX sedan with Navigation - Gallaxy Gray. This feels like a lot of car for the money. Im so glad I got it. I went into the process thinking the Navigation system was a waste of money, but a friend talked me into it and Im really pleased he did. The car is sporty but has plenty of room for a 6-footer. Ive only had it a week, but Ive been pleased with every aspect. Plenty of pep on the highway, fuel economy seems excellent so far, and its a fine- looking car. Ive read about the blind- spots, but after driving a Cabrio for ten years, I feel like Im in a fish- bowl now! I now actually look forward to driving - how cool is that?

• 

  A wonderful minivan! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim - February 24 - 12:39 pm

  This vehicle has an exceptional smooth ride and no real blind spots that I could detect. I have become a fan of the Odyssey since my first purchase in 2002. I dont think I would ever own any other vehicle. Overall, this vehicle has a high rating in both safety and comfort. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has a large family and likes to travel or likes space and comfort.

• 

  Gas Mileage to Improve? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jfalkman - February 24 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the Accord Hybrid 1 week ago. Almost through the 600 mile break-inperiod. Wondering what other Accord Hybrid owners experience is with the MPG. Right now, Im only getting 25-27 combined city/highway. Thats a bit under the sticker - 31 city/37 highway. I drive 47 miles highway each way to/from work.

• 

  Love this SC - 2008 Honda Element
  By cousinvinney - February 24 - 12:13 pm

  I have driven this car from Chicago to NY to North Carolina and just love it. It really is a good city car. I am 240 lbs and this is the most roomy little car on the market. The SC doesnt have as much road noise because its carpeted rather than the rubber flooring. Mileage after 12000 miles is consistently between 18.5 and 19 city (under 7k miles15-16) always mid 20s on the road. The engine could be a little bigger - it runs at higher RPMs. The 4cyl is torquey and there is always power. Gets pushed about a little in high winds but nothing serious. Could till be a bit quieter inside. I am about to trade in a 2005 f-250 for another one - we will have a fleet i guess. Drive safe!