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:

• 

  Almost perfect! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By ajc2000 - February 14 - 5:31 pm

  Im not sure why this is not the most popular SUV. I traded in the 2006 Pilot EXL for the 2010 Pilot Touring w/ Nav/Res for all of its bells & whistles, which the 2006 had none. Ive owned many SUVs, Ford Explorer, Mountaineer, Jeep Ltd, Pathfinder and my wife currently has a Merc ML350 and this is by far the best. Ride is smooth like a luxury car, has every option I could ask for and reliability of a Honda. Surprised not to feel the ECO system switch off cylinders dont even feel it kick on & off.

• 

  Great on the Freeway! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Pa hauler - February 14 - 1:30 pm

  We love driving this minivan to haul the kids to and from college. We have an 07 Accord as well. The Odyssey is so much more comfortable and swallows up all the gear our kids need for school. We have had a few heavy snow storms in Pa and this van with Bridgestone Blizzaks has pulled through with no problem at all. The seats are extremely comfortable on 4 hour trips we take. The dual climate control works great for us. My wife and I can have our own temp. We love the van!

• 

  zoom - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tivo - February 14 - 1:08 pm

  Ive the manual 5-spd, v. different driving- functioning than the automatic. Like a racing car. The control is magnificent, zip-zip here, there, everywhere - zoom, juice to spare, just downshift. Driving is easy, shifting smooth, cruise control great luxury. Cant imagine what more expensive autos are like! This athletic lean machine is for the tight human athletic lean machine who travels light, Slim. Extra poundage - not.

• 

  Vastly over-rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael - February 14 - 11:27 am

  Do NOT buy this car! Too much cheap interior plastic that peels off, plastic bumper covers that scratch when you look cross-eyed at them. Electric doors that open/close when they want, not when you want. Un-padded carpeting will kill your knees when putting luggage in the back. Folding rear seat hooks stick out of sides and eliminate 4 inches of space for sliding things in. And a transmission that only lasts 120,000 miles!

• 

  My SI - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Isemaidn - February 14 - 9:39 am

  I havent done this before, but am very impressed with my Honda SI. Not only is it fun to drive (and I love where the gear shift is) but it is reliable. I havent had any mechanical issues, unlike my VW Jetta diesel. The road noise is a little high, but with my muffler, I accept that as being my option. I only wish it was 4 door, instead of 2. With two small nephews that I constantly drive with, it is hard to get them in their car seats. I give this car an A+. Honda did an awesome job and stands behind their workmanship (so far). It drives well on the snow, as I live in the AK. Job well done, Honda!

• 

  Honda Fit 2007 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Napo Barto - February 14 - 7:53 am

  This is but the best car from Hondas. Love the paddle, it is just fun driving this car. Mileage I got is a lot better than epas rating. Great Little Car. Will keep mind for a long time. Thnx Honda, keep the good work.

• 

  First Car, and Never Regretted It - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By NewPreludeOwner - February 13 - 8:54 pm

  Bought this car in July of 09 from a fellow service member. Never regretted it. Fun as hell to drive, extremely reliable, and I bought it with over 129k miles on it! It seems I had the extreme luck to purchase the VTEC, and it was well worth the $3500 I paid for it! No engine problems, only had to fix the brakes because of a broken after-market caliper and change out two gaskets on the exhaust system from aftermarket headers. No problems with the original vehicle! A great car to those who are looking for one, and I plan on keeping this thing for years! Smooth 5-Speed, responsive engine, and with some aftermarket upgrades, 29 average MGP! Keep in mind I drive 60 miles to and from college.

• 

  Love our Element - 2009 Honda Element
  By Otown Jim - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  We really love our Element. We purchased the vehicle to make it easier to transport our dog (Samoyed). The removable seats in the back are perfect and the room once removed is terrific. The Element handles well in the snow (took it to Montana through multiple snowstorms during Thanksgiving week). Lastly, our boy Buck just loves his new car! Excellent choice for dog lovers and people needing some additional cargo room.

• 

  90 Honda Accord - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Naomi - February 13 - 5:47 pm

  We purchased this car back in March of 2004. It has been very reliable up until last year. Eventually sold it at 190,000 miles to someone who likes to fix old cars up, but it was still running ok when sold. I was very happy with this car when I had it.

• 

  Blackberry Pearl Fit Sport - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Ed + Sharon - February 13 - 3:59 pm

  We got our fit a week ago and we love it! Great gas mileage,Very solid no rattles, Great in snow