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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  Insight Trumps Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bill - March 19 - 11:12 am

  Simply outstanding Green Machine. Fuel economy (45 mph average) is 47 with heat/AC on, and over 50 with heat/AC off! Good acceleration and excellent response. Couldnt be happier. Why pay more for a Prius and get less?

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  Very Nice Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dillon - March 19 - 9:54 am

  I bought this car about a week after the transmission in my 93 Mustang went out and I havent had too many problems out of it. It gets great mileage (about 38-40 highway and 30-32 city), its reliable, cheap and easy to maintain and fix, and you can always find parts if you need them. After several months of driving it and putting miles on it (I bought it with 170,000 and now have 184,000) Ive had to do some work on it. I replaced the entire exhaust system, new head gasket, water pump, fuel filter and pump, and tires of course. I need to get a tune up and some new CV joints, but after that, itll be a great car for school next year!

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  Making The Case For a 07 Accord Hybrid - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rich Jepsen - March 19 - 9:36 am

  The reason to purchase a used hybrid Accord is for the near Acura refinement over the EXL V-6. Electric power steering feels refined and adds to the drivability. 200 lbs of increased weight behind the back seat improves ride quality. 16 in tires along with the battery pack compartment serving as a sound barrier lowers noise. Several refined style clues such as the tail lights and mirror side turn signals add to its cache. My mileage is 34 mpg on city interstate/some suburban driving using non-ethanol 91 ROM gas. in march 2010 I bought a 2007, mint HAH/navi with 2800 miles. My cost was 42% of the original sticker price of around $33,000. The depreciated price makes the car a value.

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  No vents for 3rd row seating - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Steller - March 18 - 11:05 pm

  Not bad overall. Interior design looks good but not exactly user friendly. Honda completely forgot to vent air to the 3rd row of seating making it extremely hot for children in the summer. I say children because its not exactly designed for an adult to sit comfortably. Im 511" and the shifter on the steering column hits my knee when you put it in 1st or 2nd gear which is typically not a problem unless you need to use four wheel drive. Having a difficult time reaching the potential 22 mpg as advertised for highway even though Im slow on the accelerator and Sunday drivers often pass me. I average 18 mpg.

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  2004 cr-v - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tom-cuse - March 18 - 7:30 pm

  Ran great for the first 40,000 miles. Fun to drive, great in the winter (central NY).

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  Very Dependable and Durable - 1998 Honda Accord
  By AccordFever - March 18 - 4:48 pm

  I bought this car June 2007 with 153,000 miles. I was nervous buying a car with this many miles but the engine ran so smoothly a went ahead and bought it. Ive used this car to drive to school and to deliver pizza in for the last 2 3/4 years and is now has 237,000 miles. I personally love this car and there are a lot of vehicles i wouldnt trade for it if they only had 70,000 miles. Rides very smoothly and still feels athletic with the VTEC V6. Everyone thinks its a piece of junk because its plagued with the peeling paint but i just laugh it off when their nice and shiny cars break down. Even with the high mileage its still the best car Ive owned.

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  Love my Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover - March 18 - 4:29 pm

  I cannot understand all the complaints about the Odyssey. I previously had 2 different Chrysler vans and this Odyssey beats anything I had with Chrysler. I have had not brake problems, no tire troubles, nothing. I am religious about oil changes and routine mileage servicing. I would buy another Odyssey in a minute! Drives like a dream!

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  Safety in a crash - 2006 Honda Accord
  By judy Sutter - March 18 - 4:14 pm

  I appreciated my 2006 Honda accord Ex 4 cyl. for its comfort and fuel economy-consistently 30 mpg- better on the highway, but the best part was when I was in a serious front end collision in which the front crumpled and absorbed the impact and the airbag did the rest-I was fine. I recommend the Honda accord! I now drive a 2007 of the same model.

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  Best for our needs - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By admanc - March 18 - 4:04 pm

  After researching several types of SUVs with 3rd row seating, we narrowed our list down to the Pilot. We found a great deal on one at a local used car lot and it was in excellent shape. This is truly the vehicle our family needed and its features adequately meet our criteria.

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  My baby the Ex-C - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mimi - March 18 - 3:34 pm

  This was my first car and I live in an urban area with lots of stop and go traffic. I only drive the Honda about 4 times/week. But this car stands the test of time. Anyone can fix it and it rarely breaks down. I feel safe and secure and I have saved thousands by keeping. I am tempted to buy a VW but my Honda Civic is a hard relationship to end.