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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  Another Honda.. Another Satisfied Custom - 2003 Honda Civic
  By swolfram - December 10 - 2:00 am

  12k miles and Im still loving it. Drives great. Gets great mileage

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  All doubts vanished - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BSB - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I was skeptical at first about performance and comfort, but after one test drive all of my doubts had been resolved. There is plenty of room for taller drivers (myself 63"), and with four adults riding along with the A/C full blast we were still able to comfortably pass other cars on the freeway. Ive received many compliments on the blue/silver color of the exterior, along with the styling and brightness of the dash. This is definitely a good car to pick up if you need a high-mileage vehicle that will save you some gas money year after year.

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  Gets the job done! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Mitch B - December 10 - 12:00 am

  I have a 160 mile round trip commute. I went from a 2007 BMW 330XI to a 2008 Honda Accord EX L to the 2008 Fit SPort M/T. While it does not provide the comfort or the sizzle of the other 2 cars, it gets the job done. Just hit 1000 miles and have averaged 40+ MPG mostly bumper to bumper highway driving. Paid $15,000 plus $1099 for 5 yr 100K ext warranty. I kept the 2008 accord and just the savings in gas pays for the fit and the insurance for it. I will be in the "black when I pay $3.90/gal (next week sometime)

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  Bye Bye SUV, Hello Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By THE PERFECT VEHICLE - December 9 - 8:33 pm

  We recently bought an 07 Odyssey EX which was replacing a 2004 Tahoe and were so happy with our new purchase. Much more useable space, easier entry/exit, better gas mileage, safety with all of those airbags. We love being able to walk thru b/w the front seats to get to the kids in the back. Great acceleration/handling for a minivan, car-like driving. A few improvements would be larger cup holders in center console (minor). Better base stereo system (sounds ok but signal not strong- probably weak antenna). Sometimes when slowing down and transmission is downshifting it feels like you get bumped from behind, kind of pushes you forward even with the brakes on. All in all very happy 9/10

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  Nice car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bill - December 9 - 2:20 pm

  I have driven Accords for 25 years (81 DX for 12 years, 93 EX for 13 years). After looking at what was available in the market this year that met my needs (reliable, safe, comfortable, fun), I decided on the Honda Accord. This is a fun car to drive. I hope it goes the distance like its predecessors.

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  Love it so far and hope to love it more! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Juliea201 - December 9 - 5:30 am

  Bought this in summer 07 as a new replacement for my creaky, marshmallowy 94 Camry. I chose the Civic SI in favor of the Mazda 3 Hatch due to the firmer, sportier suspension, better looking interior, and overall driving fun. I took 2-3 testdrives in the coupe and sedan before buying and on my last drive I told my husband "Get me out of this vehicle before I write them a check right now!" I will add that Ive also experience the 3rd gear pop-out and grinding issues; thought it was just me. Have found that 2500 (right at abt 18-21mph) & 4000 rpm are where it likes to hit that gear best but you must be precise. I wonder if this is partially the "hang-throttle" issue.

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  Question ? - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By avest - December 9 - 2:00 am

  At about 105000 miles my ABS light came on and stayed on for a while. then went off. but when it went off and we stopped the brakes felt like they were seizing on us. We have no clue what it was. Have any of you had these problems?

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  The Pros and Cons - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Faisal Ansari - December 7 - 3:06 pm

  Currently at 2500 miles, the mileage only keeps improving. The car rides beautifully, and I absolutely love it. The car is a 10/10, except for a few things that I would advise new buyers to be aware of after they purchase it. I am 62 and I have to bend my knees to sit. This is the standard posture for driving, but my leg hits the tip of the hand brake, and it is rather painful. The paint over the handbrake tip is starting to wear off too. Also, The blind spot is impossible to check. I am a very very safe driver, but yesterday i almost ran over a VW bug! The 12" wide rear bars block the Blind spot. Turning your head over your shoulder is NOT enough.

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  Great for the Kids - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MARKK - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Left a 2000 minivan for the Pilot. Minivan was great for the little ones but it was time for a change. Pilot handles very well and for a high profile vehicle it gets pretty good gas milage. Standard AWD is a plus as is the wireless headphones for the kids.

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  Great Pilot Great Buy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By charlie 01 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the 2004 Honda Pilot. It is a great vehicle. Very pleased with our purchase. Hondas are the best vehicles on the road.