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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  An All Around Excellent Performer - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Richard Packman - November 25 - 1:50 am

  I own a 2006 Maxima which is my daily driver, but on weekends and long trips I chose the Accord. It does not feel as powerful as the Maxima, even though it has about the same horse power rating, but it provides a much more satisfying driving experience, especially on long trips. I took the car on a trip to Quebec last summer. I never felt the fatigue experienced in most of my previous automobiles. It has good power, visibility, trunk space and nice handling. I love the fuel economy, the capability of using regular gas and work to cruise in the "econ" 3 cylinder mode. The car is an all around excellent performer!

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  Accord - 1993 Honda Accord
  By locord - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I like it so much that I am having a hard time getting rid of it, even though it has now been replaced twice.

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  The best bet - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - November 23 - 8:26 pm

  Researched minivans and did test drives till I was on the verge of a breakdown. With safety and reliability as primary concerns, my wife and I could not find a better vehicle to suit the needs of our family of 5. The ride is superb and the solid road handling manners and minimized road noise are nearly identical to our much pricier 2006 Toyota Sequoia. VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is my only knock. Adding cost to get an extra 1 MPG is odd but standard in the EX-L Platform. If you drive a million miles with gas at $5 a gallon perhaps it would pay for itself...maybe.

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  great reliable car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By mark04 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  reliable, dependable. car is almost 12 years old and it rides so smoothh you would not know it is almost 12. everything still works. air conditioning still blows cold,powere windows ,locks,cruise,moon roof,dash lights etc. are all still in perfect working order.

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  always want one, finally got one - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By northwest - November 23 - 2:00 am

  We just bought an 01 ODDY from a private seller. It has 26.5k miles, like the mini so far. Ive read alot about the Tranny, and ours having a rough time shifting (up/down) between 20-25 mph when cold. After moving a bit, things would be fine. Taking it to dealer for a check with my extended warranty.

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  No Complaints - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Little Goda - November 23 - 2:00 am

  While the Pilots not the most flashy SUV on the market, its certainly the best. It has a solid feel, with a comfortable ride. Quality all over - My first Honda, and Im hooked.

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  Best Mid-size SUV around - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mochisushi - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. The latest of 12 Hondas I have owned. Great acceleration, even through the mtns. City~18mpg, Hwy~22-24 mpg. Have four kids and wanted SUV (in addition to our 99 Odyssey). No problems so far (8K miles.) Typical high Honda quality. Quietest Honda Ive owned. Cant beat quality, reliability, features and price (even at MSRP). Cant put a price on dependability when the family is in the car.

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  Great CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Zippy21 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The 4 cylinder has great power up the hills in Colorado. Plenty of room for the family and cargo. Many nice features like cup holders, reclining back seats and a picnic table built into the back cargo area. What else will they think of ?

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  This car worth the extra cost - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cool Canuck - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I drive the Hybrid in the city and on long trips. Gas mileage is fantastic, although I lose the Autostop when the outside temp is below 32F. Recent trip through Cdn and US Rockies was impressive for handling and fuel consumption. The electric boost is great for passing, but on long mountain climbs the battery does run down so you are left with the gas motor alone. Havent had any really cold weather so will have to see how it does in minus 30

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  My Black on Black Accord Coupe - 2009 Honda Accord
  By BlackBeauty - November 22 - 7:23 am

  This car is very fun to drive, very solid build, and very roomy for a midsize 2 door coupe. The V6 gets good gas mileage considering the amount of performance it has and power whenever you need it. The inside is comfortable and is not as bad as some people make it out to be, but it is no Mercedes or BMW. Ride quality is above average, but could be a little better on a $30K MSRP car. It is very beautiful inside and out. I opted for black on black, design is superb, and the chrome additions to the car make it look 10x better. When I first bought it my coworkers thought it was a Jag or Lexus and liked it better than my coworkers Lexus that they had just purchased. So far Im very happy!