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 vehicle! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Cruise - July 20 - 3:08 pm

  16-17 mpg city driving with AC. 20-23 mpg hwy up/down I-95 with AC. Very smooth ride great acceleration merging into traffic accommodates our family of 5 around town easy to park fun to drive. I purchased this SUV in Feb 08, and I would but another one tomorrow if I could.

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  Great Car but a word of warning - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Airmaster - July 20 - 12:07 pm

  Have had the car for nearly a year now, and the driving experience has been great. BUT now for the warning. The S2000s seats (and parts, for that matter) are hot parts with young kids souping up their little cars. My car was completely stripped seats, steering wheel, radio, airbags, and carpet, right in front of my own house. If you are to purchase this car, make sure you have a garage or a very good aftermarket alarm. If not, stay clear of the car. I now have an alarm, but I still have that fear of someone stripping it again.

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  Best New Product on the Market! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rene R Garcia - July 20 - 6:10 am

  Well I had the opportunity to be the first to purchase this vehicle at Hudson Honda. It has so many features that are so versatile, that this car can be an all day truck.

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  CRV SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ray - July 20 - 5:16 am

  This is a great little SUV, fun to drive, handles well,is comfortable and has a great storage area . I test drove, and researched many, and definitely recommend in the small SUV class!

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By john - July 19 - 10:49 pm

  I have had this vehicle since it was new. I now have 65K miles on it and it is excellent. Still runs like new. No major repairs, only two repair and one adjustment and both were covered under warranty. The maintenance cost on the vehicle is really low, especially compared to a my old Dodge mini-van.

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  My 3rd Cr-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed from KC - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  Although this SUV is considered small, it is surprisingly large inside with great access and lots of space for stuff.Better pick-up than the older models plus a sunroof really makes it fun to Drive, adding a passenger side armrest pleased my wife as that was a complaint of hers on our other 2 It is easy to get into as I am 57". The heated seats are great and you sit high enough in the vehicle to get a great view of the road, Its easy to park and the gas mileage is good, I know 2 people who rode in mine and bought one and I said less to them than I have in this review so....

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  The Mercedes Benz of Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Marvinator - July 19 - 5:10 am

  I test drove the Sienna and the Odyssey extensively. In terms of cost, Sienna is less expensive but the unappealling exterior looks and the uneven drive led me to purchase the ODYSSEY. The exterior look is just sharp and smooth. The drive is amazing. So far so good.

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  Follow Up Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mikec - July 18 - 11:16 pm

  I have had this Hybrid for 2 months and still love the car. MPG for city driving is 29 on average and highway is running at 40. I bought this car used to save on gas, very pleased with mileage and performance. Great car!

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  Worth It! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - July 18 - 8:56 pm

  I have never owned a Honda but had seen and heard about the Odyssey and decided it was worth a look. We bought and have fallen in love with the van. We only have one child but really like the room, convenience, the ride and overall quality. My wife has been stuck on SUVs and has told me over and over again what a smart buy this van was and how she absolutely loves it. You will not be disappointed and can be comforted with the fact that as a Honda product your going to get the value (resale/residual) and the performance and life expectancy you expect. Oh and the gas mileage after 3,000 miles is pretty good. I can cruise at 75 and be on 3 cylinders. Im getting about 22.5 - 25 city/hwy.

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  Old Friend - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Marko - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  My faithful 2000 Honda Accord LX 4 cyl auto has just hit 211,000 after nine years of ownership when I bought it new. It has never had a failure or unscheduled service of any kind during that time. There really isnt anything more to say. Ill swap it in this year for a new Accord, but Ill miss it.