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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  Honda Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ymshelanu - October 30 - 1:50 pm

  Doesnt quite get the mileage "promised," but even though I drive it every day, Ive only filled it five times since I bought it - almost four months ago!

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  Not Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - October 30 - 9:18 am

  In the short time I have owned the 2006 Pilot I have to say I am very disappointed. The vehicle has a defective ECM chip that causes great distortion in the radio. At the time of this review Honda does not have a fix for this problem. There is a strong wind noise when you roll down one or more windows. The air actually vibrates and flutters causing your ears to hurt. After buying a third Honda in just over two years this could be my last. If you are thinking of buying this vehicle, be sure you know what you will be getting into.

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  Simply Amazing!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Canadabeef - October 29 - 11:48 pm

  Weve had this truck for over a year and it never ceases to amaze us. We do a lot of long-distance driving and with the Ridgeline, its a lot of fun - even with the cold winters in the north. We look forward to the snowstorms now! Were pushing our 50s so weve had a few vehicles in our past and this is the best yet!

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  So far no transmission problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By hondamaryland - October 29 - 7:37 pm

  I bought the 99 Odyssey in 2006. So far its been good to us. This was not subject to a transmission recall. Knocking on wood.

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  ok - 1990 Honda Accord
  By ok - October 29 - 6:59 pm

  i had the car for 1 year and never had trouble with it and love driving it

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  Good - except for NAV system - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - October 29 - 3:13 pm

  Purchased Fall 2004- Do not waste money on the Nav system. Mine was over 2 years out of date at the time of purchase. Contacted Honda America and received the answer that the DVD was the most current at the time my vehicle was delivered. I drive every day on roads that have been complete for over 2 years that do not even show on the NAV. Extremely disappointed with this response from Honda.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By NAVI - October 28 - 11:16 pm

  My last three vehicles were purchased brand new and this was my first Honda and definitely will not be my last! Wow, what a car! I have the 2.4l engine and find it has plenty of speed for me. The car handles great, is a blast to drive, and is getting the gas mileage as advertised. The interior is appealing and the exterior is total eye candy! I love my 08 Accord Coupe!

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By butternuts - October 28 - 9:26 pm

  I really like this car. I am getting 31 miles to the gallon, and it is really comfortable for a civic. The seats are quite nice. the styling rocks.

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  RNBabe13 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RNBabe13 - October 28 - 9:00 pm

  This is the second Odyssey weve owned. The first one was a 2000, and we traded it with about 69,000 miles on it. It performed as it had when new. There were no extra sounds eminating from it. The 2005 model has a few squeaks and a whistling sound that the dealer is unable to fix.

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  There is nothing better than this!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Omer - October 28 - 4:46 pm

  I have owned a BMW before I can attest to the fact having a reliable car is more important than having an fancier car. This car is a very simple car thus everything works as advertised. I have owned this car for almost 3-yrs now and I havent had a single mechanical problem. Also trade-in value of this car is about $11000 even though I only paid $14500 for it about 3-yrs ago. This is not a performance car but it is an everyday winner. You can easily own this car for 10-yr worry free with regular interval oil-change and stuff. Just remember Hondas specialty is engines and these things live forever. I just love Hondas.