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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  The best value for luxury wth GPS - 2003 Honda Accord
  By joe c r - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I shopped them all lexus,bmw,volvo etc.. & this is the best value for comfort & reliability with GPS

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  Good, reliabile car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Brandon Pate - September 14 - 10:00 am

  its an awesome car. fun riding and excellent power. its amazing how fast and comfortable this car is. its an good mixture of horsepower, style, and agilty. over all its a well rounded vehicle.

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  Great Car----Great Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sand/Phyl - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is our 5th Honda and by far the best.Good ride,much quieter than previous years.Lots of nice features.

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  Decent SUV w/ OK Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chipito - September 14 - 8:43 am

  Ive had a Subaru AWD Wagon, 4Runner, Expedition, Tahoe & now Pilot. Looked at MDX a long time but couldnt justify $6K more for essentially the same vehicle. AWD system is excellent and interior volume is great for the entire tribe. We pull a large Coleman pop top w/ factory hitch and after mkt E-brake no problem. Wife can get up to 27 MPG, I get 22 much better than 4R, Exp or Tahoe. We can even get 3 bikes inside w/ 40% rear seat down. Only complaint is the cheaper plastic interior pieces, that dealer has replaced so far, front seat bottom, door frame gutter. Definitely recommend to family road warriors - will keep for 200K+ miles & give to the kids fro safe transport.

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  Dream Driver - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Robert Bruce Campbell - September 14 - 4:30 am

  Very good and very reliable, no problems whatsoever.

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  Good, powerful, fun car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ami in Chicago - September 14 - 4:26 am

  Having good experience with my old 95 Accord EX V6 which I still happily own, I have to admit this car is so much SMOOTHER to drive, especially the transmission shifting. Very powerful, MUCH quieter than my old Accord (though less quiet than a Camry, which is a more refined -- and boring car). This is a fun car car to drive, even though its a family sedan. The V6 is very responsive, yet quiet. The automatic AC control is very smart... I liked how you can LOWER ALL THE WINDOWS in the car, from the outside, using the remote. On hot days its a nice feature...

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  Not happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By not happy - September 14 - 1:36 am

  I am getting 25 mpg hwy only 800+ miles. Its very uncomfortable. Very disappointed in my first Honda. Did loads of research and this was the all around best value, safety, gas mileage etc but I am incredibly disappointed. I even have the plastic laminate bubbling off around the windows.

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  Fuel Economy Nonexistent - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - September 13 - 7:36 pm

  Overall the van is OK, but the mileage is awful! Nowhere near the EPA posted rating even with the +/- 3mpg. We found this shocking having owned a Honda Accord in the past and the gas mileage was one of the things we were happy about. Honda needs to investigate this issue and correct and not have the dealers tell the customer "its hot in the summer" or "it must be the way you drive." Spring, summer, fall or winter and irrespective of how you drive, the gas mileage in the city will barely crack 14 mpg.

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  Less enthusiastic after 3.5 years - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ajchien - September 13 - 6:41 pm

  When first purchased, I experienced the PTTR issue. I had to tell the dealership about the TSB that was available to fix it. After the TSB, the PTTR was gone, and has been done for the next 50k+ miles. Now at 50k+ miles @ 3.5 years, the dreadful, well known on many websites (search for it), air conditioning failure occured. Total cost was $2840. American Honda decided to goodwill $2000 of the cost. It is still disappointing, becuase there really is no definite fix to the AC failure and it could happen again. The AC should not be a wear & tear item. There have been 3 actual safety recalls on the vehicle.

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  Like it - yes, but not my dream car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By myfirsthonda - September 13 - 6:26 pm

  Its my first Honda, I like it, but am a little disappointed. Its sharp looking, but needs work. I do enjoy better gas mileage, but this car needs some oomph. Its slow going uphill and struggles to switch gears even on flat ground. If I crack my window when raining it pours in, and there are no Honda door visors available for the 2006 Civic. It sits so low to the ground, that its tough to get in and out of if you have knee problems, and Im only 54". Sun visor has too much tension, is hard to pull down, and wont stay put. Tires are tiny, Ive already scratched the rim on a low curb - other cars might get a tire scuff. The 2006 sits lower than former model years - park next to one and see