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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  8 years of fine - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jeffery Allen - April 6 - 9:53 pm

  Had car for 8 years and a half. Original battery is still in the car. Had to replace the alternator for bad bearings. Did so with Honda parts. Never had a issue with the car. Interior is fine, all accessories have been excellent. roomy trunk, good room up front and the rear seat. Paint is great, I still get comments on the shine in the red. Engine really stays clean. Purchased the car with 30,500 miles on it in Feb. 2002. Great buy and possibly resell it soon and will get a great resell amount. So 8 years for $60 a month for the time owned. EXCELLENT

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  Great - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By jrsummergal - April 6 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this car in December 10. I looked and looked and finally found one. I wanted white with leather and sun roof. I ended up with the navigation which I didnt really care for but its nice to have. I wanted this car because I have 4 kids and needed the room. The cargo space is not to good for travel but we will get a carrier for the roof. I just took it to Arizona and it drove GREAT. Im very happy. I looked at the Highlander but the Pilot seemed roomier the 3rd row seat was definitely more comfy. My 8 year old son sat in the back of both the Pilot and Highlander and definitely liked the Pilot better. We love our Pilot.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Thad - April 6 - 1:14 pm

  After sifting through several thousand ads/scams for used Civics, I lucked into a cream puff EX w/ 31,000 original miles, w/out a nick, dent, or scratch. (rally red -- GREAT color!) Its the best looking, best performing used car Ive ever bought, and now that the weather is getting nicer, Im loving my sunroof. I put a remote starter (mandatory in Michigan winters),and a new set of tires on her, and she runs flawlessly,without a single rattle. No, its not a 328i, so handling and performance are held to a different standard. Also, I was surprised to find city mileage at only around 28mpg with the automatic. But I still love this little car, and better still, I love having NO PAYMENTS!

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  10,000 mile update - 2009 Honda Accord
  By andrew - April 6 - 6:54 am

  Wow I read the negatives by others and I am surprised. I have had over 50 cars and still take cars for test rides. The exl v-6 is one of the best values out there. Its comfortable in every seat, has great visibility, very quick, great quality, and can get very good gas mpg. 20-21 city winter, 22-23 summer and just got 30.1 on a trip to New York. It is easy to get on and out of and when compared to the next jump up like bm, Audi you would spend 10 k more and not have the reliability. Accord still sets the standard of best value for your money !

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  Repeat Buyer - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ryan - April 6 - 6:42 am

  For those folks who think this vehicle "floats" away while trying to steer, or pulling to the side , my advise is dont drink and drive. Honda I believe uses a technology called power on demand responsive steering. So get used to it. My old pilot has 125,000 miles and I just got another one last week. After 125,000 miles my old car still runs just as good as the brand spanking new one. So that should tell you about the quality.

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  Mostly Great - Navi needs improvement - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terry - April 6 - 6:04 am

  Like many, my Fit gets much, much better mileage than EPA. My average over 14,000 miles has been 34 mpg, with a high of 43 mpg on a highway trip at 65 mph. Its fun, fun, fun to drive - I still look forward to driving it every day. The stereo is very good, but not great. People are surprised by how much interior room there is. Biggest complaint is the navi system. The POI database is so bad its almost unusable. Missing lots of businesses and inconsistent naming which makes it really hard to find them.

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  Impressed - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - April 5 - 6:17 pm

  Experienced SUV owners: Pilot,Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Xterra, Outback, Forester, Suburban, Explorer, Commander. We thoroughly examined (down to where the jack is stored and the type of spare tire)and road tested the Pilot(on a variety of surfaces and at various speeds). We like its Jeepesque squared off look. Excellent seats. Driving position very good on long trips. Nice layout of controls. Great storage. Excellent center console design and shifter location. Good mileage in aggressive driving: 18+ combined city, country and mountain roads not worrying about keeping the ECO light on. Quiet. Very stable and neutral driving dynamics for an SUV. Tracks well on the highway.

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  sweet ride - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - April 5 - 1:32 pm

  This van is a sweet ride comfortable, well put together not a van man but this van has changed all that, as I said below I only wish it had more road noise reduction reducer in the floors

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  Spaceship or Car? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By allison88 - April 5 - 9:11 am

  I purchased used in Oct 09- Have loved it. I agree blind spots are a problem until you get used to them- took me about 2 months. It handled fine in the snow and hills of Pittsburgh. Standard tires were not great in the snow (and by snow I mean 2 feet) so I bought snow tires and didnt have any problem driving through unplowed streets! I love the sunroof, really makes up for the small windows in the backseat. Seats are really comfortable.

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  Love It ^_^ - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jdmforever - April 4 - 11:54 pm

  This is an amazing car. I bought it used, but in great shape. Its got lots of power, especially after 6,000 rpm. =] The interior is great, the seats feel amazing, and the six-speed is wonderful. It has great fuel mileage, considering the type of car it is. This car is surprisingly big on the inside, which is nice. The Si Sedan is the best car out there for the money, and its a Honda, so itll run forever!