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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  Extended the lease - 2003 Honda S2000
  By DaDeacons - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  Hot wheel stickers are on the rockers in front of the back wheel because its Yellow and Hot. Ive driven this roadster for 4yrs and yes in the snow too! If the snow isnt too deep it goes like a 4x4. This yeller car is the most fun Ive had driving. Having driven everything else that goes fast this car is an everyday rush! 55000 miles and no problems. The most "attracting" car to the public that I have ever owned. The engine is bullet proof and 70 mph is all I have ever taken it to. It corners like a yellow Twinkie on rails. I personally think its powerful enough and boogies when I wind her up. I told myself to never fall in love with my cars but this love is a marriage made in heaven!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By TexasPilot - February 28 - 3:52 pm

  We purchased in April after owning MBZ 320, & 2- Expeditions. Evaluated Grand Cherokee, Toyotas, Accura MDX. Liked MDX but $7k more for upgraded "Pilot" was not worth it, so we got the EX-L. Mileage 22 hwy consistent at 75, great interior design, room, comfort, creature features galore-well thought out compared to MDX base model, Pilot is a great value ~ like 6 cd in dash standard. Speakers not so good with 155 w, 7 speaker system, so we did aftermarket upgrade to Eclipse~ 1000% improvment. Road noise from Goodyears cant wait to replace w/ Michelins. Overall, great value.

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  LOVE IT!!! Handles like a BMW. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By c2mlp - February 28 - 2:50 pm

  I recently bough this CR-V EX-L (with nav.) Although great handling, it does have a stiff ride, and the four cylinder engine is a joke. Fuel efficiency was not a deciding factor when purchasing. Honda really should offer an optional six cylinder for the people driving on the highways often.

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  X-B - 2006 Honda Accord
  By X-B - February 28 - 7:33 am

  The new 06 model is simply slick and look much more dynamic than the last model.

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  An outstanding vehicle! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By csg1111 - February 28 - 6:40 am

  I have put 1000 miles on and LOVE my new SUV... recommend it to anyone in the market for a flexible SUV - especially good because I can fit 2 car seats in the middle and still seat an adult between them (short trips only) ... couldnt do that in my mini-van!

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  Fuel mileage overrated - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By GaryM - February 28 - 3:20 am

  I have only driven 4000KMs; like the handling and power of this vehicle but am terribly disappointed with gas mileage. If I had known it was this bad I would not have bought this vehicle. My 8 cylinder pickup was better when towing. Its not bad when driven a long distance on the highway when not towing. Honda has severely overrated the mileage of this vehicle. It is not even close to the numbers they suggest. Towing mileage is brutal, 20.1 lts/hundred over 300kms. They should have installed a bigger tank because you are constantly stopping for fuel. I find this vehicle has a lot of road noise compared to my last vehicle. Its possible its the type of tires but it should be better.

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  If you want super gas Mileage... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - February 27 - 6:20 pm

  I just bought a 2006 after driving a 2000 Odyssey for 125,000 miles. No problems to speak of with the old one, so this decision was easy. Nice redesign and much more comfortable ride and interior than old one. As far as complaints on gas go, these are large vehicles and they are not gas mileage champs. If you are getting 20 avg you should be happy. Overall a fantastic vehicle.

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  Treat yourself... - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Jae_Rex - February 27 - 3:48 pm

  I bought this car used in the Fall of 2005 with 31,000 miles. I was driving a Acura GS-R at the time, and I always loved the performance and reliability that Honda had to offer. The next natural step was the S2000. I thought why not treat myself? Young, single, and when would I be able to buy a car like this again? I test drove it, and made the plunge. I was sold! I love the driving experience, and I always get compliments from people who have never seen the car. They cant believe its a Honda! It is an affordable exotic, without the "exotic" car headaches and maintenance nightmares.

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  New To Honda Family - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By New To Honda Family - February 27 - 2:20 pm

  Our mini van died and forced us into looking at vehicles sooner than expected, but had already started with a plan to purchase at year end. Looked at RAV-4s (didnt like tire attached to tail gate), Murano (too expensive), Escape (already have one, but didnt like the MPG and really no significant design change since early 2003). I was adamant about getting a V- 6 until I drove the CR-V and was astonished at the 4 cyl power! With the functional interior and no non- sense design I am extremely happy so far. Nice sensible vehicle!

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  05 Accord Lx 4-cyl - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jessica Mayer - February 27 - 3:13 am

  Looks really dressed up after the purchase of 17 inch wheels to get rid of factory wheel covers, tinted windows, and spoiler added. To be a 4cyl automatic, car doesnt do bad in the city, real well on highway, very stable at above posted speed limits. No complaints from this car, only reg maintenance, oil changes etc, no problems, avg 25 city, have gotten 36 on highway.