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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  Best SUV yet! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Arthur - January 9 - 3:02 am

  We purchased a 03 White EX-L with Gray leather 10/02 - to this day, the paint still shimmers like new, leather takes wear & tear but is flawless. This is my everyday car, 66k, no problems. Impeccable fit & finish. Extremely comfortable on a 16 hr trip. Amazing mpg, I average about 23 mpg on a tank of gas. Likes being light footed, heavy footers will suffer. Great ergonomics. Rides better than my wifes Sequoia that cost me 44k. Feels big & safe like a truck. Lots of room to spread out & huge cargo room when seats folded. Only thing done was scheduled maintenance, tires/brakes at 42k, & trans. recall. No competition, Def buying again. If its well pampered, nothing goes wrong!

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  Honda makes excellents cars - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ALBERTO ARAYA - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  I leased this car thinking I betray Mitsubishi because I own it in the past and very happy with it, until HONDA, forget it, the steering is so responsive just to begin with it, the comfort and so quiet, the brakes and transmission are very smoothly. I am so happy with this car, I have to say bye - bye Mitsubishi. No regrets´, but I find something better in the market. The dealer experience was so nice, I have to say this car is sold by it self, no chance you will be disappoint it. I almost forget with the gas. To me is economic vs. Mitsubishi obviously more miles for gallon

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  Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By DMOS - January 8 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Pilot LX AWD during the Honda year end clearance. I like this vehicle very much. I also own a Honda Civic so I am familar with the Honda vehicles. We recently took a 600 mile trip and I average 23 - 24 MPG. This was done by driving in the 60 - 65 mile per hour range. This is my first 4x4 and I like the way the Pilot drives and feel on the road.

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  the perfect 10 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By heather - January 8 - 1:00 pm

  We LOVE our new Honda...we upgraded from a 2003 Accord LX and could not be happier! We have seats that warm and satelite radio! TERRIFIC gas milage as well!

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  1 Yr Honda Element Ownership - 2006 Honda Element
  By lightcollector - January 8 - 12:44 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Element in Jan. 2006. I traded it in at the end of Dec. 2006. I bought it for big interior space and good fuel economy. How these folks can give this suv a 9-10 rating is beyond me. They must have great stereos. Engine: Fine on flat roads, uphill a struggle. Trans: Shifts smooth except uphill. Windnoise: Moderate. Roadnoise: High. Fuel Economy (Note: 2WD Auto): When I got the car average 24-25, City 23 Freeway 21. By the time I unloaded it 20-21 average, City 17-18, Hwy 19-20. Rattles: Lots. As I fixed 1 another one arrived. Body Panels: Horrible seam alignment. Ride Quality: Civic grade. Cheap. Body Sway: Enough to want to barf. Honda Service: Utter GARBAGE. Overpriced.

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  Great minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By asc - January 8 - 8:08 am

  What a great minivan! Smooth, quiet, powerful. Extraordinary reliability! Nicely designed. Chrysler/Dodge cant compare!

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  Great Car- Poor Electronic Design! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dimone - January 8 - 5:16 am

  This is my first Honda since the 90s, and I am satisfied with it so far. The only issue I have is due to a poor design in the charging system that causes the headlights to dim when the A/C cycles on. Its only for a split second, but happens about every 20 seconds in the summer-time. This is simply annoying, and makes me have some doubt as to Honda engineerings quality. The dealerships service depts are well aware of the issue, and so far Honda has not posted a resolution. The dealers are anxious to get a bulletin for repair because it is a profit generator for the service departments! I filed this complaint with the NTHSA, so for now well "wait and see" if Honda makes it right.

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  This Honda "doesnt sell itself" - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - January 7 - 11:56 pm

  Granted we are on 9 nine years and 127k miles... however, its been one problem after another (especially with the electric/sensors). We have kept it as up-to-date maintenance-wise as recommended. The catalytic converter even went... the catalytic converter! I grew up with Hondas... this is the last one.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By racecars - January 7 - 6:45 pm

  I test drove every truck out there before I purchased this truck and 16 months and 17000 miles later I love it more then ever. The only problem I have is keeping my wife from taking my Ridgeline, which she prefers to drive over her infiniti.

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  Does the job for the least money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GoingfromAtoBandBack - January 7 - 5:37 pm

  Too many people marry for looks rather than moral character, and too many people get an unreliable car with the same superficial philosophy. We couldnt be happier with our base-model Honda Civic. My car is not my identity but simply a thing to take me from A to B and back. Over the last three years, our Civic has done the job flawlessly. And we got it for the least money long- term among compact cars, except for the Corolla, which is comparable. People dont need 6 or 8 cylinders, or a car that "looks good." As drivers, we need cars that will reliably drive us on paved roads without driving up our debt or driving us crazy with repairs. The Civic builds contentment and peace in our hearts.