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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  2007 Honda Odyssey - Torque Converter - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - November 11 - 6:21 pm

  At 30K miles, had an issue with a slight shudder at 40 mph (when shifting from 4th to 5th gear). Took it to dealership and they tried engine mounts but that was not the fix. Once the torque converter was replaced, it shifts much smoother. Now at 36K the battery died. No warning. Not sure if something is draining it (unseen door or rear compartment light). Anyway seems too early to have battery problems.

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  09 Fit was the beth FIT for my family - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Wendy - November 11 - 1:22 pm

  Previously, I have only driven Dodge products (large farming family with many gas sucking trucks). When my car was on its last leg I looked at several small hatchback cars and compact SUV/crossovers. Ultimately, the FIT won out even though the price was higher. I have been getting between 38 and 42 mpg on both highway and interstate driving. I can easily fit 2 Great Danes in the rear area (my baby has Wobblers so it is hard for him to climb). I will agree it is noisy on rough surfaces and during acceleration and the air conditioner isnt the strongest ever, but everything else is excellent. I actually love the cup holders (keeps my drinks colder in front of air vent).

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  The Ride of My Life - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Woody Woodson - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The minute I saw this car on the road I had to have it. I called my brother (he works at a Honda dealership out of town) and asked the price and then told him to wrap it up and deliver it. From the day I took delivery, it has been the ride of my life.

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  busting out - 2004 Honda S2000
  By stan weliever - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has destined to be a classic. It has all the quality that honda is known for and world class sports car handling and power. It holds a curve as well as any car Ive been in and the 240 hp VTEC is just too big a temptation to resist. The buckets seats are remarkably comfortable for extended periods and you WILL want to drive it for long periods.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ekcjwc - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Grand Cherokees and the Honda Pilot out weighs both of them. The Honda has an extremely smooth ride! The quality of the Pilot is exceptional. In comparison, the Jeeps were the same sticker price and the Honda has more features. Some of the features that the Jeeps did not have are heated seats, DVD, rear air/heat controls, seats for 8, etc. for the same sticker price. Honda gives you a lot for the money. I highly recommend this SUV!

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  Great vehicle for the price!!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cnb2606 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have about to complete 1000 miles on my 2004 Silver Honda Pilot. I went with running boards, cargo organizer and exshaut finishers as accesories. So far we are having a great expericence.

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  Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By coco - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Honda quality. This vehicle drives like a car and is so spacious. This is my first SUV but my 5th Honda. I know why Honda markets it as The Honda of SUVs.

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  After 40,000 miles... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tlanci - November 11 - 10:00 am

  After 40,000 miles, my Hybrid is still a solid, comfortable ride. Not a performance vehicle, but a good commuter car. I have been somewhat disappointed in mileage compared to the ads/EPA. On my 80 mile round-trip flat highway commute (70-80mph) the car averages 38mpg. Slowing down really makes a difference, at 55 mph, it gets closer to 52mpg. Im still having fun learning to tweak the mileage, and I am slowing down. So far, great reliability, no mechanical problems at all.

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By flamike772 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, peppy for only 127 Horsepower great styling and excellent interior, I brought this car a couple weeks ago after buying a 2001 4 Door EX and never having a major problem with it for four years. I had a SUV and the price of gas was killing me. I got 34MPG with this cars first tank of gas! This car is fun to drive and looks great, wish I got the door edge guards because of how wide the doors open, but you can fin them aftermarket pretty cheap.

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  The Best Machine On The Road! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By melbourne123 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars on the market. Styling, comfort, saftey, performance, maintnance surpass any competitor on the market. I had a 2003 camry before I bought this accord, there is no comparison. The v6 in the accord is a better performer and has better gas mileage. The accord also has better saftey ratings than the accord. Great overall car. I have already put 13,000 miles on the car and havent had one problem.