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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  Best investment ever! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By DFarrell - March 13 - 12:20 pm

  with gas prices going out of control the best investment I made was purchasing a hybrid. Normally I would got to the gastation once a week to fill up the gas tank, now I go to the gas station every 2 weeks to fill my tank. Oil changes were every 3 months are now every 6 months. You cant beat that!

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  BEWARE!! Accord 2016 has VIBRATION + moreproblems! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Harry Jarman - March 13 - 12:07 pm

  This car has serious vibration problems. At start up the engine vibrates and causes the steering wheel to shake .you have to put it into neutral to stop the vibration. The local dealer knows of the vibration problem on CRV but refuses to hear that there is a problem on the accord. The agents at America Honda never picks up the phone and are not helpful very negative, cannot send any written information .They said take it to another dealership.I am doing that. The seats are very uncomfortable after a long drive and the steering feels stiff on the freeway.The air conditioner and heating system are very poor works only at very high setting. I am smelling foul air from the air Conditioner system and this is not covered by warranty.The car is noisy on the freeway-wind noise. I bought the car for its excellent reviews! and customer service!. My previous car has no such problems. I am now questioning the reviews. I feel I have a lemon because no one reports this vibration problems etc. Do test drive for a long distance and check the car before you buy. On mine the vibration problem started 2 weeks after purchase. America Honda are very reluctant to provide any information or concrete help. The + gas mileage is good ,acceleration good.

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  Best value out there - 2008 Honda Accord
  By stealthy - March 13 - 12:06 pm

  Gets 29 mpg highway and does 0-60 in 5.9 seconds on regular unleaded! Steering is extremely accurate and allows you to feel whats going on with the road much better than Altima which had a loose and disconnected feeling. This car is bigger than i would have liked. Too bad they couldnt keep same size of previous generation accord. Seems like cars from all manufacturers are getting bigger these days though. Forgetting about size, the overall design has really grown on me. Has a chiseled look, they placed the sharp cut angles in some well chosen spots. I have had quite a few compliments from strangers. It is amazing how much room this car has though.

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  Fun to Drive - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jk1601 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Accord and I bought it off a lease in 99. Compared to my previous 89 DX, this thing has power, since its 5 speed with VTEC engine. ITs my first car with power everything and I really love to drive it, 50 miles/day to work. But 3 years after buying it, I think it needs even more power. The the only problem Ive had is the power door locks failed. Its got 80,000 miles and going strong.

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  Pilot rocks after 12,00 miles - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By desert rat - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Hey there, Have had the Pilot since June 8th. Have about 12,000 miles on mine now and have driven it over 200 miles on dirt roads.. Performs quite well... Drove 56 miles of of washboard roads in Death Valley drove quite nicely.. ALong with some sandy roads... Plenty of leg room for me being 61" tall.. Also, can sleep in the back when out camping if to lazy to setup a tent...Has pelnty of power and interior deesign works with all controls laid out...

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  Love it. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By skrmom - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Waited since June for SageBrush Pearl- worth the wait. Wanted Honda reliability but couldnt take driving another minivan. Will keep this one for a long time (our Accord is still going strong 11 years and 175,000 miles later). Bought over Internet for 2000 under MSPR- threw in some free accessories too.

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  Smooth it out - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Smoothitout - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding internior design. Utilization of space, controls and visability are the best of any car at any cost I have experienced. Excellent over size, performance. My one frustration is that I replaced OEM tires with Goodyear Fortura HLs at delivery and have vibration and harshness in ride. Has anyone had good experience with OEM tire replacement?

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  Super Commuter - 1997 Honda Accord
  By LStrick - March 12 - 11:59 pm

  Love my Honda LX 4dr 5spd. Bought it at 13,000 miles, now have 260,000!!! commute 90 miles one way to work 5 days a week, from high desert Antelope Valley CA over a mountain and down a long freeway into Pomona CA. Gas mileage avg 27 highway at 75 to 80 mph! Blew a seal on FWY at 120,000 miles, repair expensive but COVERED by extended warranty. Power to pass going UPHILL is great! Doesnt corner worth 2 cents, so Angeles Crest to work is short cut, but everbody passes me because Im slow on the canyon curves. Otherwise outstanding car.

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  Odyssey review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By myh13140 - March 12 - 7:33 pm

  Superior engineering, both from performance standpoint and exterior/interior styling. Looks good, feels good, controls are intelligently placed, great features, very reliable and the usual Honda performance (excellent). Slightly disappointed in fuel usage, so far has not lived up to suggested fuel economy. In all, very pleased; would purchase again and definitely would reccomend.

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  Cant complain too much - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JOse - March 12 - 12:14 pm

  So far so good, Had to take into the shop for muffler work and a problem with the intake, but besides that it been a good little car. 96000 miles and still runs great, only problem is that it does hesitate when pushing the gas to merge. Can be scary at times. Looks great on the outside and the inside is not bad. Fun car. Hopefully it will treat me good, and still has a decent resale value.