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:

• 

  Nice Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By nawipper - November 9 - 2:03 pm

  Traded in my old Jeep Cherokee with the CARS program. Fun to drive, great mileage (35 mpg on first two tanks in mixed driving). Sporty handling. I like both the interior design and the exterior. Drove a Corolla and Maxda 3 and liked this best overall.

• 

  2 months in - 2005 Honda Element
  By kayaker - November 9 - 1:16 pm

  My first Honda after having a Blazer. Chevy was big, heavy, sucked fuel, like a nice lazy boy chair to sit in. Im 63. It had a bit better leg room. As far as utility goes, Elements better. Fuel economy decent. Easy to clean (no carpet to get musty). Roomy - no complaints from passengers - friends are won over after a road trip. Also, I dont tow so the engine is fine for me. And tested the AWD - works great - will get me out of the roughest putin Id find myself near - steep, gravel windy path. Can easily accelerate onto freeway, do 85+ mph with 3 kayaks on top, but is not supposed to be a sports car.

• 

  Now thats an SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By markus81 - November 9 - 12:46 pm

  This is our first SUV. My wife test drove the Acura RDX but could not justify the $37k price tag. Then went to Honda dealer and the gave us a great trade in for her 2007 Civic. The car was loaded for $30k. The LED lights on the CRV look awesome. The front end is restyled nicely and not as bland. The back is almost the same except the chrome bar across. It rides like a pillow and corners great too. Gas mileage is amazing with the new fuel injected engine. New multifunction touchscreen radio is great. Also the additional display on top makes the car look high class. Leather seats are perforated and look of high quality. This is a very solid car, and I have owned VWs.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mishuff - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The 1998 Honda Accord is a wonderful vehicle. I love mine and have had no problems with it. I bought it brand new in 1997 as a 1998 year model. It is maintenece free! The gas milage is great, as wel as the reliability, and it is fun to drive.

• 

  Perfect Timing! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Silver 03 Pilot - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Really wanted the Pilot but just could not come to the realization that I was going to be forced to pay MSRP and atleast a 4.9% finance rate! And during the days of interest free financing going on with the American truck makers. I almost decided against the Pilot until I read one of these reviews and someone made the statement, "Id rather get a bad deal on a good vehicle than get a good deal on a bad vehicle". I thought that statement made alot of sense. So now Im a proud Pilot owner and I even was able to work a deal with the local dealer to get a great price on some running boards and have one of the dealer add ons at no cost.

• 

  Got to love the Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By michael williams - November 9 - 10:00 am

  You cant find one thing wrong with this van. I would have payed 40,000 for this van. I think that this is the best thing since sliced bread.

• 

  09 Touring--one month & 4,000 miles - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By scott a - November 8 - 6:30 pm

  Wow, this was quite the upgrade from our last vehicle, so it was a little overwhelming with all the options that came with the 2009 Touring with RES. Still havent figured out everything. I was surprised at the size of it when I pulled it into the garage. This vehicle is huge, in a good way. The 8 person seating capability is great. Bluetooth phone is great for my wife who cant drive & hold a phone at the same time. The navigation unit far surpasses the portable one I just bought. I hope my enjoyment of the car continues for many years. I see no major issues yet.

• 

  The Perfect FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By happy - November 8 - 4:46 pm

  Im happier with this car in the one week that Ive owned it than I was with my Beetle... the first car that I ever loved:) This car is much more practical for todays varied needs. The design puts safety first, and flexibility a close second. This car can be set up like a computer lounge or a comfortable ride for the dogs... I cant say enough good things about it! Also, I just went on a 400 mile trip and was comfortable the entire time listening to my Ipod through the 200 watt speakers... was never bothered with engine noise or felt like I needed to stand up and shake out my legs from sitting too long. And I was smiling at the gas station!

• 

  Honda scores again! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By marktbeauchamp - November 8 - 6:06 am

  I never thought I would own a Honda Civic because Ive always had bigger vehicles. My last car was a 2002 Ford Explorer. But, the test drive absolutely sold me! It feels bigger than I imagined on the inside with plenty of room (Im 62" and 230 pounds). The newly designed dash almost feels like some kind of futuristic spacecraft with the navi pod. The seats are very comfortable. I have to frequently drive for hours at a time and the fatigue factor is nonexistent! I can go 5 hours without stopping and feel no pain! The navi system is awesome...no more Yahoo or Mapquest for me! My first tank of gas netted me an incredible 39 miles to the gallon (mostly highway). My lowest city milage, 31mpg!

• 

  Air Noise - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sharpes - November 7 - 8:53 am

  The only thing I see wrong with the Pilot is there is no option for a sun roof, and when you have windows down there seems to be a air pocket noise at a certain speed that makes you roll the windows up.