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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  nice car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By allen wilson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  i love this car and the body style

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  Paint Quality Standards? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By simmi - November 12 - 6:43 pm

  Love the interior and exterior styling, love the MPG, but I absolutely hate the fact that the front and rear bumpers do not match the rest of the vehicle. I purchased the EX Sedan in alabaster silver as I like light exterior colors and do not like brown interiors. All of the silver and other light to medium colored Civics on the dealer lots had this issue. Due to needing a vehicle immediately, I went ahead with the purchase. However, every time I look at the vehicle, I am disappointed by how bad the mismatch make the vehicle look. I cant help but question Hondas paint standards. Very disappointing. Honda - get it fixed!!!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SKYUSMC - November 12 - 11:56 am

  Had several SUVs in the past 7 years. Decided to downsize to my Honda due to gas prices and lack of driving excitement. Will not buy an SUV again. What can I say, its a wonderful car. I commute 70 miles per day, averaging 25 mpg from 65% highway, 35 % city driving. Great power, especially accelerating at highway speeds even though I must say, I test drove the Accord EX 4CYL model and found it to have more than enough power. I felt that the V6 had a nicer look though (larger wheels, dual exhaust). It has the feel of a very well made car. Great looking interior (tan leather, with fray/tan dashboard) and very comfortable power seats up front. Nice size car, and the new rear end looks great.

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  made a mistake - 2005 Honda Accord
  By puki - November 12 - 5:23 am

  I am really sorry to have even considered this car because from the very first day that this car was bought, it has been giving me problems (squeaking, brakes are bad, got recalled for trans and airbags). Looked at the toyota and no such recall on that car. Bought the camry and am very happy with that car.

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport - good but not great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carguy707 - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Having previously owned six Hondas, three CRXs, one Civic hatchbach and an Integra, Im not new to the Honda family. The interior of this car is really well done. I love the options that you have with the seating. The feeling of the steering wheel is great and the gauge cluster is beautiful. Well I do have a few gripes with the car. I only average around 30 mpg with this car and I have a very light foot. The road noise is excessive. I might be the only one but the stereo is ok at best. Also I dont like the placement of the paddle shifter at least the way they follow the steering wheel when you turn. But for the price it is a very well equipped car.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By homerlly - November 11 - 7:20 pm

  The Pilot is an SUV that thinks it is a car! The ride and feel are great. Actually , our Pilot rides better than our new Accord. It handles great and the gas mileage isnt too bad. The fit and quality is typical Honda- tight and quiet. We know as it is made on a line with Acura MDX. it has a fine engineering pedigree and demonstrates it in all aspects of automotive action. Ill probably buy it after the lease is up if it continues to offer the value it does now. The EXV-L is the best value because of the stability control this model adds to the package. If Honds smart they will make it a standard feature of all Pilots!!

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  Four Months - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Robert - November 11 - 4:26 am

  Four months and a bit over 7k miles. MPG is > 38, over the period. Had just recently driven in heavy rain with the OE Bridgestones, and the car rides fine. Most of the driving is open road & highway (90%). Cruise Control maintains a constant speed going uphills. Very happy I returned to a Civic.

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  Little Red Coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By john tyler - November 11 - 2:13 am

  Had to wait to get the color red with navigation. With new car, why not get color I want? Also like tan leather better than black. Never had navigation and GPS is amazing; also like the XM radio and will keep it. The power can pin you back into the seat and the 1st MPG was 24.1 on regular. I wanted a car fun to drive on twists but comfortable on freeway. Think this will be it and can keep for a long time. Felt the coupe looked better in back compared to sedan. Body appears sculpted aerodynamically from all angles.

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  Happy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By love it - November 10 - 9:10 pm

  It gives my family all the space and luxury we want in the interior. Great sound system on the entertaiment system. Love the GPS system! Enough cup holders. Use the extra storage in the floor. Love the dual glove comparment and child view mirror. Geat that flooring carpet snaps out in pieces - every mother sould know why.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cardriver - November 10 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car while commuting to college and work daily. MPG and cost were the determining factors in purchase. The engine, apart from VERY loud revs, is just fine. It has no problem getting to 80-90 MPH and going steady. My major and only real issue with the car is the interior. For short trips (i.e. test drive) the interior is just fine. Get past 20 minutes in the car and youre ready to kill yourself. The seats are rock hard and HURT the back over time. The cup holder is awkwardly positioned behind the shifter, the radio is too far to reach while sitting back and the car lacks an armrest all together. Claims of high MPG are lies; rarely over 25 MPG on street w/ highway