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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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By FVELASCO - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I did the research and did the test for different Mid-Size SUVs and I dont regret at all. I have two friends who bought Chevrolet and Ford, and after a year they are thinking to switch to Honda Pilot. Space, Interior and performance are exceptional... very good relation Price/Benefit.

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  CR-V Best Built in its class - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CMurphy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  If youre the type that drives cars long after the payments are over, this is definitely the car for you. It costs less to own over five years than its competitors because its virtually maintenance free thanks to a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The oil change interval is 5K miles and the first tune up is at 100K miles. Extremely easy to drive and will handle off-road, but prefers pavement. The interior is spacious and cargo is generous - carries a mountain bike with rear seats folded down. Sleek sporty design takes you from a soccer game to a night on the town. Lots of extra features available a la carte. Best deal for your money, hands down, and fun to own so youll keep it.

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  Value Info - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jackie boy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Car is exactly 3 years since purchased in OCT 01. the 2002 model has the 3 yr warranty over and all I have is 11985 miles on it. Its the 4 cyl, SE model and in pristine condition Its a dream car to drive and looking to sell.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By otocast - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey the first week of October. My wife has driven it all week and I driven it a copule of times during this past week. It feels very solid. The room inside is truly "living space". I have to speek louder for my kids to listen to me all the way back in the third row. There is lots of quiet even at freeway speeds. There is a definite "zoom" feel that can be bad for your driving record. (I drove it on the freeway today and as I talked to my wife did not feel that I was almost going 90 mph.) It is fun and there is tons of storage. The new 60/40 seat is a nice thing but more convinient is the Plus-One seat giving us capacity for 8 people. I used this feature and it is great.

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  Value for money & fun to drive - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ramvem - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Civic Hybrid is quite a remarkable car. I switched from a Mercedes to this one because I wanted a low operating cost vehicle. I was driving an 87 Mercedes 190E (ancestor of C230). The interior room of the Civic is pretty much the same as was in my 190. Seats are firm and comfortable. The car is very quiet, and also a lot of fun to drive. Its got a good amount of low end kick from the electric motor, and since the gas engine is very small its also very smooth & quiet. Gas mileage is in the upper 40s so far. Audio is not that great.

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  2003 Honda EX v6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RCW - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda - I love it. Best part about our Honda Accord EX is that it is sporty but also a great family car.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lperel - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Everything is great, its a fun to drive car for a person of any age

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  Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tony Acito - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Superlative build quality, fit and finish. Very refined and smooth engine, with as much power as v-6 engines of only a few years ago. 5- speed auto shifts crisply, steering is a little numb, but handling is great for this class. I previously owned a Mazda 626, which was a good car, nut the Accord does virtually everything better (even if only a little)

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  I LOVE MY ACCORD!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By katg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Accord! I feel like I am sitting in much more expensive luxury sedan. Especially with the leather, sun/moon roof, and navigation system! I love the fact that my car can talk to me and that except for the driving itself, pretty much everything is voice controled! I feel much safer not having to remove my eyes from the road to change the station, temperature, or even use the navigation. Not to mention all of the comments I get from friends and co-workers--They cant believe how roomy and comfy the car is! And most of them dont even know how big the trunk is. This car is full of fun! I feel like a million bucks in my under $25 grand car!!! I wish everyone had one its so much fun!!

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  2005 navi - 2005 Honda Accord
  By buloy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great handling.