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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  Honda CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Gardengirlie - June 20 - 3:51 pm

  We put a lot of miles on our Honda. Its got over 130,000 and still running like a dream. Its never failed us, gets pretty reasonable gas milage, and is comfortable to drive. We have used the included table more times than you could imagine, camping, grilling out, tailgating, you name it. Its easy to fold down the seats for extra corgo room. We have used the cargo space a lot when landscaping or working on our home projects. We plan to buy nothing but Hondas from now on!

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  honda review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josh lundy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  good vehicle to have when you drive alot.space is kind of cramped because i am six foot, but thats ok because its the wifes car. two child seats in back and theres know room.reliabity is ok.bad in indiana winter weather.cheap insurance.i get about 34 miles per gallon mixed. pretty good car altogether!!!!!!!

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  Most car for the money - 2010 Honda Accord
  By resconroe - June 20 - 1:40 am

  Drove 09 Infiniti G37 Sedan and 10 Toyota Avalon Ltd. Eliminated Acura TL because of looks but bought 10 EX-L V6 w/NAV based on value and expected 5 year total cost to own. Runs fine on regular with enough power for me. Plenty of room for backseat passengers.

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  Car shuts off randomly while driving.... - 1993 Honda Accord
  By K - June 19 - 10:19 pm

  I got this Honda from a Honda dealer and friend who sold it to me with no problems, it passed inspection and everything else with flying colors. I should also mention the engine had only 113,000 miles on it when I got it, this is considered "just breaking it in" for a Honda. I had the belts replaced, regular oil changes and tune-ups, this car was looked after, but keep reading...it all started when the car began to have a hard time maintaining a charge after it was started up, so we got it a new Battery, fine for a while...then, it shut off on the highway twice, Im glad I walked away from both. In addition to the stalling, it had problems in the winter too, but it gets worse....

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  Good SUV But LOts of Little Problems - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DodoPodo - June 19 - 4:07 pm

  POSITIVES: Attractive vehicle, both inside and out. Excellent use of interior space for both occupants and cargo. Storage room galore. Very good quality parts and fit/finish. Neat built-in lights in rear grab handles. Great power and smooth transmission. Resale value. NEGATIVES: The 3.5L V6 sometimes doesnt crank up right away (dealer says Honda is aware of this problem with that particular engine, but no fix for it yet). Numerous trim pieces had to be replaced in first 12,000 miles (e.g. the molding containing the drivers seat power switches broke a rear door threshold molding broke the drivers inside door handle started to peel apart) -- not what one expects from a "Honda".

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  Honda Pilot EX-L RES - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By singh1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought at the end of June. Have close to 2000 miles on it. Dont pay more than MSRP + Taxes. Why? Because considering the alternatives and that this is a first year model, I dont think the Pilot is worth more than $36,000 OTD. I had a problem with a wind noise coming from the passenger side. Also have a problem with the drivers side windshield washer leaking out fluid onto the hood. I still need to take it in for that... Nice SUV overall. This is my first import purchase. I do miss the power of the Chevy V-8s and the low range. Im actually one of the few SUV owners that enjoy tackling rough terrain where you need low range to get up the hill...or down one.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mprincz - June 17 - 11:26 am

  The Good:Have the model w/the engine that goes to 3 cylinders-mixed driving mileage 22-25.Looks nice.Seats are supportive.Good pickup.Very roomy (Im 64" and have headroom even w/sunroof).Bad: Although the illuminated dash looks good,I am new to this feature.My old cars dashes required headlights on for illumination.This is a safety issue.I dont always remember to turn on the headlights right away.Should be automatic w/sensors for dark.The power sliding door does not always close properly,causing a beeping noise only when van is in gear(no indication other than that).I have to turn off the feature when driving.Drivers side window is noisy at times.Tires often squeal with light acceleratn

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  Underwhelmed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tim - June 16 - 3:43 am

  Having driven Hondas most of my life I had pretty high expectations for gas mileage. My 1989 accord would consistently get 32mpg in the city and I once got it up to 40mpg driving cross country. So I figured a Honda hybrid would get even better gas mileage. Talk about disappointing. If I really concentrate on my driving (gentle on the gas, avoid the brakes, etc) I can get the mpgs up to 34 in the city and low 40s on the highway. If my leadfoot wife drives it gets well under 30. After getting over the dissappointing fuel efficiency the car has been decent. It has a surprising amount of pickup and handles well enough to avoid dying in Los Angeles traffic.

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  Brake noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JJ - June 15 - 6:13 pm

  There is considerable road noise, and there is a MAJOR problem with the brake noise (on both my 2008 sedan and 2009 coupe). Honda definitely needs to fix this. Dealership told me basically my driving was crappy and thats why the brakes were squealing. The Honda Accord is an economy car. If you want bells and whistles buy a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes!

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  Wear your earplugs while driving - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jclark104 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A 2001 Civic EX with 52000 miles on it for $9995 sounds like a dream come true until you own it for a week and the true quality of this car appears. I always believed Honda to be an excellent manufacturer but this purchase has made me think otherwise. The only plus to this car is the fuel economy. The roof, dash, door panels, center console, and truck all rattle. Terrible suspension. What happened to the old Honda?