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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  I LOVE This Car!!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By raisin - October 15 - 11:33 am

  I love this car. I just bought a red one two weeks ago and its soo fun to drive it. Its classy. Thank god I didnt buy the yaris or the versa.

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  I love it!!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By njfamily - October 14 - 3:23 pm

  I had looked at the Siena, but this is by far the better choice.

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  So far, so good... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By golfguy - October 14 - 3:19 pm

  Bought this pilot used about 1 year ago and so far it has met my high expectations. It rides great, has plenty of interior room for anything we want to carry, will pull a medium sized trailer with no problem, and Im happy.

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  Good intro to minivan ownership - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By dad2be - October 14 - 2:45 pm

  Weve had this van for about 6 months now and are very satisfied with our purchase. Just got back from a 3000 mile road-trip to Florida and averaged the EPA stated 23 mpg with a full load. At purchase time, we got almost $6000 off of MSRP (when deals were good prior to cash for clunkers) which certainly influenced our decision and I still think it is a great value. No mechanical problems to date. I read through some other reviews and folks mention the road noise and the way the transmission shifts. Nothing that bothers our family, but do take a long test drive with a mix of city and highway roads before purchasing any vehicle - dont assume youll love it just because its a Honda...

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  Dangerous Operating costs - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Chandra sekhar - October 14 - 2:21 pm

  Never buy a touring. The cost of tires will rip you. 2 touring tires cost $559+taxes+disposal etc. (Costco does not sell it ) and I have been replacing every 20,000 miles. I do drive only city, but so was when I was driving Camry which used to give between 35- 40,000 miles. Even third party warranty excludes tires. Fuel efficiency is in 14-16 mile range and long distance is 21 miles approx. Also AC broke once ($600), exact same repair for three of my friends when the car was about 50,000 miles. Stay away from touring. Buy accessories instead to make it touring without the expensive tires.

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  What a Car........ - 2008 Honda Accord
  By blackmax01 - October 14 - 1:33 pm

  I get a new car about every four years and this is my first Honda. My last three were a Camry a Maxima and a Audi. I waited for 3000 miles to really get a feel for this car before writing this review. With gas getting to 3.50 a gallon I figured I would go for a four banger instead of a six and I am not sorry. This car (big for a 4) has plenty of punch at 190 horses. Getting about 26-27 in mixed driving. The ride is firm but not harsh, It is more comfortable than the Maxima and looks much better than any Camry. Road noise is a little loud, but with a 270 watt stereo who cares! Looks good, rides good, has all the bells and whistles, and Honda dependable, what more can ask for under $25G.

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  Great car, a few quirks - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jason - October 14 - 10:50 am

  I bought brand new and now have 25k miles (lots of hwy miles the first yr). Overall, been a great little car. Havent had any problems except a nagging dash rattle that comes and goes very fun to drive. Tons of space for all my junk. Ive crammed 3 mountain bikes along with people to ride them in it without much problem. Good stereo. Gas mileage is decent, Im getting ~31 city, but that reflects my driving style. It has some quirks and lacks some features other modern cars have, but hey, its an econobox. I would recommend to anyone who needs an inexpensive ride. Our first Honda, wont be the last.

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  Awesome - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Blake - October 14 - 8:06 am

  I got a 2007 Honda Civic a few months ago, and I really have liked it so far. Its reliable, performs well, fun to drive, and has good fuel economy.

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  Pilot or Accord, Mazda or G6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dan - October 14 - 7:56 am

  After much thought, we decided in favor of the 2005 accord ex with cloth. Although the residual value on the Pilot was better, with gas prices on the rise, we chose another accord. Mazda and Pontiac were considered, just briefly before trading in the 2002 special edition. It was the best decision, we realized significant improvements in the vehicle since 2002. I was impressed with all the upgrades, from the increased horsepower to the solid ride. The interior was well appointed and the cabin space slightly larger. Instrumentation was well organized and easy to use. Only one minor regret,the moonroof didnt work. The dealer was aware of a fuse problem, otherwise, very satisfied.

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  hard to steer - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By wtcrv - October 13 - 6:08 pm

  steering wheel feels hard to turn the front wheels. why? horrible technology screen (hard to see, buttons buried deep, doesnt respond, slow speaker, repetitive speaker, not user friendly. is like a fred flinstone computer.