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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  Great overall, needs some updates - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:02 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday, but I have driven similar Odysseys owned by friends and family. The vehicle is probably the best overall of all minivans in the market, but if you start picking out individual characteristics, you will notice that its not the best at everything. Its like jack of all, master of none in my opinion it may not earn number 1 spot in many of the aspects, but earns a second spot in most of them, and the first in a few.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By cjs - June 23 - 7:10 am

  I love the Accord EX-L 2-DR coupe. Its sporty-looking but still practical enough for a middle-aged mom like me. You cant go wrong with this one!

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By T - June 23 - 12:47 am

  We bought our Pilot brand new and we love it! We are a big trip family and have put about 71k miles on it. We love the comfort of the seats, and being able do car pool. The quality of the interior is great. Honda did a great job building this SUV

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  best Honda yet - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ralph - June 22 - 1:28 pm

  Car handles very well with solid construction. Have had 2 other Accords but this is the best yet.

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  Look on the road, these cars last - 1992 Honda Civic
  By jonas - June 21 - 11:08 pm

  Ive been tempted to see the car, trade it in for anything because the car lasts so long. I am the original owner when it first came out it was the first rounded edge small luxury car. Sure somethings needed replacement: 2 radiators, 1 set cv boots 3 alternators, 2 ignition coils. Every thing else I could replace myself. I solved the problem of wind noise 14 years later with a rubber band stuffed in the door rubber grommets to press it against the window better and to place some noise insulation underneath the floor and inside the front doors. Get a k & n air filter and pickup from stop is good enough. On the freeway, given the light weight, at high speed it can match any car from 70+

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  First car. Best car. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By 91 accord - June 21 - 7:49 pm

  So my 1991 Honda Accord Lx sedan is by far the best car i have driven.Bought it from some family friends with 42k on it. Its a 5 speed (which is very nice) and has power everything, which for a 91 is bulletproof. Its a great car through and through, I drive it probably harder than a should but besides the fact its pretty heavy and FWD its a blast to drive.The 2.2 liter gets up and goes even with passengers. I find this car very comfortable and Im 63" and weigh 200 lbs. All the systems work great, the AC, the power steering, the cruise control. I think ill eventually move on to an s2000 but this car is absolutely the best car for the money. Driving it hard has not given me any issues. Love it.

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  Bang for the Buck v2.0 - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By rockwea - June 21 - 3:52 pm

  Great driving vehicle, good 4WD performance, and great features. Seating very good, massive car audio(so many features), and good MPG for a 4WD suv are among some of the top features. Engine performance is good - Im willing to take the hit on performance for MPG (especially today with $$ for fuel). Would recommend a Pilot and/or purchase another if I need to buy another vehicle. Purchased 2010 4WD EX-L w/RES in late May 2010 for $31,600 plus TTL (new 2011 pilot models were available, no diff in 2010 vs. 2011, that I found).

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  Absolutel "bulletproof" - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Richy from Nisky - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased my 1993 Accord LX wagon used in 1996 with 40,000 miles on the odometer. Now, 14 years later it is still running strong with 321,000 miles on it. Other than the usual rust over the rear wheel wells, my only other problem has been a leaking rear main seal, which leaks about a quart every 2500 miles. I run four snow tires on it during the winter and it has never gotten stuck. Alas, when I found out that Honda was not re-introducing the Accord wagon (they gave us the Crosstour instead), I opted to buy a CR- V as a replacement vehicle. This wagon has been absolutely bulletproof, and I hate to get rid of it. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Oh! The new car smell! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By MG - June 21 - 1:21 pm

  Had the car for a few days now and I must say I love this thing. Got the basic LX with nothing added in. Got a great price. I love the way the instrument gauges are laid out. The A/C is cold enough and road noise is not bad, but then again, it is a fairly light car. The acceleration is not as good as some other cars but for a 1.8 L engine, its good enough. Besides, if you want good acc in a Civic, get the Si. This definitely is a great car. With a mix of horrible city traffic and highway. I got about 31-32 MPG for my first tank.

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  Perfect - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Dave - June 21 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car from first team honda because no one was buying them. I dont know why. Next door I test drove a new prius because the old ones handled oddly and they wanted over 26 thousand for one. That immediately pulled me from the prius despite their fuel-mileage. The car is fun to drive, and the fuel- mileage challenge is addicting. I am already able to achieve 42 MPG City and 52 MPG highway at 65 MPH. Sport mode with the paddle shifters works very well too. Keep the RPM low and the pedal hard and the motor will help out BIG TIME.