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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  Very Reliable - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Pleased Customer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this vehicle. It is my first Honda and my first SUV after having a very sporty car. It is extremely reliable. Ive only had to change the oil regularly and replaced the tires and brakes once in the 3 years Ive had it. My SUV has manual transmission which is still reliable after 60,000 miles so far...

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  just another perfect minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ssbcomet - April 23 - 7:23 pm

  I owned the original body style change and waited for this design. It was worth the wait. Comfort, beautiful design, all the features and that Honda feeling of owning something that just plain works.

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  WhoooHoooo I love it! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Bonnie - April 23 - 11:56 am

  This is my second Honda Pilot, I liked my 2005 even though I thought the styling was blah. I get all the equipment I can get on my vehicles and the only thing I left off this one was the rear entertainment and AWD, neither of which I need or want. This Pilot is fantastic...Im getting 20 mpg in town and 26 on the highway (Im a grandmother that doesnt "hot-rod"). Its luxurious and thats what I was looking for. I do agree that the glove compartment is stingy with room, but its a minor flaw. The Navi drives me nuts, but Ill get used to it. Cant learn to trust the back-up camera, still need to look first. Thanks Honda, you did it again.

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  Amazing car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Terry W. - April 23 - 3:13 am

  I have been driving my new Si for about 2 weeks now and I have to say its quite a ride. Fun for any car connoisseur! If you havent test driven it yet, go do it. If you are going to have fun with this car be ready to shell out some money because refueling this bad boy will cost you. If this is your daily driver I suggest you keep the rpms below 5000.

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  Honda makes a great car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Saleem Chaudhary - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car over 200,000 miles with no problems... I think I am going to keep it around for another 100,000 or so miles...

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  2005 LX - 7 Months Later - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By chowe - April 22 - 8:53 pm

  Purchased in 12/04. Sienna was comparable, but a long successful history with Hondas clenched my decision. Had a small rattle coming from passenger side in first month, but it has since stopped and not appeared in 6 months. Perhaps due to contraction in cold months? Made a drive from Baltimore to Greenville NC on ONE tank of gas - - Impressive mileage for a V6. The engine is smooth and powerful - 80 mph cruising is comfortable with plenty of power left for passing. The LX offers everything you need for 3 kids & the dog on a long trip (Lots of space & a CD player). I did not expect to be impressed with the road manners of a minivan, but I cant say enough positive things about this car

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  Simply 10s across the BOARD! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bossn Up - April 22 - 7:16 pm

  The Accord is the best car that I have ever had, RELIABLE, POWERFUL, CLASSY all bundled in one package. I will always be a Honda buyer but the way this car is still holding up I wont need a car for years and year to come! I have driven the car 10 months since I purchased BRAND NEW and EVERYTHING still works like the day it did when first purchased NEW, simply flawless. I had to have an EX with the Manual Trans. Fun to drive, very peppy through each gear and the clutch is very sensitive so you can barely touch it and go threw each gear. THANKS HONDA FOR MY ACCORD, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

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  Your Best Choice! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dave Furman - April 22 - 9:16 am

  The car is the best value for under $30,000. Its fast, and handles great! Quiet interior. Lots of soft touch everywhere. Leather seats are comfortable and made with soft high quality leather. Standard sound system with built in XM doesnt drop signal anywhere and sounds great. Holds its value for years and is one of the most reliable cars ever made. Get yours too and dont skimp, Get the EX V-6.

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  Excellent Vehicle-Reminds me of my Acura - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Glenn Deuchler - April 22 - 8:16 am

  We bought this car with the expectations of getting a car that feels good with my bad back, gets good gas mileage, and is reliable. So far, the reliability has been as expected, it is comfortable on my back, and the gas mileage has been pretty good. It feels well-built, and the VCT does work seamlessly as advertised. I appreciate the iPod jack, but it would be nice if it were more conveniently placed, and had more interaction capabilities. I would like to be able to get Bluetooth without buying the nav system. Final issue - the transmission seems to downshift a little rough, especially between 35 - 40 mph. This may get better as the vehicle gets broken in; I only have 1200 miles on it.

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  Elemental Roadster Is Not For Everyone - 2000 Honda S2000
  By JoshuaF - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This convertible is just the ticket if you are really into driving. It has loads of power and an agile chassis designed to let you extract as much fun as possible out of your car. However, if you want a smooth ride with little road feedback, if you want to climb up into the car instead of settling into a cockpit, if you dont know what drop- throttle oversteer is, then you may want to look at a less enthusiast- oriented roadster. The Audi TT comes to mind :).