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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  Absolutely incredible - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By PF - October 11 - 4:26 pm

  This car is flat out incredible. I am 26 and this is the first brand new car I have owned. It could be the novelty, but this car is the best car I have ever driven, and same for my wife. I test drove a lot of cars, and this one was the only car with the proverbial all-around package. Fun to drive, classy, gas mileage, decent price, great features, etc. I have only owned this a very short while, but I couldnt be happier. On top of it all, its a Honda.

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  Very sensible cross over SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Co-Pilot - October 11 - 3:30 pm

  This was a tough decision. Owned Grand Cherokees for a number of years. Tried other brands, either too expensive or using 92 octane over 87 (12% more for 92) when compared to Pilot. Hondas great reputation for quality and many awards for Pilot. Excellent resale value.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dave - October 10 - 4:26 pm

  Driving position feels like a coupe. Tight build quality. Great fuel economy and quality meterials used throughout. Far superior to my 98 Jetta. While not a performance car, the performance is evrything I expected from a Honda and more. Very comfortable feeling from the brakes and no jack rabbit acceleration. A truely refined compact. I can see why its "Best in Class".

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By WMM - October 10 - 12:03 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with the quality, function,handling & comfort. I had, however, expected better mileage. A recent test of a 1200 km (720 mile trip on good paved expressways gave me about 25 mpg travelling at speeds of 70 - 75 mph. This is poor when compared to previous mileage of 30 to 32 for my Lincoln Town Car and Ford Windstar.

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  Brake Problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Charlie G - October 10 - 11:26 am

  16,800 miles mostly highway and I needed rear brakes. Honda says its normal wear and tear. I dont think so. Appears I am not the only one with these issues.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By adkmehrman - October 10 - 6:06 am

  I have had the car for about a month and simply love it. I test drove every other car in the class and the fit was by far the best car. I live in the mountains and commute over 100 miles a day to and from work on winding roads, and this is by far the most fun I have had driving to work. This cars handling rivals many sports cars. I was initially a little worried about the small engine but it seems to be fairly pepppy. The cars interior especially the magic seats are truely first rate. I put the back seats in tall mode and put a blancket down on the floor and it is a perfect place for my dog to ride. I have been averaging about 34 miles to the gallon with fairly aggresive driving. Love it.

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  Garbage transmissions - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Konstantin - October 10 - 2:18 am

  2012 Accord is a great car as far as the handling and quality of driving, roomy cabin and very comfortable yet one of the main components is complete trash!!! And that is transmissions. There is absolutely no use of comfort of the car when your trans is acting out at 40k miles and its questionable on weather honda factory waranty is going to own up to it. Thay are very reluctant to take care of their defects and they will most likely try to get out of paying for repairs.

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  Go For It - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Keyscool - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I waited 6 months to buy this vehicle because I just couldnt bring myself to spend that much money. I am so glad that I finally decided to go for it. It is by far the best car I have ever owned.

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  Pilot- WOW - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jk3399 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After all the research, etc. Honda was the one and the Pilot was a great choice. Did not want a lot of bells and whistles, and Honda has EX or LX, so pricing and dealing easy. Thanks to Edmunds.com I got the LX $800 over invoice which came to quite a bit off sticker. Guess the LX are dealing better as I was very pleased with deal I received, especially seeing many are paying sticker price.

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  The switch from a SUV - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Got it for the Mom - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Had an SUV for previous 5 years and will never get another one after owning the Odyssey. Outperforms SUV going uphill in snow. Better ride and much quieter. Access in and out of the vehicle is great. SUV was a big ordeal for the kids "climbing in" The van remained roomy on family vacations with loads of camping stuff including bikes mounted on a rear trailer hitch. Powerful engine, drag raced a cowboy in his jacked up noisy pickup truck and blew him away. Paid $481.00 per month on a 48 mo.lease with option to buy for $15K at the end. 12K miles per year.