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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  Test drive it first! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By J Miller - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine when the thing was so hot many dealers were not allowing test drives... This would have been a mistake if I were over 6 foot 3.

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  Best Value on the road - 2002 Honda S2000
  By frussell - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months and it gets better every day. I bought it on- line and paid $200 over invoice. I had to travel an hour to get it but it was well worth it, local dealers were all sticker or sticker +. After driving Z3s and Boxsters this is faster, better handling and I dont see 5 on the way to work every day.

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  2006 Honda Pilot EX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By DCS - September 4 - 5:10 pm

  The Honda Pilot is an efficient blend of practicality and good looks. It rides and handles well with a solid feel, and has plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It accelerates strongly yet averages over 20 mpg in every-day traffic. The V6 uses only 3 cylinders under light load, yielding about 25 mpg on the highway. Reliability after one year and 12,000 miles has been perfect.

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  Best in class for a reason - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jj - September 4 - 9:00 am

  The 2006 Civic is an amazing technological and automotive achievement; No wonder it was voted Car of the Year. Drive one and youll see for yourself.

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  sportshift transmission problems - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By brown_r - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliability has been very good up until the last 6 months. Suddenly the transmission starts shifting hard. I took it into the dealership and the only option they offer is transmission replacement ($4K). Two AAMCOs have failed to identify the problem. $4K is a pretty high repair bill for a 1997 car with 54K miles.

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  No disappointments - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DJ Vale - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Silver LX 4x4 auto. Drives beautifully, interior a little blah at first but quickly grew on me. Comfortable seats, lots of room, especially in back, great acceleration for a 4-cylinder, mileage great so far with terric Honda quality and resale value. A few negatives: Paid almost full MSRP via the internet due to popularity; adequate stereo but not great; no standard keyless entry on LX model; Lots of road noise particularly on rough road surfaces; poorly designed rear door opens on left with tire mounted outside causing potential high- cost from a rear-end minor collision.

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  Zippy and Frugal - give it a shot. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Daniel-May - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Its a hybrid car that can easily get over 40mpg in real world driving. I can get 44+ depending on how well I drive. You need to anticipate the road ahead to maximize the mileage. Its exponential - the more good things you do, the better your mileage gets. If you get in a tough spot - limited access on ramps or other tight merging situations, just drop the shifter into s and floor it. The electric assist kicks in and you take off. It just seems slow because it never shifts - CVTs have no set gears. Its always smooth. And in stop-and-go, the engine will shut off when the car stop, so you waste less gas.

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  Who needs a Camry/Altima-Even Maxima? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TKevinC - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my 3rd Accord in 8 yrs. This one is light yrs beyond the others. For the money I cannot imagine a better vehicle. Well, this one with a different rear end!! What was Honda thinking. Got mine for $24,400 out the door. Couldnt get any comp veh for anywhere near that. Rides a little harsh for a 4 dr sedan (could be those Michelin tires)has tremendous power. Havent noticed the mushy handling noted by all the car mags.

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  a rough ride - 2003 Honda Accord
  By drup - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel every bump in the road--and every gear shift is shaky--the first time I took it off an expressway it blew a tire--the donut at 50 mph with trucks approaching you from behind at 75 is more than enough to give a new term to the need to drink when you drive this car!!! The car veers to the left and them to the right--I think all the tires were out of alignment--and Ive only got 400 miles on it...cant wait for more???

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  Cant Beat It! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4father - September 3 - 8:00 am

  We just got our 2005 Odyssey last week. It is a true pleasure to drive. We have already taken full advantage of the 8th seat. We went on a drive- thru Christmas light display w/ me, my wife, 4 kids, and my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I was amazed how much room there was. I traded my 2000 Ford Windstar LX after having the transmission serviced 3 times in less than a year. We drove the Dodge, Mazda and the Toyota. The Toyota was the only other one that came close. You can get the Toyota Sienna LE in an 8 passenger model, but it costs extra, where the Honda EX comes standard as an 8 passenger. Honda is the best!