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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  pleased - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By pleased - February 27 - 12:15 pm

  I looked @ Saturn Outlook, NIssan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia,and Buick Enclave. I was pleased with all of them but I wanted a vehicle that had great resale value, safe,good gas mileage and is known for longevity. I did research between all of them compared features I wanted and did not. Everytime I thought I wanted another brand I was back @ the Pilot. It is very comfortable and It fitted me well. I took my Pilot to the mountains and was averaging around 30-32 miles per gallon. I truly recommend this vehicle.

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  So far so good - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Anita - February 26 - 9:56 am

  Just purchased this honda accord v6 coupe. It was a decent price and looked like it was well taken care of. Love the power and the handling. With all the snow and ice in philly right now, the traction control system is awesome and much appreciated. My only concern when I bought it was that it has 269K miles on it already. I had 2 people look at it and they couldnt find anything wrong so I bought it. It drives like its brand new. You would never guess it had that many miles on it. Time will tell how much life I can squeeze out of it.

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  DePax and its good - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Wompem - February 26 - 8:23 am

  Wife totaled our 05 Chrysler van. She wanted a van with all the bells and whistles. Found a 07 Ody Touring and got it. She loves it now, but it was a little hard riding with the PAX tires. I did internet research prior to purchase and knew about them and the cost. We purchased a depax kit (wheels/rims/sensors), bought a spare tire and the ride is much smoother. Also, had to have the torque converter replaced under the powertrain warranty. Shifts really nice now. If you are having problems with the tranny, check out the service bulletins.

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  Nobody beats Honda! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bailey Jane - February 25 - 12:43 pm

  I purchased my Honda in late 2005 when this new body style had just came out. I absolutely love my car. I have three kids and while we are outgrowing the car, I am purchasing an Odyssey and my husband will take this one over. We also had a Honda Accord lease that we are turning in this week. We love Hondas and that is all we have owned in the last 10 years. I have had no problems with my civic, I have almost 70K miles on it now and I have replaced the tires since I drive so much. But it is fun to drive, it is a beautiful car and the gas mileage is awesome as we all know. I would not ever hesitate to purchase a Honda! Plus I have 3 uncles that are certified Honda mechanics so thats a bonus!

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  2009 pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By cas - February 25 - 10:58 am

  Love this car/truck.It is very comfortable, easy to handle and very responsive. Have been averaging 20.5 for every day driving (even mix of highway and local).Road noise is no different than other cars Ive owned including a Lexus.

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  good little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By tlt858 - February 24 - 9:46 pm

  Good little car. Ive been driving this car for more than 5 years, and have had very little go wrong with it. Great gas mileage, good pep, really comfortable. My car has over 200K miles on it, and it is still going strong.

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  Last 2009 Honda Coupe out there - 2009 Honda Accord
  By al - February 24 - 4:36 pm

  Got the last 2009 Honda EX-L 4cyl Coupe available, but discount was a little over 5700 so could either have high mileage 2010 with much small discount or very low 2009 and 09 made sense to me. Love this car, traded in 2008 EX-L 4dr and this car is very different in a very good way for me. I like handling, styling and gas mileage with another 4 cyl. Performance is fine if I had the 6cyl my mileage would be terrible-too-tempting. Getting 25 with 60/40city driving with very few miles on car. Have gotten used to just putting stuff in trunk since have only two doors to open now.

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  clean - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By s barot - February 23 - 4:15 pm

  I enjoyed this car very much, it has been very useful through all weather conditions and it has been a very comfortable vehicle to drive. Due to personal reasons I no longer can need ownership of this car.

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  Van-a-gan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ole Miss - February 23 - 2:49 pm

  I bought the van new and have had it over four years and put 75000 miles on it. I have had the power steering pump replaced once and it still groans and growls. The brakes grate and make noise, but always work. Ive had them checked out, but they say theyre alright. The van performs flawlessly otherwise. It really likes to go, and dare I say it is "fun" to drive. My teenager likes to drive it. I have a difficult time keeping it under 90mph. I drove the Sienna and it seemed under powered and soft. Gas mileage is good for a large vehicle at 21 city and 25 highway. Lots of room and with a whole lot of storage space make it a great car for traveling. I would buy it again.

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  Great Lil Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By eb_thatsme - February 23 - 11:30 am

  Im in the military, and im a single mother. I got this car during the winter and was surprised as to how well it did on the roads in Italy [im in Pisa]. My daughters car seat actually fits quite well behind me while i drive and i drive comfortably.. [mind u im also 56] Its a great lil work car, i get awesome gas mileage [i only put about euro 40 in every two weeks]. This is just an awesome lil car. I do have dash problems, as in the display doesnt work, but all in all, great lil car. And amazing space!