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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  Civic Fog Lamps - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jfmrtn - December 18 - 12:46 am

  Recently purchased a 2006 EX Civic with the Optional Fog Lamps. Ive had the car for five months about 6500 miles and drive local highways in Dallas/Fort Worth. Both Fog Lamps have been shattered and are no longer functional. DO NOT buy this option. Replacement cost is $125.00 EACH. These lamps dont hold up to routine driving conditions. The glass lenses cannot be replaced and So far Honda nor the dealership wont do anything.

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  Not All That I Expected - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Debra Brooks - December 17 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased my new Civic EX two weeks ago primarily because of all the great reviews it received. I am very happy with the color (Atomic Blue), for which Ive had many compliments, the interior and exterior styling, the many standard options and the fuel economy. Ive filled up once and figured the mileage at 32 mpg with mostly city driving. But I am not at all happy with the ride quality, which is rough and noisy. Every little bump and dip is felt, and on rough asphalt it almost seems to vibrate. The ride is only smooth when the road is totally smooth. Also, the seats are too firm for my liking. I love everything about my new Civic except those two things.

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  Great until trans went - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Annie - December 17 - 6:43 pm

  We are the original owners of the Accord SE. Its been remarkably reliable for ten years. After 85k, the trans needs to be replaced. I dont want to put the $ in it but dont want to buy a new car either. Its disappointing to have the transmission go. We have meticulously maintained this car.

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  Love my new Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tremethick - December 17 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this new Civic Hybrid due to my 100 mile daily round trip commute. The Civic Manual Tranny has taught me to how to drive again. Shifting is EASY! The prompt light tells me the optimum time to shift. I love the on board MPG calculators. I filled up after the fist week. I had 450 Miles and filled up with 10 gallons of gas. I average about 70 MPH on the freeway. I tested the Civic one day averaging about 60 MPH, I got a 50.2 MPG. Awsome. This Civic lacks some zip and pickup if you follow the prompts, but has it if you need to pass in a pinch. Interior is excellent, power windows, cruise, CD Stereo, side airbags and even a climate control stystem. I love my Civic Hybrid!

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  Dont hesitate - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By AnnArbor - December 17 - 4:41 pm

  Very safe, steady car. Wonderful to ride. Big comfy inside with a lot of space, Fits 8 adults.

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  Great SUV to drive - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Honda_pilot_owner - December 17 - 2:16 pm

  After a lot of research narrowed it down to Highlander and Pilot. Test drove each 2 times and concluded that Highlander is actually a 4 seater with lots of cargo space and in that case my present Camry was already doing that job. So we went for Pilot knowing that it is a gas hungry vehicle compared to highlander or other SUVs of similar class. Chose 4x2 as I dont do much of activities demanding 4x4. Ride is smooth much like an SUV/Truck than a car which I felt in highlander.

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  Love It. And More. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jannellee - December 17 - 10:25 am

  Just a Great Car. Great on Gas, Look, and Drives Awesome. The seating of 8 is comfortable. I get great mileage out of it Highway or Street. Comfy, Extras are nice. A bit Pricey, but he its a HONDA and it holds great Value.

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  Big in a Small Package - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CJ - December 17 - 8:10 am

  This SUV is surprisingly roomy and seats eight quite comfortably (since second row is adjustable) for rides up to 100 miles or so. Its length is less than an Accord or Camry, yet it has the room of many larger SUVs. Gas mileage on the road is averaging 23 MPG, if you keep it at 65 mph.

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  My 1st Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BRIAN - December 17 - 5:10 am

  I traded in my 04 Maxima which ran on premium gas for an 06 Civic for the gas mileage and boy am I saving at the pump. I love the unique design inside and out. I still am not really used to the speedometer up so high. I love the responsive sterring which allows me to do things i never did in my Maxima. The stereo has a subwoofer which is nice, but remember it still is factory so it rattles sometimes and the speakers never seem to play at a high level. Also I was a bit disappointed that there was just one cd instead of 6... seems like Honda wanted to save some money. It also seems that when the car is in the 5-10mph range the car transmission bumps up or down very noticeably.

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  Should learn from CRV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By H Huang - December 16 - 2:38 am

  I purchase the EX because I dont like the leather in the EX-L trim. It is a big disappointment that the Pilot EX doesnt come with a moon roof like the CRV EX does. Pilot is much bigger than the CRV, yet its features doesnt match up the CRV. The style is fine to me, although I do wish its front nose a little bit lower, so it wont look so boxy, and it may help the fuel economy too. The acceleration and the fuel mileage when starting is terrible. The car is just unnecessarily too heavy and the 250 horse power is a shame for Honda, considering a much smaller ACCORD, or Pilots other rivals such as Highlander. You can feel the road when driving. However, it is smooth and pleasant.