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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  Gas Mileage Poor - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charles - September 2 - 3:34 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my 2007 Honda Ridgeline truck, however, it has come to lease end and I will be turning it in for a new 2009 Acura TL w/Tech Pkg. I have nothing but praise for the Ridgeline. It did have an electrical problem (computer chip and electronic board fried) within a month after my purchase. Also, the handles above the right and left rear passenger doors came loose and was about to fall off. Weird since I dont ever have passengers back there. The service department said that it probably was threaded wrong at the factory. Also, the back lighting on the heated seat HI/LO button (drivers side) kept burning out prematurely.

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  Well, the kids love it... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By ebd135 - September 1 - 11:13 am

  After our third came around it was time to move up in terms of size with our vehicles. This is our second Honda product so no real surprises in build/material quality, which as been good so far. The van has been very functional and the power doors are great. The space within the van is excellent, as is the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Gas mileage is been in the middle 20s so far, but I will expect less during the winter. The children love the van and taking long trips has been a much more pleasant experience for the whole family.

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  This is my second one - 2008 Honda Element
  By Dave Perry - August 31 - 6:02 pm

  This is my second Element. My first one was a 2006, same equipment, different color and traded for an S2000 which was fun while it lasted. I use my 2008 Element as a daily driver and I also sell a high-end Swedish car in my day job which I know inside and out (this will explain some of my suggestions later on). I think the Element is the perfect vehicle for me for a lot of reasons. It gets reasonable gas mileage (27 highway, 24 overall), it has reasonable power, is a blast to drive (no S2000, but what is?), is reliable as motor vehicles get, and has great ergonomics and fun to drive.

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  Mixed review - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Wayne - August 30 - 11:54 pm

  Vehicle is pleasant to drive, flexible interior layout, with useful space and fair gas mileage for a vehicle of this size. Have had issues with seat panels repeatedly falling off, clunking sound when selection reverse, early brake and tire change (PAX). Second set of tires are wearing very fast. Steering pump was changed, battery replacement after 2.5 years. CD player quit 2 months after warranty expiration. Some small interior parts repeatedly falling off.

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  Still Going Strong - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MikeM - August 30 - 5:47 pm

  Coming up on 4 years and overall still happy with the Pilot EX-L (non-Nav). The only issue has been the "auto up/down" switch on the drivers door so not bad. Plenty of room for family of three + large dog. Superb handling in the snow and drives/rides like a car, comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is awful, we have never come close to the advertised mpg even under optimal conditions. Nothing overly jaw- dropping about the Pilot--simply Honda quality, does what is designed to without fanfare.

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  Solid little car with one nagging issue! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By graywolf781 - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  Ive had my LX-S sedan for a few months now, and all has gone well except for one persistent issue that has popped up since the weather has become cold. When the car has been sitting for a few hours in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the car will often not start on the first try, or the car will start and then die out. The indicator window on the battery states that the battery is fine. On a brand new car, this is unacceptable. Come on Honda dont skimp on batteries with decent cold cranking amps.

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  Overall its a great car, ready for change - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Christmas86 - August 30 - 12:13 am

  Ive driven my 1991 Honda Civic for 6 years now 3 in high school and 3 in college. Right now Im about to finish school and Im in desperate need of a new car. This car is great on gas and Ive gotten where Ive needed to be but its such an old model. Its falling apart to the point where I would love to scrap it, but I have to finish school first. Its embarrassing because of how beat up and old it is. My friends use to make fun of it and call it a toy car or a clown car but it was and still is old faithful to me!!

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  115,000 and runnin it like I rent it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Shane - August 29 - 9:45 pm

  This is a great commuter car. However the only downfall is the light back end makes it slide in wet or slippy conditions. Runs as good now as the day I bought it. It does like to eat back tires so rotate them and service your car (i.e. oil and rotating tires) no big expenses yet. ITS KINDA A TIGHT FIT FOR A 6FT 200LB guy but it makes up for it at the pump...

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  No Surprises... Its a Honda! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot_4A_Pilot - August 29 - 11:50 am

  Having owned Hondas in the past, it came as no surprise that our Honda Pilot would be a great, solid and reliable mode of transportation. We wanted a dependable vehicle that would be large enough to hold 5, plus our large German Shepherd dog, yet still be fuel efficient and able to get us through the snowy Wisconsin winters. No Surprises. And no regrets!

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  A Nice Car to Own - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Big Dog - August 29 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this car because the transmission on my Intrepid died. I must say I am impressed. Overall, this is easily the most intelligently designed car Ive ever owned. It irritated me that Detroit couldnt bother to put as much effort into their designs as Honda does. Took a while to get used to the transmission rhythm (went from 3 to 5 speeds). Fuel economy can be an issue. On the highway, I got a nice 30+ MPG, but in the city, barely 20. I have the lowest end model, and I am impressed with the amount of extras it came with, as well as the performance of the engine. Very peppy for a 4 cyl. All in all, I am very satisfied with this car.