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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  Excellent choice - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Henry - September 29 - 1:00 pm

  In my opinion this is best value for the money car on the market. The fit and finish of the leather and the whole interior is top-notch, and clearly beats out the 2009 Corolla that I test drove. Both the Corolla and Civic are very close, but Honda has the edge in appearance inside and out, as well as build quality. The doors have a nice thud to it, almost like a luxury car, while the Corolla had a slight rattle every timed you closed the driver side door. Its those little things that made me give Honda my cash. Both Honda and Toyota are rated #1 and #2 in reliability so its hard to go wrong...

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  Great Car!!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By lawly - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car if you want reliabilty and style. After numerous months of research I settled on the Accord EX V6 coupe. I bought it used with 38K on it and never had a problem. It gives a smooth ride with large trunk space. The only drawback is the seats. After sitting in the seat for about 3hrs, it gets a bit unconfortable particularly the driver seat. I also wish it had a bit more torque for the faster acceleration.

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  One Great Van!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Lover - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my van for about a year now. Its great! We have put many miles on our van because my husbands job was about 400 miles away from home. He would drive the van back and forth to come home on weekends. The van did great! We have absolutely no complaints! I plan on keeping this van for a long time and when I am ready for a new car I am planning on getting a new Odyssey!

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By miso - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 6 cylinder 97 Honda Accord back in Dec 97 as an exchange for a BMW 325 EX and I was very happy I did it. Not only it was more comfortable but also cheaper to maintain. The car was great I say was because they stole it 5 days ago and when the police found it it was destroy by the vandals who stole it. They killed a GREAT CAR Never had a problem with it i will certainly miss it. Now I will have to find another honda to replace it.

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  improvements on 200 Honda CR-V. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Lou Akerman - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The head rests, both front and back seats, interfer with looking over your shoulder when back, to see if you are clear. I took the rear seat ones out, but the front seat still cause a problem. The handle of the gear shift on the dash, should be a different shape. I am still not convinced it shoudl be where it is. Would rather have the tire inside, where the table currently is.

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  Honda Lemon??? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike K. - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Lots of small problems, engine light (fixed on third dealer visit), noise in headliner (fixed after two visits), noise in drivers door (working on a fix), drivers seat rocking back and forth (fixed after four visits), headrests coming up by themselves (no fix) and last but not least, rattling noise in the sunroof (taken to dealer seven times, noise still there, told by Honda "its normal for SUV to make noise like that") All in all, the car spent 1 month at dealers out of nine month that I had it. The dealer in this case tried everything possible to resolve the issues, but Honda did not even called me back after several complaints.

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  Really great van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jordy Lad - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We just love this van. We traded in a Mazda MPV for the Honda and its night and day the difference. I used to HATE to drive the MPV anywhere but I like driving this Honda (I drive a BMW 740 as my daily driver). This Honda scoots along and I really like the intelligent transmission which anticipates what you are about to do and selects the right gear. The kids love the DVD player, no more complaints about long drives, we cant get them out of the car nowadays. Huge storage space behind the 3rd seat, I used to use have to use a roof storage system with the MPV, but now thats gathering dust in the garage.

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  Ultimate Family Truckster - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By WHODEY - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our Odyssey to replace our reliable, yet underpowered 00 CR-V. We have one child and hope to add a couple more and the CR-V was already too small. The 240hp engine is excellent. The five speed shifts very smoothly and engine and road noise are kept to a minimum. These were both major issues we had with the CR-V. I didnt want a minivan but its a great vehicle.

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  best balance.. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By picky joe - September 29 - 10:00 am

  yeah, its soft sprung. so what? this is kinda car that youd take your kids and grand ma out to see grand canyon on a 30hour drive. so softer the better, aight? with that, i dont think anything else can handle the way this truck does. even for a seden, its quite tight. its body rolls a bit and it dives somewhat in the corners but that is very very minimal price to pay for that quiet/hushed/cotten-candy ride. joe

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  PILOT ON THE GROUND - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By panathas - September 29 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING OUR PILOT FOR TWO WEEKS AND LOVING IT. WE SHOPPED AROUND FOR A NEW SUV FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND TEST DROVE MOST SUVS WITH THE SAME PRICE RANGE AS THE PILOT BUT THE PILOT HAD MORE TO OFFER. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WITH THE MILEAGE BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND REGULAR FUEL MAKES IT MORE AFFORDABLE.