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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  luv it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By hapeinTN - August 11 - 9:00 am

  Bought it used in 03 with 77k and have never looked back. Its the only car I have ever owned that I can actually drive all day and not have back and leg fatigue. It has performed flawlessly. After hearing others who owned Hondas, rant and rave about their reliability, I now have to agree with them. Two years later and 35000 miles, no issues! Our last car was a Sable wagon which by the same mileage was on its second tranny and numerous other issues. Thanks Honda for providing such wonderful vehicles with such outstanding value!

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  Bad tires, noise problems and hesitation - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JPC - August 11 - 8:58 am

  I have gotten 30, 000 miles on the "no flat" tires by driving longer than I should. $1200 to replace. Car hesitates at 60 - 65 mph. Dealer says this is normal. Air noise is bad in the car. Brakes have been replaced twice. They finally got it right at my expense. The gas mileage is no better than 14 mpg in town driving. I have owned many Hondas and this is the first one that has been a total bad experience.

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  Excellent except transmisison - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - August 11 - 8:11 am

  We bought this van early in 07 with between 70 and 80,000 miles. It was really clean and nice. It drives and handles nice. However just a couple weeks ago while driving on the highway the transmission started acting up. We took it in to get checked out and now we have to rebuild the transmission and hand over another 3 thousand dollars. I was very disappointed -definitely not what I expected from a Honda and for the year, mileage and price we paid for it, this should not be happening. Only other complaint is the sliding doors. They are slow and cant be stopped midway. If the electric is off for some reason or the doors are stuck they are very, very hard to operate.

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  2.5 years later - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Matt - August 11 - 7:49 am

  I remember seeing this car when it debuted at the auto show in 1999 and said Im getting that. I bought the car new, and after 2 and a half years and 25k miles its still like new. The car handles like a dream, Ive driven it on the track and the "Tail of the Dragon" and it never ceases to amaze me. For Jim the previous review, the brakes do not fade if you upgrade the brake fluid to a high temp fluid. I rarely have the stereo on, and the gas mileage when looking at the cars performance and motor, its to be expected. Buy a civic if those bother you. The car definitely followed where the s800 left off.

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  Little bit of everything - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Seg - August 11 - 6:30 am

  I stepped out of an 04 S2000 to accommodate growing family and this has been the right choice. The car looks great, built very soundly, great performance for what it is and what it costs. Its a lot of fun to drive, and this is coming from a guy who has had cars w/400+hp and an S2000. The dual chrome exhaust pipes look good and remind me of my past sports cars. The leather is comfortable, the sound system is great, interior and exterior styling is slick, and the ride is smooth. Plus its a honda so you know its going to last you well beyond its warranty. Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a well-rounded commuter car that is fun to drive.

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  First Impressions - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Pete Vauter - August 11 - 5:40 am

  Just picked up my new Honda LX-P last week. Very nice so far. Extremely roomy, front and rear. Rides very well. Fairly solid build, not quite as solid as Passat I traded. Too early to tell on gas, but advertised good mileage. Very pleased so far. Good if looking for a roomy car. I am 62" and have no problem sitting in back with front seat all the way back

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  satisfiled owner of civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By civicowner - August 10 - 10:53 pm

  Overall satisfied with the purchase of my 2008 Civic LX. Got four quotes from the dealers using edmunds.com. The price range varied about $1000 from the lowest to highest. Obviously I went with the lowest quote and closest dealer to my home. Happy with the overall quality, style and price.

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  Great little ride - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Steve R. - August 10 - 7:48 pm

  I used this site repeatedly when deciding on which car to buy, so I feel obliged to give my opinion on a car that I contemplated for 2 years. After 3,500mi I havent been disappointed. I am a 63" caterer. The car provides more usable space than my wifes Toyota Sienna. Great stereo. Turns on a dime. My first tank of gas gave me 38 mpg. Since then it has ranged from 32 to 38. I love the navigation and instrument panel. The only complaint I have is that the front end is a bit low and you need to be careful not to scrape the bottom when backing off a steep incline onto level ground. Otherwise its been the perfect vehicle for urban/suburban driving.

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  The Fit Is Fab!! Fun!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By toscabella - August 10 - 5:58 pm

  The Fit is a wonderful car. The design is fantastic. I purchased with a stick shift/manual and the drive with the stick shift versus the automatic is like night and day! Test driving with stick is what sold me on buying the Fit ultimately, instead if buying the Toytoa Matrix. My only gripes: 1) the pick -up is a little sluggish, 2) the interior has an incredible dashboard and over-all design, HOWEVER there is no "CARPET" just some strange black felty substance and they put FABRIC on the armrest portion of the doors. I also would like the option of a sunroof. Get all your accessories on EBAY and save a fortune! MY red sporty Fit is lulitma!!! Really FUN TO DRIVE IT IS TRUE!!

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  AIR BAG - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kanchan616 - August 10 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive. Good mileage. Nice and sporty. My friends love this car, Ofcourse I do TOOOO. Best for parking in NEW YORK CITY.