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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  Its all about having fun - 2006 Honda S2000
  By mike0804 - September 11 - 11:00 am

  Ive owned some pretty hot sports cars, all were more expensive and more powerful that the S2000, but none were more fun. This car is simply the most fufilling driving experience most of us are likely to have. You can spend more, but youre not likely to get more.

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  Roof rack Disappointing - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnson - September 11 - 4:03 am

  This is an SUV and still drives like one. The suspension seems a bit soft in corners with too much sway. We ordered our Pilot with the cross bars, ski rack and privacy cover for a total of about $500 extra. Big mistake. The assembly is poorly designed and time consuming to install and remove. Both the ski rack ( which only fits two sets of downhill skis instead of the four advertised) and the cross bars create annoying whistling sounds above 45 miles per hour. Instead check out Yakima or Thule for a far better system at less cost. The privacy cover is a pain and will never leave the garage until the car is sold.

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  Would buy another Honda in a heart beat - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - September 11 - 1:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle after having owned an 01 Civic. I have not owned anything other than cars, this was very comfortable and roomy. The gas mileage so far in mostly highway driving is about 23 mpg, but I only have about 300 miles on it right now.

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  Perfect family car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ransom - September 10 - 7:24 pm

  I love my Pilot.Perfect for the children, they love the Dvd system. Electrical outlets for all the portable electronics. No problems with anything mechanical.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jack - September 10 - 5:40 pm

  Bought in Nov 07 with Nav and XM. More comfortable than the BMW 335 I looked at. More comfortable seats; more headroom. On the Highway at 65 mph I get 46-50 mpg, depending on hills or flat road. In town with stop and go I get around 30 mpg in the winter and 36 in the summer for short trips. Hybrid engines need to be warmed up for good mpg. (My wifes 2006 Odyssey gets 14-15 mpg in town and 24-25 on the highway.) The mpg calculated by the number of gallons of gas I use and miles I drive is 1-2 mpg higher than that shown on the dashboard mpg computer. MPG depends on weather, avg speed, hills, frequency of stops and starts, how soon you get off the gas before you stop, and how you accelerate.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dan - September 10 - 1:13 pm

  This is my familys second Element and we have loved both. Safety and performance are both very good. Very low maintenance. The 2wd seems a little bit peppier than the 4wd that we had previously. The stereo as well as the interior design are both very nice. Ways to improve this vehicle would include a little bit more power and slightly better fuel economy. Otherwise it is a fantastic vehicle!

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  My Reliable Civic!!! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By charlie3967 - September 9 - 4:52 pm

  Ive owned my Civic for 2 and 1/2 years and the only thing Ive replaced on it were tires and a new radidtor hose! A zippy ride, due to the 5- speed manual. Very fun to drive, excellent handling and very dependable. Never left me stranded. Only routine maintenance required. (Oil changes, plugs, batteries,etc.). Keep your fluids changed regularly and itll run forever. Rock solid car! Only 115,000 miles on her. Plenty of life left. Ill drive her to 300,000!!

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  ACCORD EX 4cyl - 1998 Honda Accord
  By AAC - September 9 - 2:17 pm

  Styling still looks good in and out after all these years. Good handling car, though has excessive road noise that penetrates the cabin especially on rough surfaces, not a problem on our same year (98) Toyota Camry , also not as reliable so far with 98000 replaced egr sensor @ 62000, cat converter @ 80000, & just recently replaced cv joints, will soon trade for a Toyota

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  Back to a Honda - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Back2Honda - September 9 - 10:33 am

  Sienna was close, but was priced higher for similar features. Quest, high price plus shape appears to be done by bubble blowing machine. Caravan, looks uglier with each new generation and resale value should equal price of a decent TV in a few years. My Odyssy is pretty good inside and out, engine is very quiet, ride is smooth, and overall, structure is very tight. Combine that with a roomy interior, easy access to 3rd row, and a decent list of standard features. Lastly, since it is a Honda, youll know that resale value will fare better than others - I should know, I traded in my old Caravan. Lastly, with end of model year, you should be able to get pretty close to invoice price.

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  On my 11th Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephen in Idaho - September 9 - 7:55 am

  We purchased our Van new in October, 02 This is our second Odyssey. We have had 95,000 miles of reliability and comfort for my family. Best van for quality and price. Have had no issues with transmission except for recall to add a trans fluid pumping system, (one day at the Honda spa). Side doors track need to be lubricated and adjusted to so they opperate correctly. Seems to be more of an issue in the colder months.