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 Buy - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Chad Poulter - March 10 - 5:48 pm

  Great car, It is my first car and I looked around and bargined the dealer down to a good price. I have been very pleased with the car. I average up to 30+ MPG on highway (depends on how full the car is). You will pay several thousand more versus Ford or Dodges similar models but value that it holds more than makes up for that. When you want reliability, buy a Honda. SImple as that.

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  Okay car for the money - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Houstonian - March 10 - 4:33 pm

  It was a good deal for the money, although it needs oil changes, etc. or it gets "fussy". For a small person its fine, but for a "larger person" its cramped. The gear also sticks sometimes when in park, not allowing you to turn the key and remove it from the steering wheel.

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  Honda Pilot!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - March 10 - 3:13 pm

  The Pilots rear cargo space is exceptional.I really enjoy this SUV.

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  Better than our ML 500 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julia - March 10 - 1:23 pm

  This is our second Odyssey, and I cant believe how much its improved! Its so air-tight I have to keep an eye on the speedometer. With three kids from 18 months to 11 years, this car meets my need to have plenty of spaces to store "stuff", but still look fantastic. The controls are very intuitive, and the only complaint I have at all is having to re-adjust the arm-rest every time I put on my seat belt. The additional features of the touring edition are worth every penny. The rear camera and parking sensors help with our tight garage, and the remote lift-gate comes in handy when carrying a toddler, computer bag, back-pack and stroller all at once.

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  Good but not Great - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Kris M - March 10 - 12:20 pm

  I will admit I have only owned the car for 2 months now, but I have some complaints. Passing power is almost a joke. My 2002 stratus would blow the doors off this thing. I am almost afraid to pass in it. This V-6 seems to be powerless in the top end. My fuel mileage is not so great either. On long trips averaging 65mph I only get 25-26 mpg. The dodge got 28-29 with the V6. Other than that we love the car. Climate control is a must have. Being able to see out of your car is a plus. If you dont know what I mean drive a stratus. Having a large trunk opening is great as well. Hopfully the milage will improve over time.

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  Doesnt Deliver As Promised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim - March 10 - 11:53 am

  Call me a critic but the gas mileage is not what the dealer promise. Ive now driven 4000 miles and am averaging 41.5 mpg since purchase. Dealer sold both the Prius and Civic...assured me that the Prius would average 45 mpg but the Honda would get more than that. I purchased the Civic, but should have purchased the Prius!!! Dealer said the car still isnt broken in, yea right!!! Car styling is good, but the wind noise is loud. The console is cool, but the seats are not very comfortable.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By bob - March 10 - 9:20 am

  Excellent vehicle to get out of town for a long weekend. Great on the highway, with plenty of window view.

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  Sorry I bought it. - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hannah Lechenstien - March 10 - 1:43 am

  I have only driven this van about 3000 miles and I have to say that I am VERY DISSAPOINTED in HONDA PRODUCTS!. I have been to the dealership a total of twelve times for an array of problems. The sliding door fell of its track onto my 7 year olds foot. The DVD player keeps skipping. The lights on the dash will go out with no warning. The brakes are starting to squeek when they are hot. It has terrrible gas miledge (13 city/16 hwy). I had traded a Dodge Durango that got better gas mpg than this thing. And it never broke down or sent me to the dealership for any repairs. I have almost three years left on the lease of this scary creature. I dont think Im going to make it.

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  Honda is the Best - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jordan - March 10 - 1:16 am

  The Accord is a wonderful vehicle. We bought the accord for the long trips we make. We ride in comfort.

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  MORE THAN ONE HONDA - 1998 Honda Civic
  By 2ND HONDA - March 10 - 12:47 am

  This is my second Civic. The 1st was a great car...very reliable and great on gas. The second was is a 1998 ex. Vtec motor. If you get a Civic, it should be with a v-tec motor. Feels like a v6 on the highway. Fun to drive. Very sporty. Best deal for the money...and itÂ’s a Honda.