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:

• 

  The Underdog - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Borntodrive - October 18 - 8:49 pm

  I have only started driving recently, this car is my parents car, however it is soon to become mine, even at 6 years of age this car cannot stop impressing my friends when it comes out on Friday nights. It is obviously not as tight as it used to be, but it is bulletproof, I have done some things to it that I regret, however it shrugged it off and kept going like it was no biggie. I love how simple it is compared to all my friends cars, yet it gets the job done, despite playing with 2008 and 2009 model BMWs and Lexuses. It rocks and I will never give it up until the thing is truly done, I dont even want a newer car I love this one so much!

• 

  Very Pleased!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Fase79 - October 18 - 12:43 pm

  Yes indeed very pleased...The drive is smooth with great acceleration surprisingly for a 4 cylinder. Its great on gas (24 city/34 highway). It has a nice subtle and sleek interior metal trimming on the door (black seats/carpet). Overall you get a car with a subtle and sleek design thats economical and will hold its value.

• 

  Just in time - 2008 Honda Civic
  By crit54 - October 18 - 6:36 am

  During the fall of 07, I noticed a pattern of gas prices going way up in the near future. The wifes 04 Titan 4door 4x4 was getting 12-14 mpg. Kept the truck and bought the Civic hybrid. Wow, went to 37 mpg when she drives it, and 43 mpg when I drive. Shes a leadfoot! Great car, nice ride, looks great, all the bells and whistles anyone would need, Honda reliability, will hold its value like all Hondas. I ride a 05 Honda st1300 motorcycle bought it brand new, many miles never any problems. The Civic did have the rear suspension fixed under warranty 05/28/08 they were wearing the tires out due to an alignment, negative camber problem. About one hour to fix, 2 new tires, no cost and ready to go. Great car

• 

  Family Heirloom - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Val J. - October 17 - 10:30 pm

  This was my third of 5 Hondas and is my favorite. It outlasted my 2002 Civic. I drove it for almost 200k before buying the 2002 and handed it over to a friend who needed a loaner... for 2 years, then again for a year, then to my niece and her boyfriend for a few months, and now it is going to be my daughters car at over 250k miles. It still gets 40mpg with mixed hwy and mountain driving, no engine issues, and two clutches. No rust, no alignment issues. Its fast, smooth, comfortable, and makes a good pickup truck. We will have it until it dies.

• 

  Love the Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By doglvr - October 17 - 9:43 pm

  VERY happy with car. Stereo is great, much better than I expected. Comfy supportive seat, nice instrumentation (blue is easier on eyes than red that many cars have now IMO), good smaller car for dogs. Smaller car than Im used to, pep is ok but Im more cautious driving in a smaller car. I expect a 10 for reliability but obviously havent had it long enough to gauge, no worries there. Great job Honda! I dont feel bad not having a prius now. : )

• 

  Very impressed ! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dbarnett - October 17 - 7:30 pm

  The 2006 EX-L RES/NAV Odyssey is one of the best things that our family purchased. I looked at the Toyota and would have purchased it, but the comparibly equipped Sienna came in about $2500 higher than the Odyssey. I purchased a 7 year 120k extended warranty online at an excellent price because of all the electronic gizmos that the Odyssey offers. Only time will tell on reliability. Mileage has been 16-18 in the city with 22-23 on the highway. That is with four family members and a load of stuff to support to small kids.

• 

  My Honda Fits Fine! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hooked on Honda - October 16 - 11:41 pm

  Began my love relationship with Fit in May 09. Many years with VWs, but Fit feels more spacious. Easy driving. Small enough to fit anywhere. Designed sharp enough to be noticed. Never want to be without a GPS again so much fun to enjoy the scenery rather than having to remember landmarks. Loads of space and places to put drinks, eyeglasses, etc. Wide windshield and extra side windows feels like being in a tour bus. Great visibility. Road ride is fine no worse than any other cars. GREAT gas mileage! The flexibility of the seats is a HUGE plus. Sadly I was totaled last week. Entire front end gone, but not me or my cat. Air bag worked. Nothing penetrated the cabin! Looking for a new Fit.

• 

  Hybrid tech at a fair Price - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - October 16 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the ex at the local dealer, I was impressed with the vehicle and the packaging of the EX model. This vehicle has a nice ride and is made to save money on gas. You must realize that this vehicle is not a sports car. It performs as it was design to. I traded in my 08 CRV and bought the Insight EX. The insight teaches you how to get the most mileage out the vehicle by changing your driving habits.

• 

  The Best Ever - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Tober - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This has been our "second" car -- the other is a 5 series BMW, also a fine car. However, this Honda is without a doubt the best yet. For whatever strange reason, probably to compete in the SUV market, Honda no longer makes wagons. It is a shame. This car does everything, and more, that a owner could ever want. Comfort, pickup, space for dogs and or children and or adults and old folks, fuel economy and mileage range, great exterior and interior design, you name it, it has it and it does it. Dont have a clue, when it comes time, as to how to replace it.

• 

  The Best Vechicle Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By Magick581 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Element! The interior is very spacious and comfortable.. great for long trips or just around town. The durable body style and build is definitely designed to withstand it all. It is also packed with neat assesories that you can add on. I especially enjoy the attachable interior curtains & tailgate cabana for us camping lovers. I rate it a 10 all around. Definitely the best vechicle Ive ever owned.