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:

• 

  Pure bred sports car! - 2008 Honda S2000
  By gs5019 - January 21 - 9:09 pm

  I have owned too many cars in life, from Porsches to BMW , several Miatas and many more. This car does the best job at what it tries to be-an uncompromising almost perfect handling car. I have run it on road courses and it rotates better than anything I have driven. Balanced, better than average brakes and the vtec surge of power when needed. Im sorry Honda didnt continue with production. I was excited about the prospects of a six cylinder. But Ill trade a pound of power for a pound of handling all day long. This car delivers it! And it has Honda reliability.

• 

  Super Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Car Hound - January 21 - 5:43 pm

  I love this truck. The trunk in the bed is great especially on hunting trips. The family loves it. It is our primary vehicle. It is not great for towing. It will get the towing job done but the gas mileage drops to 10 mpg.

• 

  Excellent SUV! Bad fuel economy - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Barry - January 21 - 4:12 pm

  Purchased on Dec 31 to take advantage of the 6000 pound GVWR for tax purposes. I traded my 2007 Acura MDX, which was a great vehicle itself . The Pilot rides smoother than the Acura and has significantly more room. The Navigation systems in Honda/Acura products cant be beat, unlike other makes, they do not restrict use while in motion. Acceleration is good and storage space, cup holders etc is excellent!. The fuel economy is below average for a V6 engine, I am getting around 14 mpg in city driving

• 

  knock on wood- no problems here. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mom2edna - January 21 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this van new in 03. It now has 85k miles. After reading about the transmission problems that others are having I feel pretty lucky. i havent had any big issues with mine. Just this past week the passenger power window motor broke $200 repair. The sliding doors act up sometimes, but it usually happens when children & adults are pushing the auto open buttons and door handles/locks at the same time. The only other issue Ive had is the radio controls on the steering wheel. I cant lower the volume-when I hit the button the radio gets louder. I also dont like the seek/scan that they have on the wheel. It only scrolls thru your pre-set stations rather than all the stations.

• 

  The best people hauler - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - January 21 - 12:39 am

  We now have over 175,000 miles on our Odyssey EX and to date we cant complain. The seats are very comfortable. Great driving position. Great visibility. Lots of room inside and all seats are comfortable. Rear seat folds flat in the floor. Dual power doors are a great idea. Has been hit a few times and still drives great. Doesnt leak or burn oil. Has held value exceedingly well. Decent power and handling. Quality of materials is impressive. Engine is soooo smooth! Yes, we had a transmission issue that was fixed by Honda (even though it was well outside the factory warranty - Thank you Honda). The only other repair has been the engine mounts. The rest is maintenance.

• 

  Frustrated Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed Warrior - January 20 - 10:08 pm

  I cant believe an Odyssey with torque converter issues at 20k miles. It isnt the only issue with this year model add front brake rotor since first day and both front axis tips damages. New replacement not available until end of January. I am running a "new" minivan with a lot of problems basically since 0 miles.

• 

  Like our New Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Honda_fit_owner - January 20 - 1:17 pm

  Pleasantly surprised when we test drove the Fit. The sports model is kind of zippy and I like it. We got the Black berry color. Like the Ipod linking, Aux socket. Do hear a lot of road noise just like in a Civic. Steering is soft and handling is really great. Easy to park and love the great cargo space and I can put my kids car seat using 2 different kind of latches. This car came with no option before market. we had to buy all season floor mat on ebay and installing it is a pain. you will need to tear the floor mat a little bit to install it. common Honda dont be so cheap. At least provide a place holder for hooks or put hooks protected by external cover.

• 

  Good, Not Great Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bryson - January 20 - 12:30 pm

  I have owned my 2009 LX-S for 6 months now and I am pretty happy with it. It is excellent on gas I average about 33 MPG overall, I love the styling (both inside and out), it is smooth, reliable and has plenty of room for most anyone (I am 63" and I fit with ease) even the back has better space than most all the other cars I test drove. I am still kicking myself for not dishing out the extra cash for the Si (the car is fun but i can just imagine what those extra 57 horses could do).

• 

  Best car ever - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jason - January 19 - 9:36 pm

  Drives like a dream. Feels brand new, looks brand new, stylish. yet it is 12 years old and has 115k on it. Nothing breaks. Cant ask for more.

• 

  Great SUV, mpg not even close - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Al - January 19 - 5:00 pm

  We traded in our Chevy Trailblazer EXT hoping to get an SUV with better gas mileage. We have put on aprox. 1000 miles and only have been getting 11 mpg city and 14-15 mpg highway (on a trip to the coast). We drive with the ECO light on and dont heavy foot it. The dealership service guys have told us to "hang in there" and wait for the motor to "break in". I am very discouraged with the mpg. Otherwise, it is a very nice vehicle, nice ride, nice handling, low road noise, and very comfortable. The bigger test will be this spring as I tow our 3,600 pound boat. I am hoping it will do ok going over the passes to Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast. Overall, I am pleased with the SUV.