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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  Owned 15 Years and Still Love It - 1993 Honda Accord
  By mnmpeterson - January 20 - 6:14 pm

  I bought my Accord in 1993 and thought I would keep it 10 years max. Nearly 15 years and over 140K miles later I have no plans on replacing it any time soon. This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its required relatively few repairs although it started to show its age a few years ago needing new clutch, radiator, etc. But you I would expect to replace that kind of stuff on a car this old. The only problems Ive had is with the cruise control that has acted strange from day one. Also the temperature control gets stuck after staying in the same position all summer. Too bad the new Accords seats are too stiff and uncomfortable or I might have bought another one.

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  Favorite one so far - 2003 Honda Accord
  By julie - January 20 - 7:39 am

  This has been my favorite vehicle so far. It is fun to drive and looks great. The interior is designed with the passengers comfort in mind and is very aesthetically pleasing. The car had better options that my Lexus RX300 and a better finish and quality. Living in NY the only problem is in the snow, but I added snow tires and they made a big difference. The handling is tight and the ride is fun and comfortable. I drive 105 miles a day and the V6 has been a lot of fun. The only thing I would have asked for: bluetooth, but I know this is now an option on the newer models. Why I no longer own it? I am buying a 2008 4 Cyl for better gas mileage and I wanted a 4 dr.

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  Quality over aesthetics - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By welshguy - January 19 - 12:12 pm

  With 4 months and 3,000 miles now logged I feel I can offer some insight. With the Honda nameplate you obviously are getting a quality vehicle. Im planning on getting 10 years/110,000 miles out of it and then handing down to my son in elementary school for college use. I did lots of research beforehand and wanted the optional 3rd row w/out having a huge vehicle. Bingo! My colleagues piled in for a trip with the 6 1" guy choosing to sit in the way back. He said he was comfortable...but he didnt look it. They all commented on how much bigger it looked and felt inside than what they thought it would be. I upgraded from a Jeep Gr. Cherokee, and this is hands-down far superior.

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  Fun, Good Power, lacking some features - 2007 Honda Accord
  By S. Paul - January 19 - 7:00 am

  Just got my 07 EX-L 2.4L Graphite Pearl. Very comfortable seats, leather is good quality. A bit sluggish out of the gate normal w/4 cyl. On fwy passes with ease and seems to be in its groove around 2500+rpms. There are 3 things lacking. 1) fog lights should be standard on all EX-Ls. 2)Moonroof should fully open without having to hold the button down 3)Door locks should automatically lock when shifted in into drive and auto unlock when shifted into park. All of these features though can be added to the car later if you really need them. The fog lights are readily available and also electronic after market modules for both the automatic door locks and moonroof.

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  2003 ODY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By MarkinNewark - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey. These are the only two vehicles we have owned where I have agreed to pay full MSRP. That grinds on me from time to time. First ODY was a 1999 and the engine power between the 99 and the 03 is amazing. 50 more horses..Kudos to the Honda engineers. Simply put, we love this van. Resale value much higher than other vans.

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  Great car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Anuj - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are truly great cars....

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  OWNERS OPINION - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MIKE GREGORY - January 19 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT CAR FOR ME ,HOWEVER TH WORST RADIO SYSTEM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY 57 YRS ON EARTH

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  This car dependable and affordable - 2005 Honda Civic
  By JanG - January 19 - 1:55 am

  Great gas mileage. roomy and comfortable.

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  Si is Awesome!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jnick1138 - January 18 - 6:16 pm

  This car rocks!! I traded in an 06 Corolla for this and what a difference. The shifting is smooth, and man does this thing go. I like the interior design. Everything is easy to reach and the two-tiered dash is pretty cool. Lots of standard features, and at a reasonable price.

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  Perfect Commuter Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mark - January 18 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this as a 2nd car solely for commuting. I like it so much I now drive it as my main car. Although slightly underpowered, you never feel worried about your ability to enter freeways or pass. The auto is very quick to find the gear you need. I average 33-35 mpg in mixed driving. The turning circle is very good, which makes parking and maneuvering in the city a snap. Seats are very comfortable. Navigation is better than Jaguar & BMW. Very useful when detouring traffic jams or finding city addresses.