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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  Gas Hog - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mjhebert4 - January 29 - 6:56 am

  I like the vehicles features and looks. The only thing I have a problem with is the gas mileage. I traded in a Ford Excursion with a diesel engine and am getting close to the same miles per gallon in city(14) and highway(20)driving.

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  Saved my life!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharon - January 28 - 11:22 pm

  We bought our Odysseys because of the safety ratings. We ended up loving them. The ride is soooo comfortable, as driver or passenger. We live in lake effect snow belt region and always take extra caution with snow tires. Never had problems. Only had to do oil changes and minimal scheduled maintenance. Six days ago my 2005 Odyssey saved my life. A speeding driver blew a stop sign and t-boned me with such force that the van was thrown on its side (the drivers side) and then bounced back up on all fours. The fire department was shocked when I literally walked out of that totaled van. They thought theyd be sending the med-evac chopper for me. I am sore and bruised but alive.

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  wise choice - 2010 Honda Insight
  By xana - January 28 - 2:33 am

  Economical. Thats what the car is. It give great mileage and driving is smooth and easy. Though like the other reviews, power and acceleration needs improvement. Going up on an incline is pretty hard. It takes a while for the car to speed up. Though, I may say this "deficiency" had made me a "more lawful" driver. I got the EX with Navi and I would have to say that adding extra to get the top of the line of this model is worth it rather than spending the same amount on other standard hybrid models. I would also like to add that I had my seat covers changed to leather for no additional cost. I know this feature is not offered but my dealership did so as requested. )

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  Loved my 91 Civic LX - 1991 Honda Civic
  By janderson5 - January 28 - 12:26 am

  Grandma bought this $1900 car as a present for my 16th b-day (Oct 04). Had 107k on it. 2 prev owners, last was teen girl also. I was really hard on it 1st 2yr, it was my 1st & I drove it rough & changed the oil about every 6-7k. Then I got smart changed oil every 3k & the tranny fluid every 15k. After HS, took car to GU & made 9.5 trips over Snoq Pass b/t Seattle & Spokane, fair amount of weight in it too. On last trip to Sea, oil light came on 60mi outside Spo, stopped at local repair shop, no eng knocking, so said it was faulty light, light went on and off rest way, then in mid of pass, it died. Oil pump went, blowing the cam shaft. That car was my baby, and when it died, I cried for days.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 Honda Civic
  By azaggie - January 27 - 10:47 pm

  I have had my 09 Civic hybrid for 8 months and absolutely love it. I get significantly better fuel economy than the epa estimates, averaging around 53 mpg, though I drive conservatively and make a game out of trying to get the best fuel economy I can. The cars sweet spot for fuel economy is 35-50 mph (around 60-65 mpg), and driving around 70 - 75 youll see your fuel economy drop to the low 40s (one drawback). The hybrid assist-regen system works well on small to moderate hills but doesnt sustain on large hills, leaving you with a small engine that has to work hard to get up long inclines. Another potential drawback is the back seat doesnt fold down, but it only an occasional problem.

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  BUY ONE - 2002 Honda Accord
  By love-it1191 - January 27 - 7:27 pm

  Bought this ex v6 from a local dealer about a year ago with 54k on the odometer. Today there is just over 90k. Ive gone on several trips to the mountains and MI over the year. The v-6 has great acceleration, the traction control comes in handy with this powerhouse. The tranny at times hesitates and has issues finding the gear it wants but thats only when its cold. The ride is great, in the twisty roads of the mountains it handles like a sports car but smooth like glass on the highway. I would suggest this car to anyone, in the past year and 36k later no issues what so ever, plan on running this one into the ground.

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  Goodbye Jeep Liberty Hello CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By b-rice - January 27 - 5:16 pm

  After driving a Jeep Liberty for 1.5 years we decided to trade up to a Honda. We constantly remind ourselves of the wise choice we made. We have now owned it for 8 months and 10k miles and still love it as much as we did when we drove it off the lot. It is very sporty, practical and for the most part comfortable. The 4 cyl engine should produce a more efficient mpg but 24-27 is almost double what we were getting in our V6 Liberty with almost as much power. The LX is very basic, but it gets you from point A to point B while having fun. I never realized how many were on the road until we bought it. Havent regretted our purchase one bit.

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  Best all around vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By aldante - January 27 - 3:27 pm

  This car has lived up to all my versatile needs. I have a tow package, roof racks, and I feel like I can go anywhere. I added Michelin cross- terrain tires and it has added to road stability. My only complaint is city road noise. It just seems something could be done about that. As for gas mileage I get 14 in city because most of my trips are less then 6 miles. Last road trip though was 650 miles and I got 23.4 mpg. I am very happy with that. I am very happy with emergency steering and handling in poor weather. I had to veer on the freeway (gont 65) to miss a bumper in the road this is a safe car. I cant believe its turning capability also. I am very happy.

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  A decent car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By The Dude - January 27 - 3:16 pm

  Not a bad little car. My commute is 100 mi/day, and I bought it for commuting and hauling. Im familiar with Hondas, so when the 5-spd failed I wasnt surprised. Gets 40-43 MPG consistently. Like the hatch and fold-down seats to haul ladders, furniture, trees, tools, wood, etc. Theres a lot of cheapness inside, but not the hollow cheap you get with GM or Ford. Handling isnt great, but not terrible. I dont know why ppl race these so much when its only a commuter at best.

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  Problems with my 2007 Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. Unhappy owner - January 27 - 9:49 am

  #1 A freaking creaking noise when turn the ignition switch. #2 Power steering fluid pump has problem making a streaking noise. #3 Mileage is very poor not even close to Hondas promise. Even though I do have extended warranty, it is really a pain both mentally and physically. I did not paid for this piece of junk. My 4 runner had no problem for 7 years. I am not happy with my 2007 Honda Odyssey. I will never buy another honda rather stick with Toyota. Road noise is also a major problem with this van.