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:

• 

  Highly favorable review of Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lawrence Finder - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot rides well for a medium sized SUV. It has good pickup when entering a freeway, and feels more like an Accord than a truck. However, the vehicle requires more stopping distance than an Accord (the laws of physics rule).

• 

  fun to drive love the car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rhfoster - September 11 - 10:00 am

  only one thing i dislike about the car. It has only one hook in the back seat area for hanging clothes. So you can not use a hanging bar .. and I do a lot of traveling..

• 

  Best Sports Coupe under $30,000 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MattOhio1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at a variety of cars over the past several months, including Altima V-6, Mazda6, Subaru WRX I stumbled upon the Honda dealership who had a brand new Black Honda Accord EX V-6 6 speed on the lot. I was blown away as soon as a stepped into the drivers seat. The car was so luxurious compared to all the previously mentioned cars. When I pulled away from the dealership and put my foot into it I was rewarded with a European sports sedan growl. I was gone no longer than 10 minutes but I bought the car as soon as I returned.

• 

  One year with Honda Accord Ex-6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By trephil - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Switching to the Accord following 6 years driving a Subaru Legacy sedan, I thought I would really miss the security of all-wheel drive, but I have suffered no such loss. The road feel is excellent. [I switched to Honda because the refinements of the Legacy after six years were truly disappointing.Didnt even boast a remore button for the trunk lid.]In the past year we have driven several long trips and have ended each in great spirits, experiencing absolutely no driving fatigue.

• 

  Awesome new car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By zuffy - September 10 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the 2006 Accord EX-L with navi to replace my stolen 95 Accord EX. I cant believe how much technology have grown since my last car. The car is extremely fun to drive. Handles well, performance is great for a 4 cylinders, all the buttons are easily accessible. The moonroof is very slow to open/close though. I can open & close my moonroof in my 95 Accord approx. 3-4 times before the 06 completely opened or closed.

• 

  Since I bought it absolutely NO problems - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Ans - September 9 - 10:21 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid for about 3 years. I bought it used with only 25000 miles on it, it now has 74000 miles and so far Ive only replaced the battery and normal maintenance like oil change and tire rotation. This car does GREAT on mpg i get 44 mpg both in the city and highway so dont expect too much power. But overall this is a great car! Very reliable!

• 

  2009 Honda Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Ken Hovanes - September 9 - 1:20 pm

  Just bought and received an 09 Fit Sport. Feels very tight, and the first hundred miles are amazing. Its getting substantially better mileage than the EPA ratings. The car tracks very true and feels like a more expensive vehicle. The interior is finished very well and the changes from the 08 model are the perfect improvements. The wheels have a very sporty look to them and it sticks to the ground nicely. Radio is fantastic and the interaction with the iphone is perfect. Overall I would rate this vehicle as as close to 10 as you can get The price and quality are second to none.

• 

  IMA fan! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Civic Duty - September 8 - 5:23 pm

  I love my new Civic hybrid. My first tank or two was disappointing in the high 30 MPGs, but Ive learned to drive it so that it easily gets into the 50s, and I even had one highway trip of 500 miles average out to over 60 mpg. Those people who are disappointed with the mileage need to realize that if you drive it like a sports car, youre not going to realize the EPA mileage stats - which is true of any car. This car is a far cry from the rusty pickup truck it replaced. It drives incredibly smoothly, and is utterly quiet on the road and at a stoplight. A real pleasure to drive, and Im smiling all the way to the pump. Unlike other hybrids, it looks, feels, and drives like a real car!

• 

  Its been 6 mths, I still love it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KRISTEN - September 8 - 1:13 pm

  I cant stop looking at my car. Its been 6 months. Smooth transmission. Comfortable luxurious ride, great gas mileage (I can drive 1.5 weeks on 1 tank). It looks SHARP! Love the navi, the cd player with pc card and mp3 player. I tell people I have a Honda Civic, they are unimpressed... "reliable, good gas saver". I tell them "no, you got to come look at it, sit in it!". And when they do, they are like "you are right, this is a nice car!"

• 

  Fun ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By leb686 - September 8 - 8:46 am

  I just got this car last night and thus far in my opinion its pretty sick. I dont have money pouring out my ears, so I feel theres a lot of bang for your buck in this one. Corners great, quick acceleration. Love the nav in it, that really can pull the interior together. Had leather seats in my old car and they just got visibly scuffed up so I like this material, and it doesnt melt skin in the summer. Only had it for a day so I may be jumping the gun, but I love it up to this point. Its also not too fast which is good, it does keep you out of trouble. (maybe my favorite feature) I would certainly advise people to buy this car.