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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  Like a motorcycle with 4 tires... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BarryO - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 for a bit more than 5 months. The vehicle has been very enjoyable in most areas: The finest 4- Cylinder motor on the planet, great 6- speed shifter, excellent handling. Gas mileage has been between fantastic, between 27 - 29 MPG. Issues? Storage space is a joke (no glovebox...and the storage space between the seats is difficult to get to while driving), and legroom is tight (Im 61"). In the end, theres nothing that really competes with it @ the price: Not the Miata, not the Mustang, not the TT. The Z3 / Z4 are more expensive.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Tim Martin - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive...good balance between power and weight

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  Nice !! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JayandJulie - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is fabulous. The salesman was wonderful. I cant think of anything I would change about either the product or the entire purchasing experience. Thank you so much. I will never drive anything other than a Honda.

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  Power and Build Quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By VWconvertNowHondaMan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  You want a quick fun to drive little sporty car then this is your bet. Yeah the Focus SVT is faster but it is built like something from fisher price. Great seats, great gas miliage for the power and a 5 start frontal and 4 star side impact something the competition cant match. You want mods, you got em! All the way from simple cold air boxes gaining you 12 hp all the way to bolton turbos taking you to 277 hp. Let me tell you, I have the bolt on turbo and not much can match the straight line take off that this little puppy gives me. As for a stock model it is a great little get about with excelent power on the road.

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  Gotta Love It - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Musicman - September 20 - 12:25 am

  When looking for my second car, I knew I needed something with a lot of cargo space and good fuel economy. Of course I also wanted something stylish and fun to drive. I found that in my CR-V! Its got enough room to haul my bands equipment to shows when Ive got the rear seats folded up. The iV-TEC engine has enough power to satisfy throttling down the interstate. And it has plenty of room to carry my friends from place to place! So far the only issue Ive had is the glove compartment light stays on all the time the switch isnt catching.

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  Odyssey is awesome - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie Bruechert - September 19 - 10:16 pm

  We really like driving our Odyssey. It is very comfortable, and our family of four feels a sense of luxury because of how roomy it is. Midnight blue is an excellent color for this van.

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  Love my car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By R.Lamar - September 19 - 9:03 pm

  After owning a Honda Accord EX (totaled), Volkswagen Passat wagon (engine water damage), and Mazda c-x7 (trade-in) I had to go back to the Honda the gas mileage cant be beat. Love the smooth 5-speed manual and adore the quiet ride. I can also fit three car seats in the back which was the reason I was able to go back the the Honda family.

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  06 Honda Coupe EX (auto) - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Darrell Crouse - September 19 - 8:36 pm

  Couldnt be more pleased with the overall performance and quality of this vehicle. The only thing I dislike is the limited head room. A tall person would not fit well in the drivers seat. I consider the fuel economy to be excellant for a non hybrid. I am getting an avg. of 36 mpgs

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  I Love It - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By K.Black - September 19 - 8:47 am

  Ive had my Pilot about 7 months now and have had it on a 3000 mile trip to Colorado and back (I live in California). The Pilot has plenty of power even in the mountains I averaged 23.4 mpg on that trip even with the cruise set at 75mph (which is the legal speed limit in Nevada, Utah and Colorado on the Freeways). I did take it out of cruise when climbing long grades the transmission shifts too much if left in cruise....I was driving 12 hour days and did not get tired at all the Pilot is very comfortable....even around town I get little better than 15 mpg. It does drift to the right if you take your hands off the wheel. But most 4WDs I have driven do the same thing. Im very happy with my Pilot.

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  Good value for the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Drema - September 18 - 11:10 pm

  This is my third Honda and they are still excellent cars. I test drove a Camry and found it comparable, but the cost of options that are standard on the Honda made the Camry too expensive. The back seat leg room is best of any car I looked at, and I think the trunk is very roomy.I love this car and feel very good about the price I paid. However, I am finding that bucket seats are not for the elderly or those with arthritis.