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 Good Overall Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JFC - March 12 - 1:50 am

  Previously owned a 2003 Accord EXL V6, but switched to the 4 cyl. for nimbler handling/steering feel/fuel economy. Seriously considered the 2007 Camry XLE 4 cyl. & 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6 Limited, but the Accord won out for overall performance & styling, though the Sonata offered more car for the money and, in some areas, is superior to the Accord/Camry. The Accords appeal is in doing so many things well, without any serious flaws. The reliability & resale are added bonuses.

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  First truly new car and enjoying it! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jerry P. - March 12 - 1:46 am

  I spent a LOT of time looking at the cars in the this category and eventually couldnt find a better deal than the Fit Sport. I was able to get one at invoice. Couldnt find the exact one I wanted because finding a Sport manual w/Nav is like looking for the Loch Ness monster. Dont bother getting any simple options from the dealer, they are priced crazy. $150 for floormats (including install charge); found them on-line for $72. Ive had the car for going on 3 weeks and over all I am very pleased with it, and find I can live with the cars quirks.

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  crv! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mr. smartguy - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Everything is perfect. When I did my researh for a new car I looked at everything and the new 2002 HOnda CRV was a no brainer!

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  How can you not buy and odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey #2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new odyssey 2000 and 2002. I paid just sticker price no add on items. I drove my 2000 for 40,000 miles and paid sticker for the 2002 and was given $21,000 + for trade in. Ready to trade every year due to the high trade in prices. I compared buying a comparable 2000 Chrysler Town & Country to a equally equipped Odyssey and it would have cost me after two years over 6,000 difference. No comparison for total value, quality, reliability. Other option buy the new 2002/2003 Pilot to come out shortly.

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  Not what I was expecting - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Sabs - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is very noisy.you can hear rain drops falling INSIDE your door.I had many other minor breakdowns: the gas tank doesnt know when to tell the gas pump to shut off so gas always overfills,the rubber bumper in front fell off, among MANY other things. Seats are hard, many features standard in other similar cars are not offered in this civic.I have owned this car for about 1 1/2 years,after the initial "break in" of the car, (no pun intended), it seems to run smoother. At least now the ride isnt so jerky.so if you dont mind a lot of time at the dealership the first year getting the little things fixed, this car is ok.

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  Working Woman - 2001 Honda Civic
  By cashort - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I am a working woman, driving from Avon to downtown and back at least once a day. My Civic coupe is a joy to drive everyday. It makes being in the car fun! It handles wonderfully both on the highway and in heavy stop- and-go traffic downtown. It usually gets 35 miles to a gallon. Ive had it almost a year and its still as gorgeous as the day I bought it. It has never once give me a problem of any sort. It is roomy, sleek, and sexy. I have owned many cars and it is my favorite.

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  Honda Accord V6 Coupe - 2001 Honda Accord
  By John18 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is very smooth Cd player and speakers are nice. The price was a little high for what i got there is not that many cool features. But i whould tell you to get this car it is Fast Fun and has great comfort in this car.

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  Window Jammed, plastic lining peels off - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mehmet - March 11 - 6:26 am

  In two months front window jammed. Dealer fixed the window. However, all dors have plastic lining at the bottom. Now those plastic linining peels off. It looks like falling apart.

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  Bloated and Oversized - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Stuart Florida - March 11 - 5:00 am

  This is my 4th Accord, my first was a 1983 model. This is definitely not the nimble Accord that I remember. The Accord has grown to from a compact to a midsize. The Accord suffers from the "bigger is better" American car syndrome. Older Accords were definitely economy cars, not bloated family sedans. The 07 model suffers from some surprising (for Honda) design flaws. The rear doors are oddly designed, forcing you to move far away when opening the door. The trunk is large but difficult to access, with a small opening. And no outside temperature gauge or fuel economy monitor, standard on most VWs. If youre looking for a fuel- saving efficient small car, the Accords not for you.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dez - March 10 - 3:39 pm

  I own a 2016 Pilot Ex 2wd and absolutely love it! I am a former owner of a 2012 Acadia and it does not compare to my Honda. I have a family of 5 and theres enough space for us all even on long trips its comfortable. Touchscreen works great, I love being able to have my music played via Bluetooth from my phone. I have experienced FM will sound like static on the station I listen to but I havent let that bother me. Working at a dealership has helped me to distinguished sounds that are normal characteristics of the vehicle that others might think arent so normal. I was excited and awaited for the Pilot ever since I was told the new body style was coming. I love the way it looks, its sleek, roomy and I will never go back to a GMC!