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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  Van-a-gan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ole Miss - February 23 - 2:49 pm

  I bought the van new and have had it over four years and put 75000 miles on it. I have had the power steering pump replaced once and it still groans and growls. The brakes grate and make noise, but always work. Ive had them checked out, but they say theyre alright. The van performs flawlessly otherwise. It really likes to go, and dare I say it is "fun" to drive. My teenager likes to drive it. I have a difficult time keeping it under 90mph. I drove the Sienna and it seemed under powered and soft. Gas mileage is good for a large vehicle at 21 city and 25 highway. Lots of room and with a whole lot of storage space make it a great car for traveling. I would buy it again.

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  long term prospect - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By WAIT AND SEE - February 23 - 2:10 pm

  i bought pilot over highlander only because of my concern over the untested toyotas syncro transmission. Pilot has some troubling flaws. lots of highway wind noise, grinding/pulsating in anti lock brakes at right front upon turning (dealer says normal), gas makes loud sloshing sound when tank full (is that why the tank was not full at test ride), upgraded radio has volume limited and mine pulled to the right off the lot which dealer blamed on curvature of the road. But have owned hondas in the past, and looking to own this car long term. time will tell if i made a good investment.

• 

  Great Lil Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By eb_thatsme - February 23 - 11:30 am

  Im in the military, and im a single mother. I got this car during the winter and was surprised as to how well it did on the roads in Italy [im in Pisa]. My daughters car seat actually fits quite well behind me while i drive and i drive comfortably.. [mind u im also 56] Its a great lil work car, i get awesome gas mileage [i only put about euro 40 in every two weeks]. This is just an awesome lil car. I do have dash problems, as in the display doesnt work, but all in all, great lil car. And amazing space!

• 

  Pilot x2 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By kayaking - February 23 - 11:13 am

  So we had a 2003 Pilot EX-L, wife totaled it - no injuries. Insurance $ came in, so we looked at Toyota, Ford, GM etc but nothing matches the quality and reliability and safety and functionality and SPACE! 3 kids + 2 neighbors for school runs Goalie equipment Camping equipment+tent trailer music - drums, guitars, keyboards etc beach trips - kayaking and beaching Road trips to East coast -

• 

  Nissan Owner NO MORE - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By cmiller65 - February 23 - 10:45 am

  I have always owned Nissan vehicles for performance and rugged reliability. My Ridgeline was a 2009 leftover so it was worth looking at for the price. Simply put, the most fundamental, practical, and comfortable vehicle ever made.

• 

  Si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By giosac - February 22 - 11:27 pm

  I just traded mi EX for this Si. I have to say that is a very impressive car. You get a sedan and a sporty car at the same time. well balanced, great fun, great sound system. If anyone asks me one thing to change, i would change: Some features in the outside more than the Si badge or the spoiler. Maybe change the tail-lights or the thunk..i dont know, i just dont like the fact that sometimes people thinks my car is an EX and i just added a spoiler and bought a set of Si rims. I just love the way it feels and looks. I made a great purchase.

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  Prius,BMW,Benz - jealous of Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ronald - February 22 - 10:59 pm

  Its a relaxing ride. We drive with confidence knowing we have great performance, fuel economy, comfort & style.

• 

  honda LEMON - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sar - February 22 - 9:28 pm

  My 2008 civic is a lemon. the brakes have failed 2 times. there is excessive high/low amounts of oxygen in the car-found on testing-for which I do not yet know the source. Bottom line, driving it results in headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea. it can not be driven. the drivers door lock is broken. the power windows have malfunctioned. The car does not start in cold weather. The car bucks when changing gears. If you breathe on the car, it scratches. NEVER BUY HONDA. Honda Canada is a nightmare. To date, nothing had been done to serve me. 10 months, no car.

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  2006 Honda Touring - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By HohumHonda - February 22 - 9:06 pm

  This was my first Honda purchase and will be my last. I spent an extra $7000 over the Town and Country, expecting to get better quality, but was disappointed at the nagging problems: too much interior noise, poor quality sound system, funny sounds at low engine speeds, poor braking distance, sliding door problems, moulding strips came loose, overrated gas mileage (I never got more 18 mpg). BEWARE, this car handles terribly in wet/cold conditions. My wife cant make it up the driveway. Worst of all, Michelin PAX tires cost $350 each to replace and only last 25,000 mi. This car is too expensive to maintain down the road and cost too much up front for the Honda name. I traded for the Enclave

• 

  Hindsight is 20/20 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ms+Zee - February 22 - 5:29 pm

  Purchased this vehicle @ 80K miles 9 mos. ago w/ 12K mile extended warranty. 93K miles tranny starts slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear. Then 1st and 2nd gear. No more extended warranty and Honda dealer says its nothing they can do. This is absolutely ridiculous $4000 to have my tranny rebuilt and $6300 for brand new. I paid $10,000 for the car.