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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  Awesome car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2k - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This car catches peoples attention. Once you get past the break-in period and are able to take the car through the entire RPM band, the car is so much fun to drive. The sound from the exhaust is better appreciated with the top down and the car handles incredibly

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  The Best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BeeJayRN - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I cant recommend the Honda Odyssey enought. I looked at all of them and their were ones with more toots and whistles but the reliability of Honda and the fold away 3rd row (which is great and so easy to do..alone)is fantastic. The DVD rntertainment system is also great and I love the cordless headsets that the kids can wear and listen to their music or movie and I still can enjoy mine. And the safety rating of the Odyssey is 5 stars DOnt bother with any other minivan, the Odyssey is the one and this is coming from someone who said "over my dead body will I ever get a minivan"

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  Excellent SUV & solution to wind noise! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Piloter - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Handles like a car. Tight steering, quiet interior, fantastic visibility. RELIABLE! Ive read some issues regarding a "howling" and wind noise. If you have this problem and have cross rails on the roofrack, then here is your solution: http://www.hondasuv.com/pilot/viewtopic .php?t=25 Mine too were mounted backwards. Once switched, the problem was gone. The most quiet SUV I have ever driven.

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  All-Around best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cjohnson - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I am an engineer and put in a significant amount of research into the SUV market. I wont use the truck for a lot of off roading so it is perfect for me and my family. I also want to keep it for 10+ years so you have to get a Honda. I only wish Honda included the sunroof as an option. Otherwise, its the best bang for your buck!!!!

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  Its all good!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chipsta - December 15 - 2:00 am

  After all I read it is a excellent suv. Still a little shaky about off-road driving, but in terms of looks and mpg, its very good! We sure love it!!

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  WOW !!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By timm85 - December 14 - 10:46 pm

  We looked and test drove all the competition, and we chose this van because of all the little things they added to this van. Things you wouldnt normally think of, they have it covered. Then the resale should keep us able to keep trading every couple of years. Thanks Honda

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  Great Buy - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Johnny - December 14 - 9:00 pm

  Couldnt spring for the Insight because I got a great deal (21995) for this beauty. Just took a 500 mile trip down I95 and back to Northern Va and averaged 51.1 MPG with my wife and some luggage. No hypermiling used except I got in the rt lane behind a slow driver on the Interstate and I tried to coast in neutral down hills and build momentum for the next hill. In the 163 mile stretch from Fredricksburg, Va to Chesapeake I averaged 54.2 MPG. The overall 51.2 included about 35 miles of city driving in Norfolk. The car is solid and drives smoothly and handles better than the 09 Prius. I think Honda does a great job with their cars. The 09 HCH is a stealth gem waiting to be discovered.

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  Consumer Feedback Makes a Great Car! - 2005 Honda Element
  By mwauky - December 14 - 8:56 pm

  This is one great car... iPod compatible, fun to drive, handles well in all road and weather conditions, nice stereo sound system, ROOMY.

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  The element not so great. - 2007 Honda Element
  By Isaias Medina - December 14 - 8:34 pm

  I bought the gold looking element for its looks and roominess. It looks very different from other SUVs and it has great cargo room capabilities. The car has been very useful in many ways, but I have several issues with it. It has 42k miles and I have replaced both front and rear brakes and still the brakes are working poorly, Im sure it may need additional brakes work. The tire pressure monitoring system stays on all winter, the dealer said it was normal for this car. I have replaced the windshield once, it needs a new set of tires soon, the dashboard makes cracking noises during winter, it may need alignment again. Otherwise the engine and transmission work fine.

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  Battery Problems - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tennesssee Driver - December 14 - 5:08 pm

  With less than 4500 miles, twice my IMA and check engine light came on. The first time they replaced the battery, second time had to do some updates (there is a TSB out regarding the problem). I like the better mileage 37- 38 but was hoping I would get more MPG. I drive mostly in the city. It takes a long time, 5 to 10 minutes of driving time, for the heat to get warm. When going from a full stop, 5-7 seconds to get going.