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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  Excellent buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bruce - May 2 - 4:30 pm

  As a Lexus, Acura and BMW driver in the past I was concerned about the comfort and roominess this car provides. To my surprise, the car is quiet, roomy and will save me approx. $1000 on gas. The other vehicles in the past required premium. This little unit gets 35 mpg and uses regular. It has plenty of zip and is a smooth ride. I am very very happy with this car and am highly recommending it to my friends.

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  2008 Honda Accord LX - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Frog - May 2 - 3:20 pm

  I have had my Accord for 7 months, just about 9,400 miles. I love it! I have had NO problems with it. I havent had any back pain from the seats, maybe these people exceed the seat weight limit? My lights arent flickering and there is no rattling. I dont think the engine is loud but that can be a matter of opinion. My basis for comparison were Hondas, Nissans and Toyotas all of which I have owned over the years.

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  BMW X5 eat your heart out! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jpm - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its all been said in the other reviews, this vehicle is an absolute gem. Having driven many SUVS and spent much time in various BMW X5s recently, without a shadow of doubt the Pilots powertrain puts BMWs offerings to shame. Their trannies are crude and clunky and the 3.0 is gutless by comparison.

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  BMW X5 eat your heart out! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JPM - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its all been said in the other reviews, this vehicle is an absolute gem. Having driven many SUVS and spent much time in various BMW X5s recently, without a shadow of doubt the Pilots powertrain puts BMWs offerings to shame. Their trannies are crude and clunky and the 3.0 is gutless by comparison.

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  Good Minivan...but need more improvement - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pdoalamo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2003 Ody EX-L. It was great to drive it with more horse power and big interior room. Reverse sensor is useless and dealer included into the MSRP. The sound is really annoying my children when dring backward. I have been driving a car for 10 years without reversed sensor and it is OK to me.

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  Good pick up, great gas milage - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Diemos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  the interior it seems to be made of very nice quality and I expect it to last. I purchased the EX because of the sunroof, better engine and 15 inch wheels. The stereo isent all its cracked up to be. They say its premium although, its stock... I suppose I shouldnt expect wonders, but at 3/4s volume it shouldnt crackle on BASS. Sunroof works perfect, its fast to. 15 inch wheels, are not even real rims, they are just hub caps.. a bit dissapointing until I saw my monthly payments. My stereo is broken, I may one in a million to recieve this problems as the dealership had never heard of it. The clock resets everytime I turn off the car

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  I should have kept my cavalier - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ineedanewcar - May 1 - 6:19 pm

  I have had the car for about 2.5 years. I have not had one mechanical problem with the car witht the exception of the check engine light. My gas mileage is horrible and the resale value is disappointing. I bought the car knowing that I would put a lot of miles on it and I figured its a honda it will hold its value. NO it doesnt my care is worth about 7500.00 that is rediculous considering other cars are going for higher in the same year and style of this. I would buy a honda again just b/c they are awesome cars and run forever. Just not a Si.

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  Saw it, had to have it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By DJ - May 1 - 1:26 pm

  I saw the new 2007 CR-V on the dealer lot, I stopped, drove it and bought it. What a great vehicle this is, from the outside to the inside, not a flaw to be found. It feels like a much larger vehicle than it is, which I really like but it is small enough that parking is easy! I feel like I am driving a luxury car without a luxury car price.

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  Top Down Tenure - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Thomas Curtner - May 1 - 11:33 am

  Being a sports car junkie has its downside, as one is continually judging the vehicle in possession against the sum-total of past experience (time to trade AGAIN, sigh). Its tough, when past experience also includes stock/mod race cars. However, the Honda S2000 delivers in so many categories, and the sheer joy of the driving experience is magnified so completely by this motorcycle-on-wheels that Im simply laughing too hard to concentrate on convincing you to try one! Seemingly innocuous, feels like many other superb handling sports cars, UNTIL the driver decides to push it. The Honda becomes a rocket pack youve strapped on...rain or shine, its simply superb. Outrageous, F1 level fun!

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  2005 Honda S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By cyneron - April 30 - 11:04 am

  The S2000 is a fun car to drive and you can hardly wait to get behind the wheel. My wife uses the car as a comuter car and gets about 30 MPG. When I drive the mileage is somewhat lower as I run the car through it paces. Be prepared for foolish challenges on the road even from the most unlikely vehicles. A light touch of the gas and all challengers loose interest. Quite a little car. Quite a little car, Hondas done their home work.