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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  New Owner - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill Tyner - August 30 - 6:53 pm

  My daily driver accumulated a quarter million miles (a 95 Jeep Cherokee Sport) and I needed another vehicle for 3-4 years to commute with great mileage. Though I only have now driven the Civic 1800 miles, the things that are most impressive are: 40 mpg @ 65 mph hwy mileage is not only the EPA estimate but right on the money. Handling is better than expected. Comfort was good on my recent 8 hour freeway drive. Standard radio/speaker was adequate. I havent tried the standard CD player. Quite frankly, I wanted a vehicle to get great mileage and emulate an S40 Volvo w/sunroof. I drove an S40 and loved it. The Civic EX is better in many ways. So far, this is a great low end vehicle.

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  The BEST SUV for the EVERYDAY GUY - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PilotFan207 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Had it for about 2 months now 2000 miles - no complaints. smooth engine and interior quality is good. Checked out Trailblazer and Explorer (Those 2 cant beat this SUV in any category) The styling was bland in the beginning but it is growing on me. I love the 8 passenger feature (although rear is more for 7) and lots of cargo room. Drives like my acura 3.2 TL -smooth.

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  Honda Hits a Homerun! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dfernandez - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Believe it or not, I traded in my 201 Mercedes C320 for the Pilot. We needed a bigger car for our expanding family and when we learned about the Pilot our search ended. My wife and I cant get enough of this SUV. It is excellent. The gas mileage we got on a trip to Illinois was 25mpg ! It rides like a car and is VERY comfortable! A great buy!

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  Such a good car but still needs refining - 2002 Honda Civic
  By vw_ev - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great (economy) car! The gas mileage is an obvious plus, engine power is adequate, brakes are excellent, steering is tight and the handling is nimble. What things needs improvement? Interior fit and finish is marginal is some areas (instrument cluster looks cheap, and some plastics dont fit very tightly). Secondly, the automatic transmission (should have gotten a manual...) is horrible! Its shifts are way too slow for this type of car. It resembles that of an old grandpas car than a sporty economy car. Overall however I am very satisfied with my purchase!

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  Honda Coupe LX-S - 2009 Honda Accord
  By HondaTex - August 30 - 7:53 am

  After researching several competing models I settled on the Honda Coupe 4 cyl. automatic. It seemed to offer a reasonable compromise between fuel economy and sporty styling. The ride/drive was uninspiring until adding after market 18 inch wheels and 245/40/18" tires which made the car a much more enjoyable vehicle in most all respects, primarily due to the reduction in unsprung weight (check the weight of the factory wheel tire combo). Im averaging 28 MPG overall, and with the acceptable performance of the 190 HP 4 cyl., I dont feel like Im driving a "econobox".

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  Unreliable & Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Matt M - August 30 - 6:16 am

  Update at 11k miles: Bought the car in October - In December had the overhead cams, rocker arm, fuel injectors and battery all replaced - dealership claiming bad gas (no reports to prove it). In February took the car in for an oil leak. In March had the right front rim/tire replaced because of pothole - had car realigned and balanced - still vibrates between 60-70 mph till date. Currently the rubber door seal if falling off. The best gas mileage I can get is 22 mpg which is mostly highway and the car sometimes hesitates during acceleration

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  Its A Wonderful Toy! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Diogones - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my third summer as an S2000 owner and the excitement hasnt diminished one bit! It drives and performs like new with the exception of the rear tires. Those had to be replaced at 13,500 miles. The tread was completely gone and Im not an abusive driver.

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  best car ever - 1993 Honda Accord
  By tlccar1 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1993 Accord wagon! It is the best car I have ever owned - in fact, we love it so much we went out and bought a 2003 EX sedan!! It rides and handles great and is simply a joy to drive and own.

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  Not impressed - 1992 Honda Accord
  By johnnyspiker - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car jerks like no other. Id rather have a GM car, but not bad on reliability at this tie they were defintley better than GM. If looking for this used Id recomend but not new.

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  My Hybrid is AWESOME!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CJ - August 30 - 12:40 am

  I love my Accord Hybrid!! It is fun to drive and the V6 makes it quick - not gutless in the least. The change between the gas and electric engines is indistinguishable. I love the fact that the dash shows when it is running via the gas engine and also when only the electric engine is on. The braking charges this remarkable car. The price is steep, but as more companies make these cars, the price will drop. All of my friends wish they had this car!!!