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 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark S. - March 17 - 10:33 pm

  This SUV is great for the family with younger teenagers. Plenty of room and features are great. It handles well and is a great value. It does not get good gas mileage. I have never received the mileage that is posted on it. It gets about 12-17 MPG. It stated 22-28. Big difference. Otherwise, a wise investment.

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  Toms New 2007 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tommy boy - March 17 - 5:06 am

  It looks great; inside & out and is very comfortable. Its a great car for those of us who have saftey in mind. In the city the MPG has been 18-19, lower then expected. On the Hwy its better at 28-30 mpg. The pick up leaves room to be desired. It would of been nice if they had the 6 cylinder option. Overall its style, comfort and fuel ecomomy makes it. Although a little better pick up would of given it higher praises...

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  Good, but No So Good - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DH - March 16 - 9:36 pm

  My new 2007 Honda Odyssey drives and performs relatively well, but there were two key areas where I am simply not satisfied. My biggest disappointment is in the Odysseys horrible gas mileage, far less that what is quoted by Honda. I only get 15 mpg in city. At over $3 per gallon, this is outrageous. I can almost see the fuel gauge dropping as Im driving down the road. In addition, Honda Co. decided to save money at the consumers expense by no longer including basic items like cargo netting, middle row compartment lazy Susan, etc. in their 2007 models, as they have in previous years. It was a let down to find this out after purchasing the vehicle.

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  Nice Little Car w/ Bad Tires - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - March 16 - 4:16 pm

  Ive owned this car for more than a year now. I drive a lot of highway and city mix miles and this car has performed excellent in both city and highway with one exception. The factory Bridgestone tires are absolute pieces of junk and wore out at 17,000 miles. Honda seems to have realized this as the latest Civics Ive seen have Goodyear tires on them. Other than the tires, the car accelerates nicely and is fairly comfortable for two average sized people. The fuel mileage ranges in the 33-34 MPG area no matter how I drive, and I dont drive conservatively. The stereo is excellent as long as you dont want to install XM Radio. That will cost you $500 if you can find someone to do it.

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  Renaissance Coupe - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By ItsaMeMario - March 15 - 2:00 am

  As my faithful coupe approaches 60,000 miles, I began to reflect on the time weve spent together (cue the sentimental music...) Glancing at the Prelude, I concluded that Honda engineers set out to design a sporty coupe that could handle the rigorous demands a driving enthusiast would muster during ownership. Hmm, so what are the daily observances that quench my thirst for excitment? A comparatively torquey inline-4 from Honda which comes alive above the infamous camshaft change point. Amazing Handling - easily the Preludes strongpoint, ATTS gimmickry is actually a reality. I personally vouch for its predictability over overall comfort.

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  I love My Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By rarva_12 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Well the vehicle has been outstanding until the recall was issued for the transmission. Ive had problems with the dealership.

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  hondaaaaas - 2003 Honda Civic
  By sweetmolissa - March 14 - 10:00 am

  great car...fun to drive. I only wish it was a little easier to people to get in and out of the back seat

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  2009 ACCORD V6-NOT SO GREAT! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ELMALO212 - March 14 - 2:16 am

  Ride quality stinks, a lot of wind noise v6 power not so powerful, interior designed its good, a lot of road noise if you are driving on the hwy. Honda not that reliable.

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  My Buddy - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Passport Allegiance - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my Passport. Ive owned it now for 7 years, and at 185,000 miles, it still runs like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  a great little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By MAW - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Not a luxury car, of course, but nice if youre looking for great reliability and some additional cargo room... without guzzling tons of gas.