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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  good ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ron Fielding - November 23 - 2:56 pm

  We bought this car as a traveling vehicle. It far exceeds the mileage ratings. We get from 30 to over 38 on the highway. We have been diagonally across the US, and back. The power of the four engine is amazing. It is comfortable and quiet on the highway. Incidentally, I dont slow for the hills, and most of our driving is at 75 mph speeds, and in a lot of elevation changes. I like the looks, but admit I like the taillight treatment of the 06 and later Accord. I also love the look of the instrument array.

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  Well done - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Just Ed - November 22 - 10:20 pm

  After the first 1,000 miles I remain pleased with our purchase. The key to contentment may be realizing that "performance" can encompass more than just 0-60 times, 1/4 mile, top speed, etc.. Performance can also encompass things like mpg, and in my world where commutes rarely allow anyone to enjoy the typical performance characteristics, I have realized that mpg is one of the few characteristics remaining for me to enjoy on a daily basis and I am glad to have found a practical car that allows me to routinely enjoy it while providing very good qualities in addition to being a hybrid. In spirited and often stop-and-go traffic in my 90 mile daily commute I have averaged 39 mpg.

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  The whole ball of wax - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kevin A. Smith - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Although there was a irritating rattle in the drivers door for the first month I owned the car (loose molding clip), I am very pleased with my new, and first, Honda. It has a comfortable, quiet ride. Theres plenty of room for myself, my wife, baby and all the baby "luggage". I like the trunk lid design. It is nice being able to slide things into the trunk rather than having to lift and manipulate them into the trunk. Theres also sufficient power when passing or merging into traffic. The only annoying thing about it is that there isnt daytime running/auto on- off headlights.

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  Going the distance - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By dave - November 22 - 7:21 am

  Bought this car new to use for work. Had heard great things about Honda reliability and despite its small size, my 63, 250 lb. mass fit pretty well. Wise choice. By any objective, practical measure, this has been an outstanding car. I flog it relentlessly and in 163,000 miles it has never let me down. In fact, except for scheduled maintenance items, nothing has ever gone wrong with it. Delivers 21 city and 27 on the road at 75mph, also will plow thru even deep snow effortlessly with its seamless on demand AWD system. Always has looked a bit weird, but the inherent goodness grows on you. No plans on replacing it as I see no reason why it wont go another 100,000 miles... still runs like new.

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  Solid Little Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Doctor Mac - November 21 - 7:03 pm

  I downsized from a Suburban. I really liked the Chevy (it was nearly flawless), but I got hosed on the resale value. The Honda rides well and seems to be reasonable with regard to fuel economy. I do think Honda could improve a few things. The HomeLink buttons are not lighted & can be tough to find at night. Fog-lights should certainly be standard on the RTL. The front passenger seat is heated, but only the bottom cushion "due to the side-impact airbags"?? Attention Honda: Other manufacturers have figured that out. Give them a call. Also, the stereo is good, but not the equal of that in the top-of-the line Pilot. Honda: truckers like to rock on too. All in all a good vehicle for the $!

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  Honda at its best - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dale - November 20 - 1:30 am

  So far this vehicle has exceeded my expectations. My combined mileage has been 19 MPG and as advertised, 22 MPG straight out highway driving. Cabin noise level is very quiet. What little road noise there is, comes from the cheap Goodyear tires. I have read a few online reviews about "drive line vibes" but even up to 90 MPH, my Pilot is very smooth and drives very tight. We have had 2 snowfalls recently; the 4WD works great and the vehicle gets excellent traction. The Pilot drives, rides and performs much better than the Grand Cherokee, Explorer and Four Runner. These vehicles dont compare in quality either.

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  8K review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Marlon Ramirez - November 19 - 11:53 am

  Bought my Accord back in May of 2008. So far I get 28-29 MPG in mixed driving. The interior quality is OK, my 1999 Accord EX had a better comfort level on the seats. The dashboard is very well lit, but the stereo system is horrible, it seems to have too much bass when set at zero. Road noise is also bad, my Accord does not have a noise damper on the hood like my old Accord had. Whenever the car is cold, the brakes always make noise, after it has warmed up, it goes away. For some reason, when I use the windshield defroster, I hear the Air conditioner motor on (Dont think thats normal at all). As with other threads Ive read, yes, the Accord should come with a semi auto and projector lights.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jon - November 19 - 9:23 am

  My wife chose this over my preference for a CX-7 and no regrets. Well-built, roomy, drives well and nicely designed and finished interior. Wasnt sure about the looks, but they grow on you. V6 option would be nice.

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  Good economy choice - 1994 Honda Accord
  By zaum88 - November 18 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this car as a commuter car. Its essentially a nicely styled economy car. The 4 cylinder VTEC is decent in power (compared to other 4 cylinders from this era), but its no racecar (as many people like to drive these like one). The interior isnt all that comfortable. The controls are well laid out, with a huge backseat as far as coupes go. The interior benefits from this generations extra width Ive owned an 89 Accord LX-i in the past and this comes across as quite spacious in comparison. Large trunk, well laid out engine compartment. Good mileage (I get around 28 but I drive mostly highway), fairly reliable. Rusts like crazy so keep the body clean.

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  A great cheap car. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By rkane - November 17 - 7:46 pm

  This car is overall a great value. The transmission grinds in 2nd gear, and if I werent over 6 feet tall, I probably would not like the positioning of the 5 speed. Why does it not have 6? The new 2006 blows the doors off the 05. Honda may be losing their quality if you ask me ( I am a salesman myself ). Overall I would rate this car a 6.8 out of 10. The interior is pretty nice, just the exterior makes it pretty feminine.