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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  Wheres the MPG??? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By New 2004 Owner - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Si. Beat the Mini by a long shot, but I am NOT getting 26/30 MPG. Other than that, I love my car. I look forward to driving it all the time. It rocks. I have the blue - and I have received compliments all the time on how cool it looks. It was a great buy.

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  What a sweet Deal Go Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By shua - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a sweet ride! It has some good horse- power to it, and is great for a first Coupe buyer. The steering it very responsive, the sun roof is great for the sunny days, and the stereo kicks when you need it to. Honda has a fantastic reputation and this is a golden example of that. The 2004 Civic Coupe EX is a great car. Go check it our for yourself!

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  Accord V6 Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By BobCat - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. My previous car was a BMW325ci coupe, so the Honda had a lot to live up to. I immediately replaced the 16" wheels and tires with 17" wheels and better tires. This has made a big difference in handling and driving enjoyment. The stock wheels and tires, in my opinion, are inadequate. I am not speaking as a "motorhead"; but, someone who simply wants a better driving experience. I admit the BMW had a lot of nice features that I got used to and miss; however, I have good value/performance for my money with this car. See improvements. Overall I am very happy with this car.

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  Good but not great - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By skip miller - August 12 - 2:20 am

  electronics in the way of trip meter, digital readouts of computer system is very very limited all you really get is an estimated MPG readout, no elapsed time or average speed or trip information on start engine to stop the engine on a trip. Trip mileage is the same as ti was on my 2001 Chevy pick up truck. There is no way to program what you want to see out of the computer and sensors. The front arm rest are not adjustable there are only a couple of preset positions none of which suit me or my wife. the power seats only go up and down they do not tilt the seat bottom and they are angled just a little to much to the back for my bad back. The analog speedometer and tachometer are white numerals on a light silver background and are hard to see during the day and there is no digital MPH readout only analog. Ride is great, gas mileage is OK. Also i hope you like some shade of silver or black or white because that is the only color that was on the three dealers lots we looked at. All in all not sure why I went ahead and bought the Odyssey!

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  California Coast Highway 1 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Phil - August 11 - 10:41 pm

  I recently returned from the coast in my pre-own certified 2006 S2000. What a blast! The car is nimble yet responsive with cat quick handling. Surprisingly my wife and I was able to transport enough luggage and supplies for the weekend trip with space left over. XM radio reception was fine, but its nothing like the whine of the engine against the redwoods, tight curves and straightaways. The 4-cylinder V-Tech is an absolute monster that leaves me longing for an excuse to head to the coast again. Although I am tall I had no problem with the comfort. In fact the only complaints are tired facial muscles from grinning like a 2-year old, and a sun burn from refusing to let the top up!

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  Really happy with purchase - 2009 Honda Fit
  By austen - August 11 - 10:00 pm

  I have owned my fit for 2 weeks and it is a really awesome car. Im getting no less than 34 mpg, its very peppy, it has bold looks, its very functional with vast cargo space. I researched like crazy before I bought it and i wouldnt have picked any other car. Its resale value should i ever sell it is the highest in its class. The only thing I would have done differently is gotten a different color. Black is cool but theres not enough color in the world so maybe I would have gotten blue instead.

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  Roar baby Roar - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Suny - August 11 - 6:11 pm

  I got my first Honda Truck in January. My PILOT EXL 4WD 500.00 a month. I love my truck quiet powerful roomy and well design. I like everything about the Pilot. You get your moneys worth.

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  95 Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Vehicle - August 11 - 6:05 pm

  Had my civic for 14 years and 270,000 miles later it still going strong. Very reliable and easy to work on. Worth every penny.

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  Happy with Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By weeboo - August 11 - 1:24 pm

  Weve been happy with our Pilot. Were hooked on the XM radio, love the dual zone climate controls and are very impressed with the overall room of the interior. We were looking forward to having the class 3 trailer hitch, but were sorely disappointed with the fact that just the Honda trailer wire harness is $181 dollars for a 2 foot harness under the bumper(?!). Even more disappointed that the connector under the bumper is a goofy connector that NOBODY carries yet. Happy over all though. Well just wait to buy a harness from someone not trying to rip off a customer for an overpriced set of wires. Happy with the handling, but our Pilot pulls to the right on level ground at constant speed

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  As advertised - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hack - August 11 - 10:35 am

  We recently drove from Minnesota to Maine via Canada, down the East Coast and back to the Midwest with our two kids. Most of what you hear about the CRV is true. There is pronounced road noise on rough pavement, though smooth pavement is fine. The engine has pep in city driving, but acceleration can be sluggish and the engine can feel over-matched on highway merging and some hills - passing is fine. The suspension and seats are a bit stiff, the low-beam lights are poor, but the drivers view, cabin lay-out, and the responsiveness of the steering are excellent. Easily fit a months worth of gear. Biggest surprise? Very good mileage 28 - 32 at 70+ on the highway. Not a luxury vehicle.