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 car - superior crash performance - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 1st-time Honda Owner - April 25 - 12:31 pm

  I owned the 2005 Accord EX-L 2.4L 4cyl for exactly two years. Then I took a direct hit in the drivers door from an SUV going 40-50+ mph - and walked away on a cane three days later! Not many sedan car owners can say that!! I have only 2 hairline fractures in my pelvis, which should heal in 6 to 12 weeks. Im definitely buying another Accord. I also had this vehicle on three New England trips of 3,000 to 5,000 miles each. Very comfortable ride, easy handling. The leather and dual climate controls preempted those temp-related spousal fights so its worth the extra $1,000 in price.

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  Not a bad little car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pauly - April 25 - 11:46 am

  We wanted to go green. We didnt know how wed adjust coming from 2 new Audi A4 quattros (a 98 and 05). We got this and we dont regret it. It has enough zip. Its comfortable & roomy enough for 4 adults. Ive only filled the tank 5 times. The first 4 I averaged about 36/37 MPG. This last one I did about 38 MPG. (402 miles on 10.5 gallons). Not bad comparing to my Audi but not the 40/45 advertised. The car was bucking this afternoon. Dont know what it is. I have about 1,500 miles on it now and its not the first time its happened. Overall I like the car and like the economy payment and low gas cost. We must all conserve folks. Buy economical. We liked it better than the Prius.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondanomore - April 24 - 3:12 pm

  Purchased new and vehicle was fine until it got to 45,000. Transmission seals failed ($900). Dealer said out of warranty so you pay. Trannys first scheduled service was 45,000. Dash board lights started to fail at 50,000. Now at 75,000 tranny is dead and must be replaced ($5,500). 34 years of car ownsership and never owned anything nearly this bad. Just glad my 12-year old Ford with 210,000 miles on it is reliable.

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  Civil Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Hybrid happy - April 24 - 2:30 pm

  Great car. Practical, yet fun to drive, for both technical husband and non-car person spouse (daily driver). MPG is 39.2 with every tankful documented over life of car/hard urban and rural driving/not babied - can maintain 80 mph climbing long Allegheny mntn grades, even after losing electric boost - CVT compensates effortlessly by adjusting engine rpms without kickdown! 45-50 mpg maintained only if cruising level at 45-55 mph. Honda (our first) quality evident but took long time to resolve severe dash rattle. OE tires designed to max mpg a bit unsure on curves and traction. Replaced at 50K with Yokohama Avid 4s - very good, only about one mpg drop-off. Great car.

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  Your get there - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By william morrison - April 24 - 12:06 am

  My 2006 pilot is a good looking SUV. Its in a class of the MVX Is stand out is it own class. Good on gas, rides good quite ride.

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  Little Ms. Almost Perfect - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kevin - April 23 - 8:03 pm

  This car is comfortable, refined, safe, well mannered and the driving experience is consistently uneventful. In bronze, the car looks classy and conservative. The motor offers reasonable power and is quiet. The automatic transmission is smooth and deliberate. The cabin is quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy is excellent.

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  Civic Hybrid - Awesome MPG! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brien - April 23 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my Civic Hybrid about two months ago and have put over 5000 miles on it already. I live out in the country and do a lot of highway miles but also work in the city. For my last 150 miles (which was almost all highway) I got ~57 mpg. Over all for the ~5200 miles Ive driven, Im getting 48 mpg! Ive had no issues at all and the Civic has enough pep for getting on the highway, or climbing hills. The mileage started (during the first few weeks) around 43-44 mpg, but has continued to improve. As a driver with a hybrid, you can become more concerned with mpg than mph. Ive learned to drive slower to enhance my gas mileage.

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  Very Uncomfortable Leather Seats Design - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Hal - April 23 - 4:44 pm

  Overall quality car except bad front leather seats and headrests that are totally uncomfortable. Bad design! Gas miles are as good as claimed.

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  V6 06 6spd - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dave215 - April 22 - 1:53 pm

  After testing a few cars in its class I decided to buy this one due to the price and general feel of the car. It doesnt have as many of the frills as others (Maxima, TL, even 07 Camry SE) and doesnt have as much HP and torque, but was a nice ride. Theres enough power and the style is conservative but sleek. Probably the only gripe I have is that the clutch is a little funny. I thought it was just my lack of skills with a stick but after letting a few of my buddies drive it and after driving a few other cars, I realized that its the cars problem. I read a few forums and other people stated the same problem. 1st and 2nd gear is a bit picky about the way you shift and release the clutch.

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  02 5 speed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Altoon - April 22 - 7:43 am

  So far I like nearly everything about this vehicle. My only complaint is that I could use a little more leg room.