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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  Honda 07 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a well built car. No mechanical problems and comfortable to drive. Not great gas mileage but knew that going in. Cant believe the doors dont lock automatically when you drive, have to do it manually. A little extra road noise also but this is overall a sound car unlike our Dodge Grand Caravan we had previously.

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  Love Our Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By woodjjgg - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this pre-owned, in April and have been very happy. Previously had a 2003 Windstar, coming from that van to one has been a blessing. The van is solid, drives wells, average on gas (16mpg city)(20 hwy). I actually want to drive even though it is a minivan.

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  Bad product and customer service - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TU DOAN - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This Honda Civic model is not reliable. Within 3 years, I had to replace 2 sun visors under bumper to bumper warranty. And the last sun visor broke very soon after my warranty expire. Total 3 sun visors broke under normal or lightly uses. At 42,000 miles, the engine died on free way in 07/2010. I almost got hit by a car behind me. The police had to push my car to the side to clear the traffic on the freeway. The pivot bolt broke the water bump and caused damages. Although my car was still under the Power-Train warranty but the Honda dealer keep my car for 1 week and didnt provide a free rental car. I was late and left early for work everyday. I will never buy cars made by Honda.

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  Almost perfect lil rocket - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dodolaje - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Got a very high mileage company car yes bought it 2007 model and as of today 10/6/10 it clock 1339xx miles everyone was shocked. I was shocked when my boss handed it to me. It has brake problem making noise from the driver side it was the pads replace it and voila as good as new tires go for aftermarket it last longer. Handling great, I do delivery for overflow route so I dont haul that much stuff but still fill the whole car. Only big problem was my boss did hit curb when he fell asleep on the wheel. It didnt crash it but somehow the bumper keep coming off every now and then. Plus the fender liner gone. Other than that no other complain.

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  First Time Minivan Owner - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By RS - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Odyssey in July 2010 and have really enjoyed the experience so far. The Odyssey gives us plenty of space for our 2 small sons (3 1/2 yrs & 1 1/2 yrs) with room to spare. We love the space behind the front seats which prevents the kids from kicking the backs of our chairs. We dont worry about the kids getting fussy on long trips because of the Rear DVD player. The power sliding doors are very helpful. The drivability is good, the steering is responsive, the engine has good pickup, and the ride is soft yet firm. The brakes could be improved, but are ok for a car of this size and weight. So far we love this van as the perfect way to transport our family of 4!

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  Darn fun to drive - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Lover - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Loving it. I got the only Touring Elite in CA. and loving it already. The drive, comfort, and handling is superior. We are planning to our first road trip in 2 weeks and cant wait.

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  Should have stuck with 14-year old Volvo - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kshak - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My first new car purchase ever, and I couldnt be sorrier. People are amazed that one couldnt be happy with a new car, but while CR-V has great comfort, notable reliability (it should, for a 3 month old car) and impeccable safety in a crash, thats where the benefits end. Gas mileage poor poor poor! Well below stated EPA averages. Trying my best to drive like granny to eek out 18 mpg around town and 21 on highway. Acceleration on highway in a pinch seemingly takes forever to kick in, then lurches you forward blind spots the size of elephants in back. And for size of car, not that great a storage space in back. Missing the old Volvo clunker. Honda can and should do better!

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  saved our lives - 2010 Honda Accord
  By scp91b - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Accord for 5 months before getting hit head on by an impaired driver doing 75 mph. With a combined speed of 110mph my accord received massive damage. I broke my wrist from the holding onto the steering wheel and preparing for impact. The accident was devastating with very sad results for the other cars driver and passenger. After inspect my accord I was impressed that the front doors still opened without having to force them open and the rest of the car looked undamaged. The Accord design to absorb energy and protect its passengers proved to work for me and my passengers. Thank You Honda!

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  Going to miss it - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Stacey - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I bought it in 2005 and it has been awesome ever since. We have had to clean the EGR valve, which is a common problem, but if you just blow out the passage you dont have to replace the whole valve. Aside from a few other minor problems (it was a used car) this has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have had. Very sad to get rid of it, but its time to move on to a Mini Van.

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  Honda Fit Sport - 2007 Honda Fit
  By linda - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Honda Fit Sport for the amazing interior cargo space, and that has proven to be a big plus! However - there are some things that I do not like - having driven it now for almost 5 months. The driver seat, for any driving time more then an hour, is very uncomfortable. The back lumbar support is great but the seat causes hip pain. The paint seems to be shoddy - in a couple of spots I believe I actually see the beginnings of rust, AND last but not least - the front spoiler! It is WAY too low! It scraped going in and out of a driveway - now it the paint is damaged! The driveway was in no way high - there were no bumps - it was just the pitch at the end.