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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  Incredible Smiles per gallon - 2008 Honda Civic
  By xinuguru - November 27 - 6:30 am

  After two years of driving, I compare the Si with few small sports cars. The retail price was tuff but it was cheap club membership. I have driven and ridden wheeled rockets from Kawa H1 to a 500Hp Chevelle 396 and this is the best combination of control and power that I have ever had. Highway driving is so smooth and artificial limits are an issue. The key to satisfaction is keeping the RPM at 4k with the fantastic 6 spd tranny. I regularly get at worst 26MPG and at best 32mpg at 80+ mph. 350 watts of music drowns out the background road noise. The pavement surface has a lot to do with ambient noise level.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By monkie tyne - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned an SUV before. I dont generally like the truckish ride and feeling like the vehicle is going to roll over. The Pilot has a nice, car-like ride, and the interior is comfortable and spacious. The new leather also smells nice.

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  Very pleased - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Phil - November 26 - 6:16 am

  Ive had my sedan for a month now and am very happy with it. Driving this car is simply effortless - the engine is smooth and responsive, the steering is perfectly tight without feeling heavy, and the suspension handles corners well without feeling harsh over bumps. Ive made several 3+ hour trips with it and never felt worn out like I did with my previous car (a Pontiac Grand Prix).

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  Best Mid-Size Sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mike - November 25 - 5:10 am

  You cant beat this car for the money. No American made car i had even caddys are this well put together.I have 4000 miles on it no rattles or squeaks. My only gripe is that the radio sounds fuzzy on certain stations.

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  NICE - 2005 Honda Accord
  By silver05accord - November 24 - 11:26 am

  THIS CAR IS AWESOME....YOU GOTTA GET IT....Dont waste ur money on that american auto crap...its all about teh japaneese reliablity and quality....this car is real quick too...i took it out on teh road with a stop watch...0-60 mph is exactly 6.0 secs, real nice for the v6...ACCORD!!!!

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  05 Pilot EX-L Review - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dprerrn - November 23 - 10:26 pm

  Im very satisfied with my purchase. I looked very closely at the 05 Nissan Pathfinder and 05 Toyota 4-Runner, and decided on the Honda. This is my 4th Honda that I have owned, and Ive never been dissappointed with one of them. If you are looking for class with a nice amount of performance this is a perfect choice. The nice feature about this car is that it comes with AWD and a standard 3rd row seat that is easy to get in and out of. The 3rd row in the Pathfinder is difficult to get out of and to find a 4-Runner with a 3rd row is impossible and its an extra charge. I am very dissapointed however with the poor sound from the stereo system.

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  Jean - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jean - November 23 - 9:56 am

  This is my second Honda. This 2007 Honda Accord replaces my 1990 Honda Accord. I am very happy with my purchase. The 4 cylinder is very responsive.

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  Si complete - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tmsou - November 23 - 7:46 am

  I have owned 9 new cars and bought this for my son, this car is unbelievable, full of power, safe and fun to drive. A bit too peppy for a teenager.

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  309000 and counting - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Frank - November 22 - 4:49 pm

  I bought this car use it had 34000 miles on it and now it has 309000 its still running very good but it does burn some oil Ive never changed anything but Tires and Brakes and the oil.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By befit - November 22 - 9:36 am

  Have driven 500 miles in my 09 FIT (5A). Love the sport mode and shift paddles, but am settling into the Auto mode for higher MPG. Get 42 MPG on pure highway. 26-3 2MPG in mixed rather hilly driving. Seats and ride are nice & firm. Reasonably quiet on highway. Stereo and the Ipod connection are great. Luggage space and the magic folding rear seats are truly amazing for this size car. Overall, I love the car - cant wait to start it up in the morning.