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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  Greatest little car ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By paincoord - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It wasnt hard for me to decide on this model. I needed an economic car, but with 4 doors (for the kids). It handels really well, and is great on gas. Oh, I love the way it looks also.

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  reliable - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gail Goodman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I find the honda civic is reliable, but the noise is terrible while driving, I dont get the gas mileage, the visualble is horrible. meaning that the beam between the back and front seat you cant see.

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  Smoothe Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JDoug001 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Smoothe riding, smoothest shifting Ive ever experienced. This car handles like a dream, and rides like one too. Peppy for a 4 cylinder. We still have one that the kids drive that has 230,000 miles on it, and no major repairs yet.

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  Great Fun-to-Drive Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By db27513 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Honda makes the best shifting manual transmission in this category. Love the car, get 27-29mpg in mixed driving. 32-34mpg at high-speed interstated driving. Handling is decent w/ EX model. However, this is a torque engine, not much top-end kick to it, just a steady pull all the way to redline. No problems at all except sunglass holder pops open on its own - should be a warranty fix when I get around to it. No reservations about this purchase after 6,000 miles.

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  Excellent Mini-Van Family Car - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dana - May 4 - 5:43 am

  This is a very nice family vehicle. The automatic doors are nice to have, the navigation system is great, and the fit and finish are excellent. The fuel mileage is better than expected for a V-6 with nice power. The mileage saving ECM, which shuts down 3 cylinders, is almost undetectable. Even though I live in So Cal, the seat warmers have come in handy. The entertainment system has an adequate screen size and the sound system is passable. Overall I am very please with this vehicle and would buy it again.

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  Atrocious Gas Mileage (13 - 15 City) - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By John Knox - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  Overall we are a little disappointed with our Honda Pilot EX=L. This is our first Japanese vehicle - recently converting from domestic vehicles due to excessive ongoing maintenance costs, and being persuaded by the constant rave reviews of Japanese cars by the Motoring media. Gas mileage is not even close to what they claim - even with variable cylinder management. The transmission cannot handle city driving - making it necessary to drive around in 3rd gear unless on the highway. Also, ride is not that great - very truck like. On a positive note, the fit and finish is pretty good (although we did have a broken grab handle on delivery)and the interior is spacious and comfortable.

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  great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Wendy M - May 3 - 10:45 pm

  I bought this car with 83000 miles in 2004 from a friend and had a full paint job and service, its a beautiful pearlized green. One year later Im still getting offers for up to $5000. Wouldnt part with it for anything. It runs great and look great. love this car!

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  Disappointed Buyer - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Z. Dollar - May 3 - 3:53 pm

  Purchased car with only 31 miles. Two weeks later car was having a new steering column replaced. A week later rear of car was vibrating when I drive speeds that exceeded 40 miles per hour. Took car back to dealer. Something had to be repaired in truck area to stop vibration. Two months after this car went back to the shop and found that the steering column had to be replace again? WOW by now ready to give car back. Very disappointed in Honda customer service. I have owned several Honda products but this is by far the worst model I have ever owned. Drivers seat not comfortable, the car itself compared to other models of similar class. I rate this car a 2 on a scale of 10!!!!

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  Italian classic improved - 2005 Honda S2000
  By jeffrey - May 3 - 12:10 am

  This car is flawless. The exterior is sexy and the interior as well done as my last 911. What a fun, reliable and quick car to drive!

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  Engine Problems - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Scottlee10 - May 2 - 4:30 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my car. I have done the tune ups and regular oil changes. I had to replace the radiator after 120000 miles. Thats not too bad. Recently while I was driving my engine would just stop. I would waite a minutue or two, my check engine light would go off, the car would start again. This happened randomly. Finally it died and didnt start. It turns out to be the Ignition control module. Thats the only issue I have had. I recommend buying another.