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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  2006 Honda S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Eric K. - November 4 - 11:16 am

  About the only thing on the car that anyone can complain about is storage space. When moving from another vehicle to this one, the trunk space and interior cabin storage space seems minuscule, but after owning it for a while, you get used to it and it doesnt seem nearly as small. You wont be moving any large boxes, but itll do for most road trips

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  Good work Honda! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jddubsuv - November 4 - 11:08 am

  If you are considering a larger SUV, Honda Pilot is a great vehicle. Lots of power. Commanding view of the road. Gas mileage isnt too bad at 21-25. I have no complaints. I did my research on this vehicle and there is not one thing I would change. Great reliable tough family vehicle. I live in Chicago and have experienced all seasons and the Pilot is safe year round. Lots of room and storage. Plenty of cup holders. If you are considering this vehicle, go drive one. You will like.

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  Info for Those of You Buying Used! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By van on van - November 4 - 10:49 am

  We bought this at 101K miles and drove it two years till 127K miles until I totaled it in an accident (nobody hurt safety is great!). Biggest beef: EGR system clogged twice in two years ($200-$300 cost to fix each time). Catalytic converter gave out at 100K (fix $800). Water pump needed replacement at 119K ($800). We also found road noise pronounced and tiring (we suffer enough noise from our small children). If youre prepared to pay for repairs and maintenance, buying used may be a good idea. I figure that total cost of this van to us, in two years of ownership, was $2500 per year, counting purchase price (no financing, 6% sales tax, repairs, and maintenance (not counting gas or insurance

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  Great car that few know about. Shoosh! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RRS2000 - November 4 - 10:21 am

  Ive had this car for only two months and its been nothing but fun. Few people know what it is, and the styling gets a lot of comments. With its low production, it stays under the radar. Great acceleration and handling, with every control within reach. Top goes down in five seconds with ease. Its no wonder that it has the highest residual value after three years.

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  Just a work car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 4 - 8:36 am

  I bought this coupe(A/T LX) for my drive to work (130 miles round trip ). Im always running late and drive an average of close to 80-90 mph in the morning and around 75 on the way home. Checked my mileage this evening for the first time and found it to be slightly above 30 mpg. I had to learn to not overdrive the steering wheel, because this thing changes direction quickly. I love it.

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  Mean Machine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Moondog - November 4 - 7:58 am

  A truck that handles like a sports car. A huge interior with lots of storage and a fantastic stereo system. The bed is deceiving, with the waterproof trunk it has plenty of cargo space.

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  One Suggestion - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 05 2 Dr. Coupe - November 3 - 6:13 pm

  I love my car but I do have 1 gripe; I think the heated seats control should be on the dashboard near the radio. If you just jump in the car and put a bag or pocketbook to your right (as the driver) it lands on the switch and may take awhile before you notice its on. It was last summer this happened to me when Im driving along and all of a sudden thinking to myself "Boy, its hot in here!"

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  Back breaking drive, poor visibility... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edhil - November 3 - 12:00 am

  I have the car now for 3 months, fuel economy exceeds the sticker rating. On the down side you have to be careful when stopping, at low speeds it surges and I would find it difficult to park in a tight spot. I finally got to go on a trip, I- 84 with its ups and downs, the gas engine strains trying to do 65 up some of the hills, its no power house. And my back was sore after a 300 mile trip, gosh when I go to FL in fall I will need dr to work on my back, I guess its a car for the younger set, I am 63 and went from a CRV to this. On the plus side it uses half the gas the CRV did. Its too bad Honda cant find a better place for the batteries, I miss the fold down back seats.

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  Best of current alternatives - 2012 Honda Civic
  By mhoffman2 - November 2 - 4:48 pm

  If you are looking for a state of the art vehicle for the early 21st century, this is the best of all current alternatives. Reasonably comfortable, roomy and well designed, with excellent engineering and attractive interiors, it is difficult to argue that any other 4 door sedan would be superior. Even though a 2012 model, dealer provided discount, good trade in value and .09% 5 year financing. It is difficult to comprehend the criticism of this vehicle. If you want a sports car, buy a Miata or a Ferrari. If you want comfortable, dependable and reasonably roomy transportation with a good list of features such as bluetooth and a sunroof, AND great fuel efficiency and reliability, buy a Civic.

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  Gripes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Hybrid Honey - November 2 - 3:33 am

  When we went to look at the Honda Accord Hybrid car, the salesperson did tell us that it is not a true hybrid, that the mileage is not what it states on the sticker. It has great pick-up when needed to accelerate. The dashboard lights are great! Highway ride is a bit rough and the interior noise is noticeable. On occasions we have experienced some blind spots while driving,warrenting a sudden correction . Do not like the spare-tire feature, very dumb. We feel good about driving a clean car but wish it could give us better mileage!