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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  Good... but could be better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By MDMartin1 - November 18 - 8:33 am

  I bought my car last year after an accident totaled my 2007 Nissan Altima coupe and can I just say I miss my Altima. : ( my family talked me into the car... Telling me how good the gas mileage is (not true... my Altima got better city) and how the features outnumber any car in its class. But the bottom line is the cars stereo system... its just weird, if you dont have navigation some of the buttons are oddly placed (the tuner 2.5 in nob) the display under the speedometer could be more helpful (telling me how many miles / gallon I have, telling me how my speed affects my gas mileage... etc.). But I will say that its larger than any other coupe I looked at. Its a good car... but it could be better.

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  great car but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By frank - November 17 - 11:00 am

  Have two 2007 Honda Civics. They run great and get great mileage. The only drawbacks are the front windshield is impossible to clean as the dash barely leaves any room on the driver side. The head restraints can be irritating at first if you lean back in the seat. After a month of constantly bumping the back of your head you learn to sit up straight.The car is great around town but is not the most comfortable on long trips. Car has been wonderful other than that.

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  honda prelude si 2.3 - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By justin - November 17 - 6:53 am

  all and all its a good first car but if speed isnt important to you then its a great car.

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  Honda Civic - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Peter - November 17 - 3:06 am

  Usually spending 200 USD/YEAR for repairing. It was eating 10 liters/ 100 km in city.

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  Wife loves it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mmichel - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for my wife. We traded her 00 Chevy Venture (it was falling apart). I had my wife drive several mid-sized SUVs with a third row. She loved the Pilot (that was my hope). Weve had the Pilot for a month now and my wifes very happy. Only things we miss over the venture are the rear audio for our 3 yr old, and the built in compressor the venture had (very handy). The solid feel, expected quality, and 4wd should more then make up for these missing features. Its also worth noting that, with the exception of a sunroof and memory for the seats, the Pilot is is just as nice as my 03 Acura CL-S.

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  Major cosmetic defect on my S2000! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By ddanont - November 14 - 10:00 pm

  Hi Everyone, I just wanted to warn you about my S2000 experience. This past weekend, I bought a brand new 2007 S2000 from a dealership in Loma Linda, CA. I took a night delivery, so I couldnt fully inspect the vehicle, particularly the interior. Over the next 2 days as I spent more time in the car, I noticed "bumps" on the dashboard. Think swells, each the size of the top of a pencil eraser. Some were larger, totaling about 10 of them. I pressed on these bumps & found voids underneath (as opposed to the usual firm sponge). I attempted a swap, but the dealership will not work with me, & the car had less than 300 miles on it. I am now stuck with a $33k car, waiting to be disassembled.

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  Great except drivers seat - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mombear - November 14 - 3:30 pm

  Love this car except for comfort of drivers seat. It needs thigh support behind the knees and more adjustments. Am not sure if I would like to take a long drive in this due to leg discomfort. Great in snow, excellent safety features. Too many useless compartments, though. Visability is super. I would definately recommend this car to anyone who wants a small SUV.

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  Love it !!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bryan rice - November 14 - 11:23 am

  I just wanted everyone to know how great this suv is. I cant believe the room inside and I just got back from a trip to pa from sa texas and got an average of 27.2 Miles per gal. Thats loaded with 2 adults and 3 kids plus luggage.

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  Nice Ride 09 LX auto - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Gman - November 14 - 5:20 am

  I have 250,000 miles on my 1994 Honda accord. I bought a new silver 4dr 2009 LX in Feb 09, So far Im pretty happy with the car. I have taken a couple of long trips and there are no issues with the seats to me. The AC is ICE cold and the 4 cyl has enough power for my use. The down side is the cheap plastic doors and dash material, lights flicker at night and the loud road noise. But for under 20Gs Im very happy with the buy.

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  watch out below - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By harold - November 13 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice traveling car, excellent seats for long trips, both front and rear. Ride, handling, acceleration are very good. The manual is very quick (8.7 seconds 0-60) and fun to drive. Comfortably towed a 1200 lbs. trailer over 4000 miles in mountain west with adequate power. Some torque steer on hard acceleration. Worst feature: vulnerable fuel tank, evap recovery cannister, and subframe in rear. Had a $1600 repair from driving on a gravel road with some rocky outcroppings. This is really a suburban car, OK in snow and mud, not suitable for roads that are at all rough. Design is optimized for comfort, space. All-wheel drive requires front wheel-spin before it engages.