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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  Pleased with Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KRoundy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Im a new Honda Pilot owner. What an awesome vehicle. Quiet ride, smooth but powerful engine, and a great high- tech 4WD system for the snow mountains in winter. It has excellent visibility for the driver and the interor is very, very versatile! I have no complaints about the Pilot, and would recommend it to anyone

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  yes - 2000 Honda Accord
  By TMTS - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car.

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  Sweet Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nomad - October 20 - 9:50 am

  The EX 6 has a quiet ride with great response from its powerful engine. Handling is impressive for a large vehicle, not much body lean. Controls in the center console feel cluttered until becoming fimiliar. The audio sound is very dissappointing in the EX. Fit and finish is excellent. Road view front, side, and rear are very good. Braking has been very good but havent tested it on wet pavement. Overall this is a great car.

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  422,000 km and still running - 1990 Honda Civic
  By EF1990Si - October 20 - 1:21 am

  Bought my Civic Si brand new in 1990, added A/C in 92 when the new gen came out and dealer installed unit for half price. I went to Ziebart for rustproofing and undercoating in the first month, the car is only showing small rust spot on the left rear fender. Very reliable and surprisingly roomy

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  Top Notch - 1992 Honda Accord
  By joc1394 - October 19 - 7:02 pm

  This is the first car that I have actually owned. And over the last year, it has continually impressed me. It has never left me stranded (which cant be said about the much newer American car I drove prior to purchasing this one) and never seems to be grumpy. With regular maintenance, this car just keeps going and going and going. I purchased with 92k miles and currently have 106k miles on her. She leaks a little oil but after I buy $40 in parts from Honda and put them on, that problem will be solved. A fine car for the money, just beware the rust.

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  South Floridian owner :) - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By South Florida - October 19 - 6:46 pm

  I wanted to place a review for my Odyssey a few months after the honeymoon. So, six months later I am still in love with my van. Excellent car-like ride, smooth. For someone intimidated to drive a van, the Odyssey wont be a problem. I drove Ford and Dodge vans & dont come close. Excellent handle with a full load of passangers. Although, I couldnt afford the price tag for leather and DVD, I share the same customer satisfaction with owners of the EX version, except that I got my Odyssey for less $$. For those who cant afford the EX or top of the line, I would recommend trying the LX model. Its worth every penny and were enjoying our van.... sorry guys I got to go, this is South Florida.

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  Even better than Expected! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - October 19 - 5:59 pm

  My Wife and I bought this because our 2003 Sonoma extended cab proved too small for our needs. After looking at a number of offerings, and both of us DRIVING them, the Ridgeline stood out as the best handling, and it had a trunk! Add the stylish and very comfortable interior, two way tailgate, AWD,and HONDA reliability, it was a no brainer. After 15,000 miles, 3 synthetic oil changes and a K&N filter...19.4 in town, 25.5 highway (spirited driving). Prior to these changes, we got 15.2 in mixed driving. You will use the trunk more than you think. Go give it a look, a drive and with end of year pricing a great deal too.

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  You wouldnt know it was a minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack W - October 19 - 7:43 am

  Incredible automobile. The ride and drivability is like a european sedan...not a minivan. The fit and finish is extremely fine. By far and away..the grooviest and hippest minivan on the planet. We drove them all before we purchased. Hands down...the best.

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  Good commuter car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tango - October 19 - 7:30 am

  Very good if have a commuter drive open driving with a few stops but not interstate. Doesnt like 60 MPH+ but 55 and lower does well and gets great gas mileage as long as you drive conservatively. If you try and drive like it was the performance car you traded in you will be disappointed in mileage.

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  Very Nice Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Marlinman - October 18 - 9:33 pm

  I just purchased my EX 4 days ago and all I can say is it is a gorgeous car. I did my homework and test drove many cars including the Nissan Altima 2.5S and Toyota Camry SE and LE. First off the paint finish on the silver Accord was by far the best. The interior design was much nicer. The Altima had the best transmission and extras like intelligent key but the dashboard was ugly and the paint seemed thin and had bigger blind spots. The Camry was a close second but I really liked the Accords look better I got the Accord for $600 under invoice with the help of edmunds.com. The Accord has a distinct tightness when driving and a solid resale value. A+++++