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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  Best Snow Vehicle - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By rgreenberg - January 12 - 11:46 pm

  I live in Montana. Over 20 years, I have owned Audi A8, Audi A6, BMW 328xi,Yukon XL, Toyota Landcruiser. The Ridgeline is the best snow vehicle of the bunch. The combination of long wheelbase, traction control, front weighting and front-biased all wheel drive makes it very stable and very difficult to lose control of the vehicle. I run with Toyo Open Country A/Ts summer and winter.

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  No longer has pass-thru - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bob_lo - January 10 - 2:19 pm

  Just bought my 4th Accord today. Surprised to find out it doesnt have the "ski pass-thru" in the rear seat. Or as its known in my family, the "hockey stick pas-thru". Too bad Honda chose to "de-content" the current Honda and yet thay pay the NHL a marketing fee to be the "official car of the NHL". What a crock.

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  Could be better, some quirks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By m54411h - January 10 - 5:03 am

  We bought ours new in March 2007. The interior heats up very quickly however, hardly any air comes out down by your feet. (Cant even feel it.) It will blow a little harder if you turn off your side air vents but then your side windows start to fog up. My sunroof leaks while in the car wash, have been sprayed right in the face many times. The windows will sometimes roll down by themselves, whether you are driving the van or in the store shopping. I was actually locked INSIDE the vehicle once. Everyone else got out and when I tried to, the door wouldnt budge. The locks were all up. I had to lock and unlock them to get out. Very scary if you have small children and most van owners do.

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  Luv my Odyssey BUT SERVICE IS A PROBLEM: - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By luvmyvan - January 10 - 3:16 am

  Ok, My 05 EXL has 35,000 miles on it. So far I have had a windshield seal replaced due to an air leak, new brake pads, new power steering pump, rattling of the windows?, glove boxes dont fit, warped badge, and a very weird AC noise which I am waiting to blow up- which is not resolved. I still love this van but quality wise I got the lemon. The worst part is I moved where the local Service Dealer is HORRIBLE! I have finally found a better dealership 50 miles away! If only GM came up with the features of the Honda/Toyotas. Anyway, love the van- just hope it makes it to 200,000 miles. Just disappointed that a car that costs over $32,000 has this many problems, makes me sad.

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  Versatile Family Mover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By golfer1 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I own both 2003 Pilot and MDX. While Pilot is bulkier in size and handling it is also a softer ride and has superior ergodynamics. MPG is a bit disappointing especially when your loaded up on those ski trips but it has plenty of get up and go. Ive had tough time selling mine and trade in is tough with dealers(I was given MDX as part of new job).

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  nice car but bad trany - 2000 Honda Accord
  By guido - January 9 - 10:00 am

  the car looks nice but i like to get on it once in a while, the trany is week and cant handle the power of the v6 engine, my friend went through three of them and mine is already slipping gears. im very unhappy

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  02 Accord Coupe EX V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rnrmom03 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Got this car on a 2-year lease and regret we didnt just buy it outright. We lease all our cars and always love giving them back to dealership, but not this one, the dealer is going to have to pry the keys out of my deathgrip! (New baby wont let us keep it) The power is pretty good for 200 horsies and an automatic. Great all around car for non-family types; add the suggested improvements below and it would be unbeatable. No wonder you see them everywhere.

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  Mice - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nosarb - January 9 - 4:50 am

  This is a great car except for the mice/mouse nests. Dealer would not put screen over air input area. Mice are sure to re-enter as they have before. Dealer called mice material hazardous material. I guess its o.k. for me to breathe the air from the mice nests, feces, etc. Come on Honda, get er done.

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  I love my red Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Katarina68 - January 8 - 2:09 pm

  I am a mom with 2 kids and I love this car. I have had it for more than 3 years and it never required any attention other than the oil change. Its spacious, yet I can reach to my kids in the back while driving. It feels reliable and safe.

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  Best of the West ! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SunnySouthwest - January 8 - 3:34 am

  We bought our CRV brand new off the lot in 2002 and it went through 10 years of nasty northern winters and rainy summers and now in the blistering heat of the southwest. Weve had the a/c repaired then replaced and the starter . I know now that gas is cheaper than a starter ! It has 155,000 miles on it and in the shop as I type and needs timing belt, valves adjusted, axle boots, alignment, sway bar and struts for less $1500. - which is far less than buying an unknown used car.