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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  Glad I bought one - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gatorfan - November 20 - 11:50 am

  My wife and I traded her 2001 BMW 330ci for the 2005 Honda Accord Coupe. Coming from a BMW we knew we had to max the new car out so it has everything except the 17 inch wheel option. The cars build and fit are perfect. The doors, windows, and sun roof all close solidly, giving a feel of quality. The cabin provides a quieter ride than the BMW did, which was one of the things we wanted to improve. The ride is smooth and sure. We felt it was considerably better than the Toyota Solara. There are very few things you can add as options on the Honda where Toyota will tack on a hundred dollars or so for options. The V-6 is strong and the 5-speed auto shifts seamlessless.

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  My Honda experience - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Sunny - November 20 - 10:59 am

  Avg gas mileage is 18.9 based on mix city/Hwy drive. Youll definitely feel the veh jerk when it changes gear and sometime when it switch off part of the engine. The biggest problem I have on my Honda is, the veh pulls to the right. It has visited Honda service dept 3 times (within 6 weeks) for the same problem and to the extend of recalibrating the subframe base on recommendation from Honda America. As of now, my Honda will pull to the right lane within 5 to 8 sec @ 40 mi/hr driving (testing the alignment by letting both hands off the steering wheel). Still working with Honda but was told its my luck if the veh is "calibrated" to spec. Fun to drive, reliability stinks for a brand new car.

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  Civic Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jimmy01 - November 20 - 10:00 am

  When the first Si came out i told my self that someday i will have one of those, and fortunaly i bought mine in January of this year, and man do i love it. I have been into imports all my life and love the sound of a fixed up 4 cylinder, its really great when you pull up next to a domestic and you kick their butt :). I have added aftermarket parts to my Si and it really got the Vtec strong, I mean what other car boost your power 10 times greater from 5500rpm to redline which is 8000rpm who can complain with that. Im keeping this car for a long time and i know i will have no problems with it.

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  Odyssey Exceeds Expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By n8b - November 20 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of research from all the best web-sites and test drives from dealerships and friends and family with minivans and SUVs we ended up with the 2002 Odyssey EX-L. No regrets about this vehicle at all. After our decision was all but made, the final test was how closely the Ody would match the wonderful experience weve had with our Acura 3.2TL. And after going feature-for-feature between the EX-L (with 6 in-dash CD and fog lights) and the TL we were absolutely sold on the Odyssey - equal or better across the board!

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  First of 2 2000 Honda EXVLs - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Smidrow - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is the closest to a perfect vehicle of the sixteen vehicles Ive owned in the past 37 years, from Corvettes to minivans! Its got style, performance, great gas mileage, reliability, is quicker than my Miata and is even almost as much fun to drive. My wife LOVES this car! Honda really did themselves proud putting together this 4-wheeled beauty. The only problems weve had with this car in the 18 months weve owned it are a hard to turn temperature control knob and a worn out windshield wiper insert. Harbor Honda repaired both extremely quickly and with no charge.

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  Best in class - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Fred - November 20 - 10:00 am

  As a commuter and "driver" this is an enjoyable car. Right combination of practicality, good gas mileage, fun factor, resale value, and comfort. I thoroughly tested the Camry, Passat, and Altima. Camry is way too boring and ugly, Altima good but cheap interior, Passat probably the best but needs premium fuel and has less space.

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  Best car ever... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rtorzynski - November 20 - 6:00 am

  Honda makes great cars. Weve owned a Pilot since 2003 and aside from the mileage, its fantastic. Needed a car with better mileage, though. Hence the Civic. With three kids, the Civic is ideal for running around town, and also long trips. This is my wifes car, but I love the leather and moonroof and its got a fairly good stereo. Recently drove to Albany and back (around 450 miles total) and averaged about 35.5 mpg - on the NYS Thruway averaging around 73 mph. Mileage would probably be around 38 if driven at 60 mph. I have no complaints about this car. We bought the extra warranty for added peace of mind, but I have confidence in Honda -- doubt well ever use it.

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  Awesome little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By knightimer - November 20 - 1:13 am

  I did research before i went ahead and bought this car. In comparison to the others cars (TC3, Mazda3) I was looking at, the overall features, style, price and gas mileage won me over. I get nothing but compliments about the new body style. It puts a smile on my face. After owning the car for a short period of time, I knew I made the right choice!

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  The best SUV out there! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By chockm - November 19 - 10:04 pm

  It is a solid car with quite interior and all amenities that you would find in most cars in its class. It drives very nicely. I tested every SUV in the class and the Pilot was the best. Meets all of our needs. I like the boxy look because it stands out with all of the curvy homogeneous looking SUVs and crossovers. About the fuel economy. This vehicle weighs 4500 lbs, carries 8 people + baggage. On a per person basis, the fuel economy is very good. When it comes to total value = handling, space, power, features, total cost of ownership this SUV is unbeatable.

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  Some problems with this one - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Blake - November 19 - 4:21 pm

  Bought w/ 50k mi on it, drove it till 158k, then the tranny locked up. Engine works great but needs a quart every 3000 mi. Replaced: radiator, starter, window switches, batteries (3). Gas guage never worked, get about 400 mi on a tank. ABS light is on, brakes are dicey, esp when towing. Rear gate lock broke into the door, now I cant open the back, which was lame anyway with the insufficient support of the back glass dropping on your head. Yes, its for sale - need something reliable.