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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  16th Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaman - December 29 - 8:54 pm

  Yes, thats no typo--Ive had 16 Hondas (and 1 Acura). First van though, and Ive had it 24 months w/o problems. It doesnt handle like a Civic--but it doesnt ride like one either. Its been comfortable, safe and reliable. Fun? Hey, its a VAN for crying out loud. It does make an odd "clunk" in the back end when using reverse sometimes or turning hard to the right. But Ive got no real complaints. Its not like my CRVs for toughness, its not like my Civics for mpg. It IS like my Accords for comfort. I still cant get over the stigma of owning a minivan but if you have to have one, the Odyssey is the one to get.

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  Best car period - 1995 Honda Civic
  By aj - December 29 - 1:10 pm

  Ive been selling cars for 14 years now, and not imports. First Honda Ive owned. Car was traded in and I didnt need another car but couldnt pass up for $500. It had 131,000 miles on it when I bought it. Now it has 208,000 miles on it. All I can say is WOW. I never thought 4 1/2 years later I would still be driving it. (It is my work car. 20,000 miles a year.) I change the oil every 5,000 miles, new exhaust, new radiator after it started getting hot because 1/4 of it was gone, plugs and wires, and thats it. All was cheap and did myself. Still has the same brakes front and back from when I bought it. I wouldnt take 2,000 for it cause I know I couldnt replace it. Most reliable car ever. :)

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  Settled for better - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Truck 2 car - December 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought a Civic after reviewing every other car in its class. I used my NRA discount and saved another $1700.00. I was thinking I was settling when in reality I traded up. This car is solid, reliable, gets great mileage with my lead foot, is fun to drive, and comfortable on long trips. The USB port works with ipod, flash drives and external USB hard drives. The center console holds my work gear easily. The remote is handy and the open roof is great here in the south, as it lets out the heat. I just wish I could open it with the remote. I would love more power, and could have gone with the Si, but insurance costs are much higher. My EX only raised my rates a few dollars.

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  Excellent Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Barry - December 29 - 12:39 pm

  Best balance of comfort, performance, economy, utility and trouble free driving in this price range. The styling is Jazzy-Functional. Seats are supportive and comfortable for a 6 hour drive. With the A/T, highway noise is low at 70 mph (2500 rpm). Only gets noisy above 3000 rpm, which is apparently where the M/T cruises at 70 mph. Fun to drive quickly in the twisties- just keep it in S (1st-3rd) or use the paddle shifters and keep the rpm up. Only down-side is that it gets twitchy in 30 knot cross winds. This is my 5th Honda/Acura-none kept less than 8 years. That says a lot about overall satisfaction level.

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  My #2 car. The Z is #1. - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Zman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, but way too small. The top does not impresses as much as the Z top. A good car.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jdh75 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot seems well made, handles well, and has good features such as 8 passenger seating and fold down seats for carrying bulky loads from home depot. However, gas mileage around town has been terrible- 10 to 12 miles to the gallon is all we can get! Its a gas hog and I would not have bought it had I known of this. The pilot was leased and the dealership changed the sales price(cap cost)between the time we negotiated the deal and when we came to sign the lease. They flat out lied and tried to snow us when we were signing the lease. I would never again trade with this dealership, White Plains Honda.

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  HOnda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wael Shaker - December 29 - 2:00 am

  It is a very good car but still Honda Accord has a problem with the brek disc , every Km5000 I need to polish it , my car manual transsimition

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  Very Good, But Improvements Needed - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AusTex Cliff - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Im 6-1 and I have good leg room. This is the best car Ive ever owned and my first Honda. The navigation system helped me get out of a confusing sea of unexpected detours during a massive traffic jam in an unfamiliar major city recently by letting me view a street map and suggesting alternative routes. Will definitely pay for a XM subscription when the three-month free trial ends. The sound system is great. Caution: Using a metalic rear-window tint may make the navigation system go screwy, but no problems with my after-market dark rear window tint . Annoying rattle inside, but havent had a chance to take it back to the dealer.

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  The Best Value on the Road - 2004 Honda Accord
  By denvrfan - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Honda really did their homework improving the current generation of Accord. Build quality is excellent, materials unsurpassed for a sub-$30000 car. Great content for the $$. Plenty of power, all of the creature comforts including the best seats available in an affordable family sedan. Stereo has been improved by a wide margin over the previous generation. Bravo to Honda for marketing to the future by making XM Satellite radio standard on the EX V6. Could not be happier with this car!

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  Nice vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By van - December 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my CRV for two months now and I cant complain. Gas mileage is ok for now (23 around town and 27 hwy) but I hope to get better mileage once it is broken in. One thing I am disappointed in is the Bridgestone tires on the CRV. They dont have very good traction at all in the snow. If it wasnt for the AWD I would be sliding all over the road. I cant believe Honda puts such a poor tire on their vehicles. Other than the tires I really like my CRV. Its fun to drive and a nice looking vehicle.