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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  Great econo-car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By daytonaguy - October 25 - 1:13 pm

  Traded down from a 2004 Accord for better mileage so there was a bit of an adjustment there. Seemed very underpowered compared to 2.4 L in the Accord. But for the money, its really hard to beat this car. Like all Hondas, fit and finish is very good. A bit more hard plastic inside than I would like (suffers compared to the Accord) but I like the dash design much better. Arrangement of radio and climate controls nicely done and very ergonomic. Handling is excellent, on par with the Accord, despite the lack of double wishbone. Seats are not nearly as good as the Accords but still not bad. Mileage has been as rated. Noisier than I would like. Overall A- or B+.

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  Sporty and SAFE! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By cyndi80 - October 25 - 12:49 pm

  I was in a major accident in my 01 Accord coupe in July 07. Someone ran a stop sign and plowed into me going about 30 miles/hr. Although the car was totaled, I walked away without a scratch and did not even have soreness or a headache the next day! In all honesty, I did not buy the car for anything other than fun and sportiness. I am so glad I did though. I am convinced I would have been hurt in another car (the other driver was non-seriously injured). I felt so safe and good about my car, I went out and bought a new Accord, and refused to look at anything else! What a great car.

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  97 SE accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By SeattleGirl - October 25 - 11:53 am

  I purchased this car with 55,000 miles on it in Nov 00. I now have 140,000 and its still going. Do regular oil changes and maintenance. The dealer tells me the oilpan has slight leak, which I wont pay to repair and they say I might never need to repair (pricey fix, like about $1000). Slow window motors, weak AC, great gas mileage, reliable car that looks good too. Ill drive it until it dies, which I hope isnt before 200,000 miles. It is my daily driver to work, Id love to get a new one but cant see getting rid of such a great car. It was worth the $14,000 paid 7 years ago.

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  Pretty good car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ferds - October 25 - 10:20 am

  Fun to drive, very good mileage, interior is ok, reliable, handling is good and I like the performance.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hal R - October 25 - 9:41 am

  This is a very comfortable good running car. I also own a 2007 Honda Accord V6 and this 4 cyl Accord performs equally as well. Its hard to tell them apart.

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  Top Notch Minivan - I own 2 of them! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By MIchael Shafer - October 25 - 8:16 am

  Loved it so much, I bought another one...top notch quality, ride is exceptional, quiet, fit and finish, only other true competitor to the Odyssey is the Toyota....Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, Buick - not even close in any aspect......

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  My Best Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bob G - October 25 - 7:58 am

  My 2006 Honda Pilot was my first SUV. It is also the first vehicle I have owned that never required a visit to the dealer or repair shop. It was perfect from the day I started the engine. I have owned GM and Chrysler products in the past, so have a pretty good basis of comparison. A Honda will be my next choice.

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  Love My Honda - 1994 Honda Accord
  By E Barksdale - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Best auto Ive ever owned. Purchased new in 93 and 178,500 miles later, it still runs just as good as the day I drove it off the lot. Weekly trips from Atlanta to Columbus GA during a 3 year period it never left me stranded.(Extremely Reliability) HONDA MAKES EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILES!!

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  Happy Honda motoring - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RCM - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we are very happy with our purchase. A couple of things that I have noticed, as have other Pilot owners, are that the leather on the seats tends to get unattractive wrinkles in it quite easily and the paint seems to scratch/chip quite easily. The Pilot is a solid vehicle which provides the room and seating capacity of a van and the versatility of 4WD. On a trip to Colorado right after our purchase, the DVD entertainment system was worth its weight in gold with our two young children riding in the back. We averaged in the low 20s for mileage.

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  The Premier Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Phil Marlowe - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I test drove Mazda, Dodge, and the Odyssey. The Odyssey had the best features for the money. I have owned several cars and trucks for about 30 years, but this vehicle is the most enjoyable one I have owned. It is fun to drive and has been a pleasure to ride in. I hope that I still will love it after more miles are put on it.