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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  Need improvements in ... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By alu - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Own a 2001 EX 4Cyl. Overall, it is a nice car. Regret to pick black color. It looks nice at first but when there is a door ding, it shows clearly; And also it will show dirt clearly too if not washed frequently. The car is so far trouble-free. It drives nicely. The suspension is bit stiff when I feel really tired. It holds the corner or curve well with precise steering. Transmission is ok. It cruises quietly, effortlessly at 70-75mph. However, when it starts from stop, it is sluggish at 15-20mph.

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RockyF3 - December 18 - 9:40 pm

  I like the car. Best mileage going to Vegas on cruise at 70 was 40.6. Real world 30. Great deal on car and warranty. Car was Honda Fit Sport 5peed.

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  Honda Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By denvrfan - December 18 - 1:53 pm

  We just took delivery on a new Ridgeline RTL with moonroof. Initial impression: WOW! This is my first truck although you can hardly tell that its a truck. It rides like a well-mannered SUV (ie Pilot or MDX). It is quiet inside, very roomy and loaded with all kinds of innovative storage ideas. Plenty of power although Im sure it would be challenged if I ever decided to tow something. This is certainly not my intent. Rather, it will be a great vehicle for garden center runs, any other light duty hauling. Frontier, Tacoma, even F150 shoppers should drive this vehicle before making a buying decision.

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  Love My CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Winfred Smith - December 18 - 8:03 am

  Ive been driving big cars for somewhile and made the switch because offuture gas prices. The CR-V is really fun to drive and Im 63". There is a solid feel to this car that I have not seen for a long time. There is plenty of power and the handling is very nice. I got 28.5 mpg on a trip last week. The room in this SUV is amazing. My CR-V was built in Japan which explains the high quality of this car. I may buy another one for my wife. Remember $3.00 gas by mid summer.

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  Simply awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DefensorFortis - December 18 - 4:20 am

  I have only owned my Honda Civic EX Coupe for two months and I LOVE IT!! I drove it so much in the past 60 days that I have already accumulated 4,000 miles. My average mileage has been 31 mpg for city and about 35 mpg on the highway (75mph).

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  It aint no old lady - 1994 Honda Accord
  By beanpole - December 18 - 1:12 am

  Dont hate! This is probably the best car ever! One of the last Accords made-in and imported from Japan. After all these years, it still taunts most other vehicles on the road. Agile and spry. The least wiggle room on a busy highway just makes this jackrabbit more fun! During the last 13yrs. of ownership, this Honda had only one major repair and was my fault for not heeding factory recall of front seal. Time lapsed and I paid! It was a good opportunity to replace the timing belt, all seals and other rubber parts. Texas climate probably would have worn em out soon enough. Last week, it needed a $240 ignition switch. Ooh! Still gets 25-30mpg and rockets to 110mph. Who needs a hybrid?

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  2008 Accord LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Roy - December 17 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned my Accord for about 6 weeks and am fairly satisfied with the car. A big disappointment was that the brake rotors were warped with only 125 miles on it. The dealer turned the rotors and all is OK now, but it makes me wonder if Hondas quality is slipping. These are my thoughts: Pros: Fun to drive, fairly roomy, looks good, gas mileage is OK (28 MPG combined), but not as good as Honda advertises. Cons: Most uncomfortable seats in any vehicle I have ever owned. Even though the seat is powered, it will not adjust low enough in the front to keep pressure off the back of my thighs. The seat is also very hard and becomes unbearable after a couple of hours driving.

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  LX Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CDiggity - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Pilot. The only complaint I have for the LX model is that Honda almost goes out of its way to differentiate the LX from EX. The upholstry and wheels for the LX, for example, seem almost purposefully cheap-looking to differentiate the models. Whereas there are plenty of real differentiators that easily sell the EX: sound system, trim, roof bars, etc. Other than small complaints like that, the Pilot is the best SUV on the road.

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  Road and interior review. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By David Hicks - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Too much understeer, very poor tires, torque steer very bad while turning from a stop. TAKE OFF THE VERY STUPID top speed limiter (131mph). Why sell a sport cpe with limited top speed. BMW and Mercedes uses 155 MPH. Overall a very fun car to drive, excellent fuel economy. A better grade of alloy wheels would help, such as a polished or chrome. AM/FM radio sounds very poor, needs much better speakers and higher power amp. This would beat any car in this and higher MSRP. Overall very good!

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  First Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dirkbob - December 17 - 10:00 am

  After hearing years of people raving about Honda quality, I broke down and purchased an Accord EX, After only two weeks, I can say that I doubt I will ever by any vehicle other than Honda. Car is great and fun to drive. If the quality holds up as expected, it will easily be the best buy I have made.