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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  09 Touring--one month & 4,000 miles - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By scott a - November 8 - 6:30 pm

  Wow, this was quite the upgrade from our last vehicle, so it was a little overwhelming with all the options that came with the 2009 Touring with RES. Still havent figured out everything. I was surprised at the size of it when I pulled it into the garage. This vehicle is huge, in a good way. The 8 person seating capability is great. Bluetooth phone is great for my wife who cant drive & hold a phone at the same time. The navigation unit far surpasses the portable one I just bought. I hope my enjoyment of the car continues for many years. I see no major issues yet.

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  The Perfect FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By happy - November 8 - 4:46 pm

  Im happier with this car in the one week that Ive owned it than I was with my Beetle... the first car that I ever loved:) This car is much more practical for todays varied needs. The design puts safety first, and flexibility a close second. This car can be set up like a computer lounge or a comfortable ride for the dogs... I cant say enough good things about it! Also, I just went on a 400 mile trip and was comfortable the entire time listening to my Ipod through the 200 watt speakers... was never bothered with engine noise or felt like I needed to stand up and shake out my legs from sitting too long. And I was smiling at the gas station!

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  Honda scores again! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By marktbeauchamp - November 8 - 6:06 am

  I never thought I would own a Honda Civic because Ive always had bigger vehicles. My last car was a 2002 Ford Explorer. But, the test drive absolutely sold me! It feels bigger than I imagined on the inside with plenty of room (Im 62" and 230 pounds). The newly designed dash almost feels like some kind of futuristic spacecraft with the navi pod. The seats are very comfortable. I have to frequently drive for hours at a time and the fatigue factor is nonexistent! I can go 5 hours without stopping and feel no pain! The navi system is awesome...no more Yahoo or Mapquest for me! My first tank of gas netted me an incredible 39 miles to the gallon (mostly highway). My lowest city milage, 31mpg!

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  Save Your Hard Earned Money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mac 8 - November 8 - 4:51 am

  This car is not fun to drive, bottom line my first trip from the north to Florida the car averaged 34 MPG, car was loaded down and bikes on the back. My Std CRV did 28, this investment was a waste of money, I would return to a CRV in heartbeat. Every overpass it downshifts, underpowered.

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  Air Noise - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sharpes - November 7 - 8:53 am

  The only thing I see wrong with the Pilot is there is no option for a sun roof, and when you have windows down there seems to be a air pocket noise at a certain speed that makes you roll the windows up.

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  2dr- 4cyl- 156k original owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By seabass1224 - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Bought the car new in 03...racked up 156k miles since. Overall a great car, minus a few issues. Reliability is great only issue was a radio display that went out after 100k-Honda paid half. Engine still runs as smooth as when I bought the car. Great acceleration for a 4-banger. The bad: the rattles in the dashboard have been an ongoing issue since the car was new. Sounds like a tap-dancing gerbil lives in my dashboard...seats are pretty stiff, too. Overall, a very good car, minus the rattles. Still getting about 32 mpg- mostly highway. No issues with the manual transmission.

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  Ridiculously good experience - 2006 Honda Civic
  By andrew r - November 6 - 7:10 pm

  105,000 miles, heres my list of issues... oh yeah, ZERO brake pads @ 82k, tires @ 85k (but I definitely overdid it there), oil changes/tire rotations@ 5,000 filters/blades as needed... thats it. Car was worth every penny of MSRP, getting a discount was only icing on the cake.

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  Wheres the compass? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jennifer Richards - November 6 - 12:47 pm

  This van is a dream to drive. I loved my Ford Windstar, but this one is even better with heated seats, sunroof. And 15 cupholders - eight are in the front seat alone! I had auto side doors on the Windstar, but now the auto liftgate is great for shopping. My teenage daughters are thrilled with the XM radio and surround sound. The eighth seat is great for taking large groups to high school events. Great to have third row seats that fold into the floor instead of having to pull them out if you needed to haul anything. Totally, dream vehicle, but I have always used a compass to drive. I had to buy a tacky looking one to get around town.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tam - November 6 - 12:16 pm

  Paid $20,500 before tax for LXP model. Great car, really comfortable and quiet. No problem so far. One complaint , I can never get to around 31 mpg on highway. The best I can get on the highway is around 27 mpg

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  Old Reliable - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By LNMom - November 6 - 11:23 am

  I just passed 116K on my 2002 Odyssey. Still on original engine and transmission. Not a fancy van by any means, but great for our family. My husband actually likes driving it almost as much as his Lexus LS. Considering it is a minivan, it has great handling and is very comfortable. Lots of cargo space. Mostly minor repair issues like batteries and the struts on the liftgate. Otherwise, a really solid car.