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:

• 

  New Pilot Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ssandra - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pilot nearly 6 weeks now, and am extremely satisfied with it! I paid $1200 under MSRP at Steve Bailey in OKC--however, I would NOT have received that good a deal if I had not first asked for a quote from their internet department. If you have a pet, I highly recommend the cargo liner! I ordered one off the internet from Spreen Honda in CA and, with shipping, still paid 25%

• 

  No fuel cells yet? Next Best... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By faka - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun to watch the mpg panels, great to get up to 55 mpg! Feel like youre putting your money where your mouth is, to save gas and lower emissions. Smooth ride, peppy, Honda quality. Very quiet. I have only had Accords before, but this one is fine. Solid feel, smooth transitions. For once, I get a new car and I dont suddenly see them everywhere, unique! But this would be good...

• 

  fun suv - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By R. Ros - February 9 - 4:23 pm

  Great fun to drive. Could use better fuel economy. I like most things about the car. It seems to have plenty of pep.

• 

  Fun Little Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By J Evans - February 9 - 2:10 pm

  Handles curves well with great acceleration. Doesnt have all the toys, but has all you really need.

• 

  Another Great Honda - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By boundsn - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was great. The only thing keeping you from driving it 100,000 miles in one trip would be having to stop for gas and oil! The interior is beautiful and wonderfully laid out. The 5 speed was one of the best cable- driven shifters Ive ever had my hands on. The engine feels like an import big block, and makes all those other FWD cars feel puny and diminutive. Real road presense too.

• 

  Affordable & Reliable! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By tearacy - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car brand new in 1995 and 9 years later am still impressed by its reliability. The Civic is the perfect first car to buy: great fuel efficiency, good rear leg room, nice exterior look, interior has held up very well. This is the best deal in its price range and car class.

• 

  Dont let the size fool you. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By saved by civic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I think the best part about my civic is that one rainy day i was joyriding and slid off the side of the road and went driver side door first into a tree at seventy mph. I walked away with only a cut on my lip from the sunroof collapsing on me. The car was totalled but when the insurance money came I went and bought the same car. and it has been great to me. The performance isnt the best but I can fix that.

• 

  GOOD FAMILY VEHICLE - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By GLD67016 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Honda product (Accord and Acura Legend). As usual, Honda seems to have it figured out "under the hood" but could use some assistance with interior design and other mechanical features. Wife and children love the vehicle. I enjoy the drive when given the opportunity.

• 

  Was disappointed in the van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbiebeth - February 8 - 8:43 pm

  The van rides well but the gas mileage is not anywhere near the figures quoted. Have owned this van 4 months and it has been in the shop 3 times already. Has had the brakes go out - and there was a recall on them. The passenger seatbelt is uncomfortable and Honda does not have an extension available. Has had one run-flat tire already had to be replaced. We found to replace the run-flat tire is $650.00 according to the dealer. Thought the hidden compartment was cool - but found is impractical to use.

• 

  Brakes dont work - I just crashed it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Edward Mullich - February 8 - 5:23 pm

  I just bought this car. The only problem is that the brakes dont work. Maybe Honda doesnt see the brake system as something really necessary. It happened with me twice and with my wife three times today. She crashed the car and destroyed the driver door. The car was three days ago in the dealer to be fixed. They said that is a normal problem because is an automatic and it takes 1 or 2 minutes for the brakes to start working. Can you believe? If they dont fix everything I will go to court.