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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  keeps running - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By block1974 - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  Bought used from new Honda dealer, at the start pulled to the right, brought it back, they said they aligned it, but still pulls. Abs light came year later, but means nothing. Mechanic found major problems few months ago, but it keeps running. Air filter housing is a pain with metal screws in plastic case. You could call it early crossover. It is small and simple car. Now has 175,000 miles and no signs of slowing down.

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  Great work car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By SavivnGas - May 8 - 5:16 pm

  With fuel the way it is, I parked the F 150 crew cab and purchased this vehicle used, with 88,844 original miles on it. I have not owned it long, but I am already wondering what I ever did with out it. My first fuel cycle, resulted in a MPG of 40.8, mostly highway. That is a lot better than the 17.5 I was getting. Now, my wife, 2 daughters and myself are all driving Hondas, ranging from 92 Civic, 02 Accord, 04 Accord and 07 Civic. These have all been great vehicles and I can imagine owning any other make.

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  What I Expected! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dxxldiva - May 8 - 1:43 pm

  This is my second Civic. My 1994 Civic was totaled last November. I decided to buy another one and I have no regrets. Its a very basic car thats reliable and stylish. The only downside is the lack of advertised fuel economy and it is a little noisier than my 1994 Civic.

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  Solid citizen - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By familyman2 - May 8 - 1:20 am

  Had the 2009 Pilot EX AWD for a month now. We looked at this and the Toyota Highlander after having a Mercedes ML320 for 10 years. This car is very roomy. The seating arrangements are very flexible for the 2nd & 3rd rows. Engine is very quiet and smooth but there is some road noise. The EX does not have leather seats but the fabric is VERY nice. Hard to describe but kind of a hi-tech feel. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of adjustments. At first I thought the front interior looked kind of plasticy (if thats a word) but its because theres so much room in front. It really looks fine and the fit and finish is very solid. Gas mileage is only 14.5 in city driving so far.

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  Gas saver - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sonny - May 7 - 12:13 pm

  On the freeway, with the cruise control on fairly flat highway, we could get around 45 mpg (avg. 65 miles/hour and total 2 persons in the car). My wife is the primary driver of this car with a 25 miles mix of half freeway and half local daily commute to work, and she managed to get 41 mpg. I learned from her that the trick is to be easy on the gas pedal and you want to try not to let the motor “assist” bar to come on, when possible. Always use cruise control when possible (above 40 miles/hour).

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  96 civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By nick - May 7 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car as a 2nd owner at 67,000 miles in 1999. As of 2008, Its at 161,000. Its only not started once because of a dead battery. I have changed oil 3500 - 4000 miles, timing belt/water pump at 90k. The power windows have been on and off because of a corroded connection between the drivers door and the body of car. Radio sometimes gets loud probably because of dirty volume knob assembly. I have an exhaust leak that I smell when I start the car. In summary, 9 years excellence service with constant 30+ mpg at a reasonable price.

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  Pilot w/Piston Slap - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot w/Piston Slap - May 7 - 6:41 am

  I got a great deal on the Pilot and thought this was going to be a great new car. After purchase I noticed a noise when it shifted gears when cold. Two dealers said it was piston slap and all Honda had it. Funny it didnt make it when just revving the engine.

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  Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tom - May 7 - 4:13 am

  I have the vehicle for a week now and I am having a lot of fun with it. I got 31 mpg so far with city driving with the a/c on. Fit and finish is good but no better than any other car out there. I dont feel that the fit and finish is up to Honda standards. I got the EX coupe with dealer installed mud flaps, all season rubber mats and trunk mat and interior lighting package which has a bunch of blue LED lights under the dash. It is quite a light show at night.

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  Honda 2002 GX (CNG) a sweetie. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By cng USER - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  This is a sweet little car to drive and very economical at the current price of gasoline. I have a used home pump which fills the tank overnight. My price per gallon equivalent at home is about $1.53 per gallon equivalent. Because the fuel is so clean, oil changes at 10,000 mile intervals could probably be delayed further. I have had essentially no major problems with the car. It has saved me a really large amount of money--especially now that gasoline is going for $4.72.

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  Id do it again! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By CoryinTX - May 6 - 12:01 pm

  So I purchased my 97 Accord about 3 years ago. Since then Ive only had minor things to replace (both knobs for the A/C, timing belt & water pump, radiator, brake pads). I absolutely love my car! It has just about 115K miles and it still runs like a dream. This is the 3rd Accord that Ive owned. The car is 11 years old, but Im willing to bet that its got another 150K miles left on it. The backseat is just ok for long trips (say my friends) & the front seats arent that bad either. Could use just a little bit more leg room after 5 hours on the road (my partner & I are 64") & some extra lumbar support for the driver would be nice. All of these are minor issues though. GREAT CAR!!!