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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  Excellent buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chialx - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Had purchased an 04 Camry. The ride was smooth but interior ergonomics was horrible. Driver seat squeaked and front end had a problem they never fixed. Traded it in for the Accord and there is no comparison. Honda DOES know how to build solid vehicles and has one of the better interior designs of any maker. The look and feel of the 04 Accord is the best for the money.

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  Great Start - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff - August 3 - 10:36 pm

  I have only had the vehicle for less than two months. So far I have had no problems. I traded in my old Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Pilot. In terms of ride, handling, & interior design the Pilot is superior to my old Jeep (which I really enjoyed). The Pilot seats are more comfortable than the Jeep seats, though the Jeep seats were excellent for long trips & I have to not yet had the Pilot on an extended trek to make that level of comparison. I have yet to experience snow or more than very light off-road conditions so I cant compare performance in tough going as of yet.

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  Biggest Bang for the $$$$ - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - August 3 - 1:36 pm

  Im a certified Master technician. My wife and I researched for months and finally purchased the honda. The toyota was a close runner-up. Quality and resale are my biggest concerns and Honda has an excellent track record. I agree with many of the posts, Honda should consider focusing more on the convenience issues.

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  New Accord SE excellent value - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bkm_mv - August 3 - 10:43 am

  Have owned this car for two weeks now. Typical Honda: Excellent ergonomics, build quality. Rock solid; more so than similar Camry. Drivetrain smooth and powerful; ample acceleration. Pleasant surprise considering its a 4 cylinder. Pricey compared to competition but you get what you pay for. Has everything I need without excess "gimmicks." Fuel economy near EPA hwy. rating when driven on the hwy. at reasonable speeds.

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  The Fit fits Everything - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Melissa - August 3 - 5:00 am

  Ive had the Fit for only 6 months and I like it more and more everyday. Gas mileage is great. There is so much cargo space for such a little car. I can fit my Mountain Bike in the back without having to break it down. Love the cargo space. Its great in the snow for such a little car. This little car has some power behind it. The ratio between the steering wheel and the pedals is a bit uncomfortable. I think a telescoping steering wheel would easily solve this. Sound system is loud and on the loudest setting no static!

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  Large car comfort with stick shift mpg - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike L - August 3 - 1:43 am

  Bought the 2008 Accord EX-L 5M after waiting 2 months for 2009 Sonata SE 5M (Hyundai would not confirm delivery). Im getting 33-34 mpg after 800 miles of ~80% highway driving (60-65 mph). This car has plenty of acceleration for my driving style. I hope to get better mileage on extended highway trips. I think the mileage would be even better with a 6-speed stick shift to drop the tachometer from ~2300 rpm to <2000 rpm at 60 mph.

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  Best Honda Yet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda5101 - August 2 - 8:13 pm

  This new Accord is absolutely amazing! The ride is great, the noise level is low, the features are ergonomic, everything is perfect. This is without a doubt the number one car in the segment!

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  very diappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By not impressed - August 1 - 8:56 pm

  It is the most uncomfortable car I have driven. I am at a little over 600 miles and only getting 25 mpg on the hwy! I did months of research and THOUGHT i was making a wise buying decision. I wont buy another.

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  Love This Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mason Miller - August 1 - 2:22 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. I bought mine used with 67,000 miles on it in 2013 and always had people asking me what year it was. I only did oil changes and the car always performed as asked. Good get up and go for a four cylinder and decent gas mileage. If you can get a good deal on one I would not hesitate!!

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  Updated review - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JV - August 1 - 1:56 pm

  I originally posted a review in September just after I bought the car. I figured since Ive been driving it for 7 months and 15,000 miles Id post an update. I appreciate this car more each day! Ive been averaging a shade under 51 mpg over the 15,000 miles. Interstate MPGs (75mph variety) drop the car to about 45 mpg so I stopped taking it. I live about 50 miles from my job and it takes me about an hour to get there. Very comfortable car with lots of head room and shoulder room. This car far exceeded my expectations.