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 Choice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By FlaDad - September 11 - 11:06 pm

  This van drives like a dream! Everything is great, from the quality of the paint to the quality of the cloth interior. We looked at Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Dodge (didnt even consider GM) It was down to Toyota and Honda, and we chose the Odyssey because it was the most bang for the buck.

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  Very fun to drive! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jenflinton - September 11 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had my 2006 CR-V for about a month, and I love it! It has the benefits of an SUV, such as sitting up high, but is still compact and easy to maneuver and drive. It handles well and looks great.

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  Stylish,Sexy & Safe!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By CarefulCarol - September 11 - 1:56 pm

  I was not in the market to purchase a new vehicle, but since my motor blew I had no choice. With a grand-daugther on the way, 4 teen/adult children of my own and a fiance I needed space, space, and more space. And thats exactly what I got! Im so happy with my Honda, I think of places to go just to drive it. I was set on the Pacifica, but my fiance really pushed for me to test the Pilot. All of 10 mins I was sold. Great handling (which was my complaint with the Pacifica),easy access to buttons, safety features all around this SUV. Ive already put the carseat in and still we have room. No more complaints about not enough room. Great family SUV, and it fits my sexy self.

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  awesome little car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By cobra989 - September 11 - 1:39 pm

  I truly enjoy owning my little 93 accord, its fun to drive and it goes... well lets just say realy fast!

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  Pleasure in a Small Package - 2006 Honda Civic
  By psychprofessor - September 11 - 6:40 am

  I traded an Infiniti G35 coupe for this car, so I went from the sublime to the less-than-sublime. However, I quickly found that this little Honda is a lot of fun to drive, plus it gets great gas mileage without much effort on my part. In a mixture of town/highway driving recently, I got right at 31 mpg; in the Infiniti I would have been doing good to get 20 for the same driving. Of course, the Civic has exactly half the horsepower of the Infiniti. I actually find that the seats are more comfortable in the Civic, and, wonder of wonders, it doesnt have any rattles. That was one thing that bugged me about the Infiniti. Bottom line: Driving green can be fun, if you own a Honda Civic, that is.

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  Very dissappointed - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Katinka2420 - September 10 - 3:55 pm

  I bought my very first new Honda and everything went wrong with it rotors, starter, emergency brake was never even hooked up. Every time I had to get its scheduled maintenance I didnt have my vechicle for few days due to mechanical probs. The civic w/ 227,000 miles I traded in was more reliable. I just recently got rid of it because Honda Corp. was willing to do NOTHING to help me with my issues. Very disappointed, always loved honda, had to switch to Toyota.

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  One Incredible Value - 2009 Honda Fit
  By psuambassador - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  This car is one incredible value! In fact, I declared it the best value on the market after I shopped around for months. I wanted a practical car in which I could fit my big dog and bikes upright, a fuel efficient car, something sporty, and a car that had aesthetic appeal all at a reasonable price. My short list included only the Fit when I was done. I thought about the Prius, but this car offers an entirely different level of value. It is surprisingly roomy when you get in and has decent pick up for the engine size. I also like the ipod capability and shifters. On the way home from the dealership, I averaged 39 mpg, including mountains with the a/c on and I passed a Lexus up the hill.

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  Honda Accord V6 w/ Navi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By pioneer79 - September 9 - 3:16 pm

  I purchased an Accord V6w/nav; white with beige leather interior and paid $26,700. (This is our fifth Accord). Car rides well; the interior layout is attractive. Seats are comfortable and adjustable; steering column and wheel adjusts fine. The nav. system includes a trip computer that calculates mileage. Averaging 24 MPG combined city and highway. Highway mileage was 28 MPG. Power steering pump broke after 400 miles; dealer said that was extraordinary and replaced it under the warranty. (That explains my low build quality rating.) There is a lot to learn about the car concerning nav system, Bluetooth, voice commands etc. Too much is made about the road noise; the road noise is fine.

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  what else could go wrong? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By disappointed owner - September 9 - 12:41 am

  Heres the list since I purchased it...4 front struts, 1 transmission, 3 wheel bearings, trunk release, 1 alternator, cd player overheats, enough rust on the brake rotor to rub on the wheel well covers,...and now every indicator light on the dash go on and off...while driving. Wish I had a big bottle of tequila to go with this lemon

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  Still Looks and Runs Great - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jeffrey - September 8 - 3:31 pm

  Bought my VTech new - the 6 cylinder engine kicks - a little jerky off the line but the transition between other gears is slick. The car still looks contemporary (the spoiler helps) and people cannot believe it is 5 years old. It is fast and handles well.