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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  Excellant Sedan For The Money - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ge54 - October 28 - 4:00 pm

  There is a lot to like and little to dislike about this car. Interior design, exterior design and build quality are excellent. The engine has adequate power, the dash layout is great - backlit instruments, user- friendly A/C and radio controls (no problem with the button stack layout) and plenty of bins and cup holders. The seats are a bit firm but not uncomfortable around town, still waiting to take a long trip. Road noise is higher than my previous Camry but not bad enough for a big complaint. Gas mileage so far is 22 city which should improve over time. Excellent handling. Got the car for invoice, including dealer add-ons, plus an additional $1000 discount. Excellent dealer relationship.

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  A thrilled owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Falcone - October 28 - 9:58 am

  I love my EX coupe, with a spoiler and a sunroof, and alloy rims. Though recently I have had to crank it for 2-3 seconds on a cold start. But mine has 90k miles on her, and i kinda beat the hell out of her for the entire time. And I bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty, so Im not too worried. The seats are great for long trips. Large trunk for an economy car. And Im a college student so that is important. I always tell my friends to buy a Civic. They are the only car that actually lives up to its reputation, for the better

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  Almost there - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By april - October 28 - 9:29 am

  My 2007 Honda Pilot is almost perfect. All it needs is a split window in the back and ideally a power lift gate. Of course gas mileage could be better. Other than those three things I find it PERFECT. I went from a Tahoe to a Lexus to a Honda. I dont know what took me so long.

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  Love It ! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dave - October 27 - 11:36 pm

  Best value car I have ever had. Delight to drive with room to spare. I have been getting 32-34 MPG in town and 35-38 MPG on trips. Cant wait for the 2009.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Pleasant - October 27 - 11:20 pm

  I am a previous Acura TSX owner. Before that I had an 04 Honda accord coupe. I just knew when I got my TSX I was never going to get another Honda again, until i saw the 08 Accord coupe. Got it 11/07. I totally love it!! The new body style is off the hook!! I catch people looking to see what kind of car it is all the time. I had the chrome door handles installed to give it an extra kick as I did not want to pay the extra for the V-6. The inside is much bigger than the 04 coupe and the TSX. Totally stands out. Cant wait until the summer time to let the windows down and open the moonroof!! I love my new coupe!!!

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  Not all hype! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Friend - October 27 - 11:11 pm

  Nice vehicle that is built on a Civic chassis. Yet, it lacks the power and guts that the dealer states it has...which is a total letdown. The back seats are very poor..it is almost more comfortable sitting plastic seats in the bleachers! The back seating is not made for long distance trips,just trips that are less than a mile long to the local store...think twice about these seats if you care about your guests! Where is the power in this vehicle...it struggles to pull what it is designed to pull. The gas mileage is not was it is stated on this site...it is less more like 13 and 17. Be advised twice before you purchase! BTW, there is no AWD in this vehicle..just a myth!

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  Best small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Major Disaster - October 27 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this car to replace full size pickup. Shopped around carefully with all competitors, roomiest, best use of cargo space, legendary Honda reliability and good power from large 4 cylinder, Smooth ride for SUV, Does everything I want it to do and reasonably easy on gas. Handles and rides like well behaved car, can tow small trailer (necessary criterion for me). No problems or complaints yet. Happy with Honda decision.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By T-Man - October 27 - 6:03 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, and they have been great. Nice powerful engine, smooth ride, easy ergonomics, good feel to the vehicle. Lots of room for my kids and Labrador (who can watch movies in the back). Nice ride.

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  About the Windshield - 2003 Honda Element
  By Eilleen - October 27 - 3:03 pm

  Love the Element. Best car I have ever owned. Bought it because it was so roomy and dog friendly. Dog hair just blow out the interior. Muddy feet just get a hose.

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  Best valued compact - 2012 Honda Civic
  By master_yoda - October 27 - 2:46 pm

  This is the second Civic that Ive owned. The first was a 1980 (new) hatchback. These two cars have absolutely nothing in common. On my list was the new Elantra, corolla, Jetta, SX4 sedan and the Mazda 3. I felt that after studing, selecting and judging value, the Civic came out on top. This car drives exceptionally well for a car in its class. I rented an Elantra for 24hrs and was not pleased with the comfort or the ride whatsoever. Not as powerful as the Mazda but again, you cant beat the road manners of the Civic., a real pleasure to drive, in my opinion.