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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  Great Value, deceptive fuel mileage - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dollar_savvy - September 21 - 1:26 pm

  I have had my 09 pilot, touring, 4WD since May 2009 now. We love the interior space with 8 seats. We do not like the plastic on dash board and the whitish center console backing. The Handling can use a lot of work but its a Honda, I guess they think that I will be spending another $20k to make it look/feel like a BMW anyways so why bother. :-) I really did not think that their EPA mileage will be that much off. It says 16/20/18 (city/highway/combined avg), but I am getting just about 250 miles for a full tank of gas, thats about 12/MPG. WOW!!!!

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  Dont buy this car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Roch53 - September 20 - 7:29 pm

  This car is awful. I feel so unsafe in this car plus it is so uncomfortable and I am very short. The car rattles and the mechanics cant find the problem. Gas mileage is not what they say it is. The tires that come with the car do not last. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Brake Problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - September 20 - 12:53 pm

  2006 Civic LX 4Dr Auto. The car ran and handled well. Gas mileage was a little disappointing because the most I got with a highway/city driving ration of 80/20 was 32 mpg. On average I received about 28-30 mpg. My biggest issue with this vehicle was that I had to replace the front brake pads at 7,700 miles and again at 13,500 miles along. The second time the pads were replaced, the rotors had to be replaced as well. I drove mostly freeway miles and I find this unacceptable. After speaking with American Honda and the dealership (the dealer was excellent), they said I should expect to only get between 8k-10k miles out of each pair. I have since sold the car.

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  Like a motorcycle with 4 tires... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BarryO - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 for a bit more than 5 months. The vehicle has been very enjoyable in most areas: The finest 4- Cylinder motor on the planet, great 6- speed shifter, excellent handling. Gas mileage has been between fantastic, between 27 - 29 MPG. Issues? Storage space is a joke (no glovebox...and the storage space between the seats is difficult to get to while driving), and legroom is tight (Im 61"). In the end, theres nothing that really competes with it @ the price: Not the Miata, not the Mustang, not the TT. The Z3 / Z4 are more expensive.

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  Good Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By RaLpH - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to say that this is a great car. Im 16 yrs old and happy to be driving a honda accord. These are the best cars ever, they run forever, Very Good Quality!

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Tim Martin - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive...good balance between power and weight

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  Nice !! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JayandJulie - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is fabulous. The salesman was wonderful. I cant think of anything I would change about either the product or the entire purchasing experience. Thank you so much. I will never drive anything other than a Honda.

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  Not all hondas are reliable - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Johnnytheman - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The car has visited the dealer at least 2 times a month from a faulty leather to the oxegen sensor to the cat converter. i have had to have the keys reprogamed twice and the cars have faulty alignment that creats uneven wear in the tires. this is in fact the worst new car experice by far

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  Power and Build Quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By VWconvertNowHondaMan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  You want a quick fun to drive little sporty car then this is your bet. Yeah the Focus SVT is faster but it is built like something from fisher price. Great seats, great gas miliage for the power and a 5 start frontal and 4 star side impact something the competition cant match. You want mods, you got em! All the way from simple cold air boxes gaining you 12 hp all the way to bolton turbos taking you to 277 hp. Let me tell you, I have the bolt on turbo and not much can match the straight line take off that this little puppy gives me. As for a stock model it is a great little get about with excelent power on the road.

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  VTEC ACCORD - 2002 Honda Accord
  By steve vue - September 20 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT A NIGHTHAWK BLACK 02 ACCORD 4 CYCL. 1ST OWN BRAND NEW CAR. ONLY HAD 17K ON IT. RUNS GREAT ON HIGHWAYS AND CITIES. SMOOTH TRANSMISSION. GREAT EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN. LOVE THE STEERING WHEEL VOLUME AT THE FINGER TIP. AC IS GREAT. STEREO SOUND WITH 6 CD/CASSETTE IS BETTER THAN MOST OUT THERE. GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT! GREAT SERVICE AT FAMILY HONDA. BLACK EXTERIOR COLOR SHOWS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST SCRATCH AS A RESULT NEED TO WASH 2X A MONTH. AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE EASY TO FIND.