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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  So Far 92000 Miles and 0 Problems - 2004 Honda Civic
  By fredericktoo - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  I bought my 04 Civic VP new and no problems. Gas Mileage is better than advertised - I get about 42 mpg highway. Drive it 70 miles per day and has never let me down. All it needs is scheduled maint. This is the best car I have ever owned. My next car is probably going to be Honda Fit or the New Civic. This Civic wont need a tune up until 110K Miles.

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  The Ipod of cars - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Khidr - April 22 - 5:23 pm

  This is one of the most unique things on the road, and put simply, Honda got it right. They have a powerful integrated feature set, nimble handling, excellent economy and a love it or hate it style to themselves. This is indeed the ipod of cars, and likely there will be as many people aggresively arguing for alternatives as there are for the actual ipod, but at the end of the day, people will buy and love this car because it just does what its supposed to do better than anything else on the road.

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  Everything I expected and a little more - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lakerhater - April 22 - 4:10 pm

  Already had 58000 miles when we brought it. Love the power. Good getup and go. Have four kids and they like the dvd system. Not factory. A nice looking SUV. Is a little loud on concrete roads. But not bad. Like the safety, three row side air bags. 5 star ratings. Safety is a big selling point for me and my family!

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  Know what you are buying... - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ramaframitz - April 22 - 9:27 am

  This is a great truck. Just be smart about what you are buying. I am really happy with my Ridge. I wanted a truck that was reliable, comfortable, and had longevity designed in - not planned obsolescence. It is not a big Ford or Chevy - it is a medium sized truck more suitable for a person who values convenience, storage, and intelligence over outright brawn. I couldnt be happier as this vehicle fulfills all my needs for a truck - adequate towing, people mover, great ride, good at the lumber yard/garden center - in a 4 wheel drive long lasting Honda package. For most of us that want a truck, dont tow more than 5000 lbs, and dont live on a farm, this truck was designed with us in mind.

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  A Thankful Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By lonefish - April 22 - 12:15 am

  I really have no complaints about this vehicle, and can come up with none. I did not purchase it for off road use, but being a handicapped/disabled male, 57 years of age, it sure fit the bill!

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  14 months and 32k with 2008 CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By peterdh2000 - April 21 - 1:18 pm

  I have 90 mile daily commute, good mpg required, thus had to pass on any V6 SUVs. CR-V wont thrill with acceleration, but I routinely have 4 adults, a baby, and a load of Costco purchases aboard, and it handles hills and merges just fine. Nimble handling, good sight lines, excellent brakes. 2008 had several crazy snowstorms in Pacific NW. CR-V AWD handled quite well, although the stock Bridgestone tires not the greatest and at 32k are almost spent. Nary a squeak or rattle, except for a whistling sound from the A/C every so often. Rogue was a close second, having Bluetooth, Xenon, Bose, but also fixed rear seat and headrests, and a little less solid feeling.

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  First Honda Owned - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Melissa - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  Love it! I have a 2004 Town & County which has been the most unreliable vehicle owned. The T&C does seem to have a more comfortable ride as the Honda has a more "car feel" to the drive. However, the safety ratings and extra space - as well as reliability ratings - makes this a much better investment for the money. The drive in comfortable and the kids love the exterior look - a little sportier than the T&C. We cannot wait to move up to the EX-L or Touring in a few years.

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  Glad I decided to buy it. Its awesome. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By bpdrumr - April 21 - 11:14 am

  I "traded up" to the 09 Honda Pilot Touring after driving a Honda CRV for 18 months. I had no complaints about my CRV other than I wanted that "luxury" feel and needed more room. I drove many vehicles in my search and decided on the Pilot because it drove the best and gave me exactly what I wanted for a lot less than the Acura MDX and I liked the interior better than the Highlander. The pilot is a dream to drive and although it wont win any races, it has plenty of power. Love at first drive for me. :) My gas mileage is in line with what others seem to be getting. In mixed driving, around 18 mpg.

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  05 Accord EX - 2005 Honda Accord
  By swcobb - April 21 - 9:19 am

  Purchased my 05 Accord Ex with 60k and it now has 105k. Routine Maint with the an O2 sensor at about 98k. Very comfortable, nice styling, heated seats are great, dual climate control and front, side and rear airbags. Only complaint is the road noise on the highway. Great tire wear, and the exterior looks perfect- even at 105k. 4 cyl is not sluggish and keeps up fine.

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  From a owner whos had it a few years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BlackHonda - April 21 - 7:20 am

  Sometimes its nice to hear from someone whos had it a few years. I have the new body style and I absolutly love the car. The one problem Ive experienced was that the gas cap HAS TO BE screwed on TIGHT (hear three clicks)! If this isnt done then youll get air in your tank and engine chugs, this is apparently a common problem according to the dealership. Other than that I love it. Nice design, looks expensive, feels like a solid car, black looks great!