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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  Great car from a distance - 2009 Honda Accord
  By devan - September 1 - 6:41 pm

  Purchased this as my 4th Accord and may not buy another after it. Started out pleased, became disappointed quickly. Brakes have 2 speeds - slow and leave rubber on the road. Seat on this later and higher model adjusts less than my 99 did, not good for a short person. Rear window glass can be wavy, auto-adjust rear mirror doesnt adjust to rising/setting sun and can be blinding. Mileage is also disappointing. Paint is chipping all over the car and Honda has denied any problem.

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  My 1st Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie - September 1 - 6:00 pm

  Love the Pilot. It replaced a 1999 Toyota 4Runner with 190,000 miles. What a dream. Great road presence. Love the color (Cherry Pearl). All I hear is "Love Your Pilot"! Comfortable, smooth, quiet ride. Found the MPG sweet spot, 75 MPH and set the cruise - 22 MPG is awesome for this size of a vehicle. Want better? - then buy the Highlander Hybrid.

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  Great car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bpuharic - September 1 - 1:26 pm

  I have 203,000 on my CR-V. In that time Ive replaced the shocks, and the timing belt (as recommended.) Usual stuff like tires, etc. Other than that, NO maintenance issues at all. None. It always starts, always runs. I drove it from Dallas to Philly when it had 180,000 on it with no problem. It gets about 25 mpg. Great car, cheap to own.

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  Love the pilot, strange noise from under - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Westover57 - August 31 - 10:49 pm

  Very happy with the pilot, have owned it for 6 months, we have had a strange noise coming from under the vehicle almost sounds like the cooling fans just take off at a very high speed and stop. And the suspension has a issue with hopping sometimes. Have brought back to the dealership 3 times and the truck wont make the noise nor will it act up at all. Thinking about asking for them to take the truck back if they can not find the problem. We really like this vehicle, its a good solid SUV.

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  This car will last a lifetime! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Honda Nut - August 31 - 9:11 pm

  I bought this car with 106,000 Miles 3 years ago it now has 206,000 and havent had one problem yet! I just drove it from Fl to Ma. A 1500 mile trip and got 42 mpg! My wife bought a 2003 civic brand new and has 137,000 miles on hers and hasnt been back to the dealer, EVER! The dumbest thing we did when we bought hers was buy an extended warranty. LOL I will buy these civics for the rest of my life. I am now looking for one for my mom.

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  Great Family Vehicle! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 1stHonda - August 31 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2007 EX-L on March 07. It is a great vehicle for the family, because its comfortable and nice to drive. The ride is smooth, but there is more road noise than I would like. The seats are comfy, but a bit hard, and its not that thirsty for fuel. Although the exterior is sort of bland and boring, the interior is really luxurious and well designed. Some panels arent fitted very well together, and some of the materials used (plastics) arent very inviting. A great family vehicle, but it needs some adjustments.

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  2 Dr EX Coupe-5spd - 2010 Honda Accord
  By SMKHuskie - August 31 - 1:07 pm

  Last Accord (03 4DR EX-L) was great, after 207K decided to go with a coupe this time. Love the exterior look of the car. If this were my first Accord I would like it more but Honda has gone a bit on the cheap. No interior ambient light, no mud lights on the doors, light in glove box is gone, housing for trunk/fuel latch cheap looking plastic, no lever to fold and slide driver door up. Need to spend another 3K for leather to get an outside temp reading. Road noise and even idle noise is louder than my 2003. Bottom line, I love the look of the car and Im sure Ill get many years of use. Admittedly went cheaper on this model (cloth) but previous EX standard features missing.

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  Better then expected - 2005 Honda S2000
  By coolaa - August 31 - 10:20 am

  I have owned this car for two months. I initially purchased because it was such a good deal. While this was on my radar, I thought it would be too hard and uncomfortable for my use on long drives. I have been very surprised. I am 6 ft and the car is very roomy, it has a nice ride that is not jarring at all and the seats are fantastic! I have done 6-7 hours of driving in a day twice with no discomfort at all. The engine note sounds great as well, very entertaining. You will hear the engine roaring so dont buy if you are looking for Lexus like quietness. Overall,very pleased at the two month mark.

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  Great Car - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By JIPS - August 31 - 8:27 am

  It is a great improvement over 2007. Rides very well and fund to drive. The rear hatch window is a real nice adjustment. Like day light lights. Sound system is very good. I particularly like shift right in front and easy to work particularly in comparison to 2007 that took three men and a boy to shift. Love back up camera on rear view mirror

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jchilds - August 30 - 11:11 pm

  I turned in a Chrysler Town & Country lease to pick this Odyssey up because of its reliable reputation. Wrong! I purchased it with 106,000 miles and the transmission went yesterday at 112,000 miles stranding my wife and three kids 200 miles from home. $3000 later it will be fixed, but I must say I am very disappointed. Also, the stereo is terrible. I regret not getting another Chrysler.