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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  Mousetrap - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By N - May 19 - 1:52 pm

  The Pilot was great, and I certainly would not have traded it in, but the mice decided to make it home. They had no problem getting in and out of the interior, which doesnt work with a young child. Other than that and the poor gas mileage (15 MPG) I liked the car. I do not have the same rodent problem with my 07 Ridgeline

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  Great looks but dangerously underpowered - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Texas Consumer - May 19 - 8:56 am

  Been a big Honda fan. Owned Civic, Accord, another Accord and Integra. All great cars. This one, I really wanted to like it. Looks: Very cute. Wife thought interior reminded her of video game console. Very gadgetty. We test drove. Right out of the dealership (w/ 3 people driver, passenger and salesman), we were on the access road next to the highway. I had to punch it to make it to the entrance ramp. The car revved very high but the speed increased ever so slowly. 3 sets of 2 cars passed us both on left and right side of the Insight before making it. Too dangerous! When got off and did local driving, the car was great. Considering the size, very comfortable.

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  SUV with awesome cargo ability - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By farnorth - May 19 - 4:56 am

  Used for long (7 hour) commute with tools and gear. The head rest is kind of a pain in the neck, but everything else excels for this class. Full size rear passengers prefer my truck over the Dodge ram 4 door. Visibility is great, and most importantly, the rough northern roads I drive on can not kick the rear end out on corners and ruts, even when driving on packed snow. Around town I have used it to haul .5 yard of gravel, also filled the box with bedding sand. It handled better than my Silverado did with the same weight... but I did have to spend some time washing sand out of the trunk lid seams and double operating tailgate. Keeping it around 55 to 60 miles per hour gave me avrg. 18 mpg

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  Its a blast! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DaBomb - May 17 - 1:16 pm

  Used to own a 91 Accord (with 250K on odometer at the time it was totaled). Hondas have come a long way since then. At first I thought Id stepped down from an Accord to get into the Civic, but now Im totally satisfied, especially with the wonderful gas mileage this vehicle offers. Furthermore, a smaller car is easier to park! Im not totally in love with this vehicle though, however I am, like I said, very satisfied with the purchase. And, as a repeat Honda owner, I have no doubt about its exceptional reliability. Yet, needs work on the exterior durability. Dings and scratches easily. Its great to know that this car will probably last as long as my former Honda too.

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  Good buy - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SuperDyu - May 17 - 10:00 am

  If you want attention its a good car, one thing I will warn people about is the ride quality, its a race/track car, not a luxury car. You will feel the bumps on the freeway all the way to the ear drum. If you want something that feels nice/comfy, get a G35. If you want something thats hardened for mountain roads get an S2k.

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  Bought Naples Gold when I saw it! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Too Tall to drive - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Yes, this car looks good (no spoiler but added window tint)! At510", my drivers seat is not comfortable beyond 30 min. Lumbar support is too low and I often readjust due to "slippage" on the firm leather. I sat in my sisters new Avalon this year, and realize I desire a smoother "Boat Ride" vs the EX.

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  Look out for the "Rally" Shifter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Tim Duerst - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had issues my new si. When I has my car for 2 weeks the shifter when out. Then it took letters to the pres, vp, gm, and corp. honda to get my car fixed in just sort of a month. ever since the fuel economy had been worse, first and reverse slip a few times a week, 3rd randomly grinds. also the shift knob loosened and my cruise control is out more than it works. this was my first honda and if things do not improve maybe my last. also barber honda in bakersfield doesnt know what customer service is. consider yourself warned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Josh - May 16 - 10:56 am

  My family & I are really enjoying our Pilot. Its much better than my 06 Frontier crewcab! Its true that the interior materials are not as upscale as other Honda vehicles (compared to my wifes 07 CR-V or a new Accord), but its not offensive at all & I like it just fine. Braking has been great for me in real-world conditions. Power has never been a problem; I pass & merge with ease. Sprung for the DVD & our daughter loves it. Seats are very comfortable. Cylinder shutoff is noticeable & takes some getting used to. Road noise is minimal. Wonderful little details included in the design, such as the grocery hooks, cargo net, hill assist. Sound system is clear/crisp, but not as good as expected.

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  2002 Odyssey purchased new - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Wilkerson - May 15 - 11:07 am

  We purchased this van new and now have 134,000 miles on it with no major problems. The body is in excellent condition with no rust and all features work well. We have been totally satisfied with this vehicle and will purchase another one.

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  Nice redesign - 2012 Honda Civic
  By eddyc1 - May 15 - 1:18 am

  Took delivery of a beautiful blue EX-L last night. Love the redesign. The 5 inch information display is a very nice addition. Performance and fun to drive didnt get high marks. I mean, its a Civic and my other car is a 335I. But for what I was looking for in a commute car, it fills the bill. Hitting the ECON button does in fact make it noticeably harder to accelerate, but it should be great for best mileage and you can turn it off quickly. Seats not all that comfortable, but my wife thinks theyre fine so could just be me.