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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  Awesome 2006 civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ron dino - June 1 - 5:46 pm

  Sporty, long trips comfortable, great mileage, needs more power for passing and entering highway, what is the little window for???? Tire noise, have to change tires.

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  Owned for over one year - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 19ridgeline42 - June 1 - 2:28 pm

  Most reviews are written by new owners. Have had it for one year, longest trip 2000 miles. Very comfortable. Love the truck. Best recommendation I can give is "I would buy another". Gas mileage as expected. Ride excellent. Presently have in excess of 20000 miles. Lots of storage space. Meets my every expectation.

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  2006 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dave T. - June 1 - 12:18 pm

  My 1st SUV and probably last since I am a "car-guy", but needed this for family reasons for a few years. The airflow over the front fascia is such that every insect within 5 miles will splatter on your windshield. Ive had more splats on my windshield in the past 10 months than Ive had in 30+ years of driving. Windex, scouring pads and I have become very close!

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  Very Cheap - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Real Customer - May 31 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned many Hondas including the V6 EX 2004. This 2008 V6 EX has a ton more road noise and the everything just feels so much cheaper. In addition, Im only getting 24 mpg on the highway. Overall Im disapointed.

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  Civic Horror Story - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ladyluck1 - May 30 - 5:33 pm

  I thought this was my dream car. Traded in a 2001 Nissan Altima. (Miss it) I bought this car on Monday and its been in the shop since Wednesday. Car broke down on my way to work, once I got it started again, engine light came on, took it to dealership and they couldnt duplicate problem. Broke down again the next day, on my way to work, car still in shop. They state it wont be fixed until Monday or Tuesday, have to install a a whole new assembly? Refuse to give me money back, no offer of another car to made good on bad Civic. First new car in 20 years and thought Honda was the best. The exterior is awesome, love the dash. Cant comment on mpg, havent drove it or had it long enough to know

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  2005 ex-l - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By al - May 30 - 3:30 pm

  this is my frist honda and the family enjoys it but it has stalled and killed many times while driving and everytime i brought it in they claimed they fixed it but it would stall again finally i recived a recall on it and i took it in they fixed it but my wife does not like driving it because theres that little doubt in the back of her head it will stall again. gas milage is god awefull 12/15 mpg they say it the type of gas what bs i use shell

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  A fun to drive compact sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By FmrS2KDvr - May 29 - 1:13 am

  The Civic Si is a well-rounded economy sedan with some great performance features...a 4-door S2000 it clearly is not, but you can easily see the design influences throughout the car. Ergonomics are fantastic for a car in this class...the steering is very good, shifter is better than 90% of all sporty cars out there, and handling is better than I expected. Seats take some getting used to...I almost yanked mine and installed Recaros during the first week of ownership...but got used to them after a 1600 mile drive. Overall, I am very pleased with the car.

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  great car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By marquis784 - May 28 - 2:00 pm

  Purchased car new and have little to no major mechanical problems with it. Extrememly satisfied with this car. Great gas mileage both intercity/highway. Great pick up with only the V4 option. Would consider purchasing this car again. Reliability is tops! Highly recommended. You definately get more than your moneys worth with this car. Still runniing in good condition long after the payments have ended!

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  A good car but has some notable issues - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Matt - May 27 - 2:10 pm

  EX V6 CPE 5A Overall this is a good value car that handles pretty well, accelerates well, and is a comfortable and good looking daily driver. The leather interior is a cut above competitors. Fuel economy is acceptable (23mpg). At 60K, the car has held up pretty well with some notable exceptions. First, the transmission is about to go. I had the recall done and it still is shifting rough and slips in 2nd bad. A friend had his go violently and almost crashed. The brake rotors continue to warp and I am replacing them with aftermarket. I replaced the stock wheels with 18s and its a big improvement. Also I had a bunch of squeak and rattle issues as well as a burned out center console.

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  New 06 Odssey. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul R. White - May 27 - 3:13 am

  After recently returning from a 2800 mile trip throuh the mountains of East TN, NC, and VA, in this NEW Odssey I have been amazed at its power and the smoothness of its transmission shifts, (especially, the operation of the cylinder management system). Also, I have been pleased with its comfort and fuel mileage. I am a retired NASA Engineer and tend to be picky, but as of now, I am well pleased.