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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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Chris - December 12 - 10:33 am

  This has serious power! I was expecting something little better than gutless. Its a hybrid, afterall. It did 124 mph and had plenty left before I felt I needed to slow it down. I got 26 mpg or so for the first 1000 miles. Im now getting in the high 30s and even topped 40 mpg last week. It wasnt cheap - but Hondas have always held great value for me. Ive owned 6 Hondas to date. Highly recommend the Hybrid.

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  The Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By doug - December 11 - 6:53 pm

  I love my hybrid! It is by far the best car I have ever owned. I have ranged between 40 and 56 miles per gallon. Drive it slow and steady and you will get great mileage.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DJStormX - December 11 - 1:08 pm

  I love the Civic. Best car Ive owned so far with the exceptional gas mileage. Wish Honda could have put a bigger engine or came out with a V6 model for the EX and with a little more standard features. All in all a very great car that will probably last forever.

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  Outstanding Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DT - December 11 - 6:43 am

  Before buying the Accord, I test drove the Altima & Camry. The Camry was very comfortable, but not sporty and the ride was boring. The Altima was sporty, but I chose the Accord over it because itÂ’s a bit larger, and the EX trim had all the options I wanted. I was planning to get the 3.5 L V-6 engine, but after test driving the 4-cylinder (190 HP), I was very content with the pickup! So I saved $2 K upfront and will also save down the road since the 4 cylinder gets slightly better gas mileage. ItÂ’s a great car, spacious, comfortable, fun to drive, and handles very well. I would suggest opting for the body side moldings to help prevent door dings.

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  King of SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Raj - December 11 - 2:26 am

  Has been using this from May 2006. Had around 26K miles. Driven from East Coast to West Cost. Most comfortable to drive. Mileage is 16-20 which is OK for the size of this vehicle. Navigation & rear view camera are the best in its class. While driving in Nebraska at 75MPH. Suddenly We thought the engine was shut off. It was so quiet. If the roads are bad then there is s lot of road noise. The SUV behaves more like a car then an SUV. I used it in almost all weather conditions, The vehicle is rock solid. Use the vehicle for 3 months. Then it becomes a part of your life. I heard similar comments from other owners. The only flip side is No iPod Jack & DVD entertainment.

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  Honda Reliability & Practicality - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By hysport - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, responsive engine with 25/26 MPG, peppier than my previously owned 97 Accord..no need for 6 cyl. Ride is excellent for a small wheelbase, handling is terrific. Practical features include easy access storage for groceries, etc. and simple fold down rear seats. Shorter drivers will find visibilty vastly improved over lower riding cars. Lot of storage spaces plus plenty of room for 3rd/4th passengers.

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  So excited!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tava - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is just amazing!! Great family car and is so comfortable to drive and ride in. Navigation is so useful.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By BLL - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife is the primary driver and she loves the car. I have driven it several times and find it fun to drive. Very smooth shifting transmission. Peppy 4 cylinder engine. The exterior design is a little bland but the interior design and quality are excellent. The one significant thing lacking is that the controls on the steering wheel are not illuminated.

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  Great Mini Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Careylori - December 9 - 5:00 pm

  Only had the Odyssey a couple of weeks but Im very impressed. The Nav. is Awesome! Havent had a chance to check the gas mileage out yet. One this extra that the nav. does that the book wont tell you is you can pull up Religious Organizations. Under Places go to Advanced and put in Religous Organization. We have a small Church and it was even listed. Thats good for Church goers.

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  One of the best - 2006 Honda S2000
  By ron howard - December 9 - 4:31 pm

  The S2k is one of the most cars for your money available today. The 4 cylinders punch out only a few horses less the the Porsche boxter. Those idiots who say "it needs a v6 or a v8" are not true car enthusiasts or knowledgeable in the field of roadsters. The 4 cylinders in the S2k outperform the Maybach V6 in the Eclipse and the same for the RX-8. This is a great car!