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:

• 

  Transmission 2002 LX auto - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Nothappy - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Honda and maybe our last. We have 33k and we are on our third transmission. Carrier Baring proplems were commoon on 2000 and 2001 but I guess we come the lemon from the line. 2nd Honda traney malfunctioned and now we are getting a 3rd. We stopped buying Aerican because of quality issues but now we may by Nissan in the future. I like everything about this car except the quality of the drivetrain.

• 

  BIG MANS FITS INTO HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RLEHR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY ACCORD. I AM A 62 350 POUND MAN AND I LOVE MY HONDA ACCORD. WITH THE ADJUSTABLE STEERRING WHEEL AND THE POWER SEAT I HAVE FOUND THIS CAR TO BE VERTY COMFORTABLE AND ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT I WOULD MAKE IS MAKING THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS A LITTLE PLUSHER AND HIGHER OR AT LEAST MAKE A ACCESSORY THAT WOULD ACCOMPLISH THE SAME THING

• 

  08 Accord Coupe 3.5 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By FrankieJ23 - November 3 - 12:53 am

  The car is sexy as hell. I have it black on black with tints so the car is very appealing. The 3.5 has balls compared to the 07 models, They spiffed up the 08 with a lot of new nic nacs which is a big thing for honda. The car is a beauty.

• 

  Going Green - 2009 Honda Civic
  By reelalarm - November 2 - 2:03 pm

  Actually I leased the car for one reason, fuel cost. I do have a 4x4 truck for bad weather etc. The car is what I expected, good fuel economy (44 mpg avg.) It does lack power of course, but back in the 80s I had a VW Rabbit Diesel, this car far exceeds the VW. I have the car for 3 months and in all fairness I made the right move. Finally took it on a trip, you better stretch out every 2 or 3 hours, or your back will be hurting. The seat feel comfortable, but you sit too low and they are not very comfortable in the long haul. Drove it on I-84 up and down grades with the a/c on, it did bog down at 65 MPH but you can get used to that. Did almost 50 mpg , very pleased.

• 

  City MPG is AWFUL!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rich-LasVegas - November 2 - 11:56 am

  The fuel mileage stinks! Just drove 257 miles in 3 weeks, all on city streets, mpg was 21.59! With the A/C in the summer Ill be lucky to get 20 mpg!! Keep in mind that my 00 Maxima would get 17.5 in the same situation! Thats 257/11.9=21.59 for the Civic! Highway mileage does better. To San Diego was 34.9 mpg, returning was 31.0 mpg. When gassing up be sure and top- off. The tank will take another 2 gallons after the automatic shut-off! Another problem is AM radio reception. With my other cars I was able to pick- up stations in downtown L.A. beginning in Victorville, Ca., not possible with the Civic. Honda Civic, 30 mpg in the city, what a joke! I would be happy with an honest 25 mpg city.

• 

  Meaning of a family SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By sasso1977 - November 1 - 9:50 pm

  The Pilot is very stable if a little boaty at high speeds but it keeps good balance. Very roomy and the interior is well laid out. Went from an FX35 to a Pilot and I dont regret it one bit!

• 

  Nice Truck, Very Good Value - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By BrianG - November 1 - 6:09 pm

  Bought to replace an aging Isuzu Rodeo were very happy with our Pilot. The Pilot is comfortable, a pleasure to drive, and of course Honda reliability. Acceleration is very good and noise levels are reasonable. The 2nd and 3rd row seats are easy to use and, folded down, they provide a large cargo area. Leather trim is nicely done and the two-tone effect of the Saddle color is attractive.

• 

  2007 CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JSNK - October 30 - 8:15 pm

  Very happy with this car. I can get 30MPG on the highway, 22 around town, and about 25 to 26 overall. Comfortable, Safe, and the AWD is a dream in the snow. Large comfy cabin, and more space than I know what to do with. Interior is much nicer than anything else I looked at. Exterior styling is a bit strange, but thats not why I bought the car.

• 

  So much space! Noisy ride. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Karen - October 30 - 6:21 am

  Spreading our family of 5 throughout this van was great, everyone had their own space! However we quickly noticed that this was a noisy ride - not the kids - from the paper thin doors and seals. I went on to complain about the maintenance involved w/the sliding doors & poor placement of the track. It sits just right for children to use as a step & continually fills with debris as they track the black lubricant all over your lovely new gray interior carpet. If you dont wipe down the track a few times a month not only is there a grit-crunch each time you close the door, but it leads to issues with the automatic safety features on the door. We really wished the side windows would open.

• 

  2000 Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By atlaw4u - October 29 - 11:11 am

  I purchased a used 2000 Insight after researching this car for months on several forums inclduing insightcentral.net and I love it. It is excellent at its intended purpose- incredible MPG. I would also consider it a drivers car. If you drive correctly you will be rewarded but drive wrong and you will be punished. My mileage varies from 70mpg to 90+mpg but a few users have only seen 45+mpg. This car is also a compromise. You give up many things for that ultimate MPG. Due to its design, there is more road noise and the suspension leaves a little to be desired among others. But compromise in a few areas and you will be driving and enjoying one of the greenest cars on the planet.