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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  Great car for fuel economy alone!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By HONDAMAN - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the fuel economy and so far its great!! I get about 34 mpg city and close to 40 mpg on the highway. The car runs smooth at high speeds and is fun in the turns for a compact car at this price!! I would only get the 5 spd, I drove the auto and its not the best tranny for a car with a 1.7 liter engine... Hope this review helps!! I also got mine for 13000.00 out the door!! What a deal for a car with air, center console and CD!!

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  Best in class.... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By T - October 26 - 3:55 pm

  I absolutely love my Pilot. My prior vehicle was an Accord, so I had a good idea what I was getting into with this Honda. After doing my research, and a couple test drives, I found the Pilot, not to be to cliche, while not the leader in most catagories, it did very well in all of them. I suprisingly found that it doesnt feel as big as it seems. To look at it, youll think youll be driving a land yacht, but after a few miles, it feels more like standard car, just higher.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mssnj - October 25 - 4:16 pm

  Bought the civic without a test drive. Nervous...but was pleasantly surprised. Nice styling...drives well. Getting 44 MPG on 1st tank. With navi and other features, really lots of fun to drive. Also relieved that golf clubs fit. Kids also think "hybrid" is cool. I affectionately call it my nerd mobile.

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  Do not buy first year model - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By matt - October 25 - 2:04 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new. I have 42,000 miles on vehicle. Not typical Honda quality. Warranty items replaced recalled: new vent, new console top, transmission oil cooler kit recal, and finally EGR valve recall. The VTM4 light and Engine service light has been coming on for the last 1000 miles. I have had it to the dealer 4 to 5 different times and it is still not fixed. The last thing the replaced was the VTM4 control module $800 dollars and it did not fix it. This has been very frustrating and you would not expect this from a Honda product that cost $32,000 new. Very disappointing.

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  Good but not great - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Lanky - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Poor pick up for such a light car. The body design will not bode well when in accident. I had a small accident and had to have the entire right front body replaced (I hit a small animal). I do recommend for city driving and gas useage. This was my first car, I am not looking to make it a permanent fixture at my house.

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  Loveda van but... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimbob - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great van. Lots of room...drives like a sedan...visibility is great...an SUV without a nose. However, I have had two small ~ problems. The van pulled to the right. Honda said it was the tires (Bridgestones). Bridgestone said it was the allignment. It said just fix it. Both were cooperative. Bridgeston replaced all the tires, but it still pulls??? Anyone else experience this?

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  Loveda van but... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimbob - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great van. Lots of room...drives like a sedan...visibility is great...an SUV without a nose. However, I have had two small ~ problems. The van pulled to the right. Honda said it was the tires (Bridgestones). Bridgestone said it was the allignment. It said just fix it. Both were cooperative. Bridgeston replaced all the tires, but it still pulls??? Anyone else experience this?

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  Should be better - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - October 25 - 2:02 am

  Was happy with the pilot until I realized that the gas mileage is HORRIBLE!!! I average 13 MPG, with a lot of Highway driving. Steering wheel also vibrates on highway and there is a lot of road noise. I keep on thinking someone has a window open. At 1,500 miles smoke came out of air vents and it smelled like a electric fire. Also, be careful on the highway. The Pilot is very top heavy and will tip if you suddenly have to change lanes.

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  Rattle Box with Poor Mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Glenn - October 22 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for two reasons: 1) Ive owned four Hondas previously and all were great. 2) This car looks sharp. This car rattles on the dash, passenger side, and rear deck. I brought this back to the dealer twice, but they couldnt help me. Honda of America is a big letdown on this one. I had to drive around with the glove box open to stop the squeaking since it was sitting in wrong. After the dealer couldnt fix things, I decided to fix it myself by breaking the weld on the latch, moving it then re-welding it myself. Glove box no longer squeaks but it masked about three or four other rattles from various locations. Time for me to call it quits and get a better car.

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  Happy I did it.... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By AL_Va - October 21 - 11:13 am

  First Honda I had purchased and I love it! Have owned Chevy and Ford small cars and this Civic outclasses them all - by a wide gap. I really like that the car is still worth something after having it for a while. I would definately buy another and recommend one to others. My wife likes to drive it too. I am 63" and fit into it okay. I commute a lot and the fuel economy is excellent!I bought it to commute and that it does that very, very well.