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:

• 

  Its new but so far good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DTCarRater - September 11 - 10:50 am

  I had a hard time picking out a car in this class. Dollar for dollar though the best deal was this car. Yes the standard price is higher, but after you factor in all the features I paid about 300 less. I got a more relable car and I get excellent gas mileage. The dash seems sort of weird at first but it is actually nice so dont have to look down as much

• 

  Will probably be my last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John - September 11 - 10:06 am

  This is my 3rd accord that Ive owned in the past 5 model years. I had a 2003, a 2006, and now this 2008. The 2003 was a GREAT car. Little 4cyl 5 spd LX and it got awesome gas mileage. I then bought the wife a Honda Minivan, and traded the LX in on that. After about 6 mos I missed having an Accord, so I bought one for myself for my work commute. The 2006 was the 4dr EX V6 Manual 6spd edition. Got ok mpg averaging about 26.5-27.5mpg on my work commute which is about 85% highway. Bought this car and even on a 100% highway trip I couldnt get >26mpg. My work commute I get 22.5mpg. My 96 buick regal got 26-27mpg. Nice car but horrible MPG compared to ratings. Car maintained properly.

• 

  Dont believe MPG estimate - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By BrianP - September 10 - 8:26 pm

  Traded our 05 Pilot because we needed the convenience of a mini van. Tested the Odyssey and Sienna. Althugh we liked the features of the Sienna more, the Odyssey drove and handled much better. Biggest dissapointment is with the fuel mileage. With our AWD Pilot we got about 19 overall. With the same type driving in our Odyssey we get 16. Also some minor interior rattles and creaks which are annoying.

• 

  2003 Odyssey Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By moretz - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Had to bring in for service of alignment. Aligment is still below par. I am very disappointed in the steering. Van pulls to the right constantly.

• 

  It is what it is... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kujhawk80 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am pleased. I had owned a 99 Civic Ex coupe for 2.5 yrs and switched to a 6 cyl Jeep Wrangler. After only 4 months of owning the Jeep I found my favorite hangout to be the service dept, so I decided to trade. The civic is much as I had remembered: an affordable, sporty, fuel efficient auto with generic styling, especially the rear. The seats are comfortable, just needs some additional power to challenge the larger bolsters. Overall, it does the job and then some... reliable, peppy, and fun...you wont be let down.

• 

  Good car, but loud noise - 2003 Honda Civic
  By maomi - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I got my new civic EX sedan and like it so far. I drove an old 88 honda Accord and there are no AC and radio in it. Thats why I feel the difference immediately. Dont understand why there is only one cup holder for back seat people.

• 

  Vibration on window side - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jayk - September 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago. I have no problem with handling, mileage, and reliability. However, Im not satisfied with the build quality because there is vibration on the side door which I could not locate the exact place. It really bothers me because you can really hear the vibration.

• 

  Good but not great - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By FLIPSIX - September 7 - 11:29 pm

  Great AWD truck. Styling is great. Friendly driver controls. Good power considering the weight. Problems included the tailgate lever which was replaced. Makes this start up noise- "normal" per dealership. Huh??? Showed me a youtube excerpt about. Supposedly wont cause any problems, uhuh...Storage is great especially the hidden bed trunk. Poor gas mileage 15- 17mpg city 18mpg combined and thats pushing it.

• 

  Honda is the best at innovation. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Raymond - September 7 - 9:33 pm

  The car feels well built.This model is built in japan, better quality control and fit and finish i feel. driving is very different, than my 2001 civic i traded in. U do have to learn to drive with a gentle foot on the gas. its almost a glide and coast approach, looking ahead at lights and traffic to let off gas as much as possible.This seams to give best fuel economy. With engine shutoff at every stop, car does take 2seconds to respond and go. Seats are supportive but seam too narrow for me and center console takes up leg room for stretching. Gauges are nice and easy to read but if your short u will see them reflect on upper windshield glass. Too much road noise, quiet tires might help.

• 

  Very Good Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike - September 7 - 6:36 pm

  Over all, this a very good car. 32,000 miles on it and no major problems. Love the sporty handling and steering. The gas mileage is good. Bad sun visor design. The glue that holds them together seems to melt in the sun. Had to replace tires @ 20k but that seems to be the norm for most makes now. Drivers seat needs better thigh support.