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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  Honda Pilot - Very good choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RICHARD IN LAS VEGAS - June 20 - 2:50 pm

  We drove, studied & tested them all! Dealer was great! Got quotes from 20 dealers (within 250 miles) via the internet. Several offered over $4,000 off list. Always ask for the out-the-door bottom line price! The pilots a great open road vehicle. We thought a Toyota Highlander might be a better choice but the interior was smaller & less attractive. Nissan is very competitive but the Pathfinder was too new & unproven. We are retired & would give up the third row seats for more front leg room. Front seats are comfortable but no passenger side power seat. Mileage could be better 18-23 mpg. Gas mileage would be better if Honda had a 2wd option. The engine requires 5-20w weight oil & hard to find.

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  ...for the ride to work - 2007 Honda Fit
  By janet - June 18 - 5:30 am

  so far I have been very happy with my choice. (it was a hard one) There are a lot of this type of car out there but with Hondas rep I thought how could I go wrong. The only prob so far is when the car is fully loaded it only got 32 mpg instead of 35. I really did not need anymore car than this just to drive my 30 miles to work and back. and an occasional trip with friends.

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  Beautiful and Bumpy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Michael in Boston - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Just swithched my 2000 Accord EX for a 2003 Accord EX 4 cylinder with leather. Beautiful appearance in and out (the pk garage guys are taking turns today with it!)- substantially more powerful with stronger brakes. However, EVERY bump is felt significantly. Its pothole season in Boston and now I really know it. Wondering if there is a way to tune the suspension. Herb Chambers dealership in Boston behaved disgustingly during sale- only positive was former salesman (from my last car 3 yrs ago) stepping in to try and salvage dealer reputation.

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  Rear End failed in 7 days - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wayne - June 17 - 10:23 am

  After 5 days the rear end started making noise on turns, i took it back to the dealer on the seventh day. They replaced the rear end differential pump and clutch pack kit. I should have bought an American made car.

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  Poor seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sal - June 15 - 2:43 am

  This is the first that we purchased a Honda, and I am very dis appointed with the seats. As a driver I cannot find a comfortable position and the seat is killing my back. I wish I had test driven this car for a longer period of time and I would not have purchased this car.

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  serious fun in a roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By hirev - June 15 - 2:00 am

  so far after 8000 miles and 6 months this car is near perfect. just oil changes. no oil use. dont beleive what others say about no low end torque. this car goes, and handles, and has a great ride, even for distances. the build quality is excellent. lows:crappy stereo, cramped interior room, twitchy oversteering at limit takes time to master...highs, performance, build quality, features, a/c, gearbox, brakes, engine, rigid mid/front engine designed chassis is second to none. and when you vetc it just screams from 6,0000 to 8200 rpm. this car is not for everyone, just serious roadster carnuts who can appreciate this limited production hand built honda.

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  daughters first car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By djm - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Id seen this car in the neighborhood. My wife and daughter were looking for Jeeps. This car went on the market in the morning and I knew this was the perfect car. Reliable and low maintenance. Fun but practical. I think Ill drive it around town for the economy

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  Almost... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By bob@work - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now and at first I loved it. The longer I drove it the more I noticed one MAJOR flaw, the automatic transmission. The transmission shifts great during steady acceleration but thats all. When coming to a stop the transmission has a long delay before downshifting. When it finally decides to downshift it makes a humming noise, and then slams into gear. This is driving me nuts and the dealer says its normal. Slowing almost to a stop and then step on the gas, you get a few second delay while it looks for the gear it wants, then SLAM it shifts. Now Im stuck making payments on a car I hate. Thank you Honda.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sockpuppet1969 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Bought it because we are having our first kid soon. Will make a great family car. Lots of room, drives great. Awesome gas mileage for such a roomy car. Fun to drive.

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  Great choice - 1998 Honda Accord
  By katyumi - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car. Intetior quality is outstanding, and it handles pretty soundly. The engine is quiet, but road noise on the highway is pronounced. The suspension isnt very good on cracked or bumpy pavement, but not as bad as many cars in the class. The seats in front are comfortable, but the rear seats arent on long trips. Fuel economy is very respectable. No major problems as of yet.