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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  No Buyers Remorse - 2006 Honda Civic
  By barefootisland - November 16 - 7:33 pm

  Best decision I ever made. My 4-dr AT Civic EX is wonderfully designed, very responsive, every detail is carefully attended to. Its absolutely the best car in the world. I had my heart set on a Toyota, but no more. I consistently get 38 mpg. I do a lot of highway and city driving and 38 mpg is wonderful! I cant stress how happy I am with this car.

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  Fun to drive, great gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve-VB/VA - November 16 - 11:29 am

  Good acceleration for a low hp car. Great gas mileage, I average well over 40 mpg. Handles nicely, tight. Good visibility. Holds a lot of stuff for a little car.

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  second pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By akschaf - November 15 - 11:56 pm

  We traded our 2003 EX-L in for a 2005 EX -L-Nav. I very impressed with the improvements made, sunroof, more power, heated seats and heated mirrors along with other changes. The nav system works great. We had the 2003 for approximately 2 years 4 months and put on approx 33,000. We had some trouble under the warranty, I was never comfortable with the transmission and felt it was best to trade in. I would recommend to all.

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  Love It - 2013 Honda Accord
  By frqntbyr - November 15 - 7:19 pm

  I just picked it up yesterday, so I have to wait to judge the reliability, but I love what Ive seen so far. Drove Acura TSX, 2013 Altima, Rogue and CRV..this beats them all for features and value hands down. Very smooth ride..voice response system easy to learn...while interior not as luxurious as the Acura, the standard features are more numerous in the Accord. I will update this with actual MPG after a few tankfuls.

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  Those BLASTED tires! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Marianne - November 15 - 2:34 pm

  This is my 2nd Odyssey Ive purchased and overall I am very pleased. The navigation system is a pleasure to have but sometimes it does very dorky things like make stupid lengthy detours around established routes that make no sense. Also new establishments are not available to find. Now the tires are another matter. My previous odyssey needed new tires at ~65,000 miles for approx. $600 but my new one needs 4 new PAX tires now at 40,000 miles at a cost over $1000 which are difficult to find and install except at the dealership! Extremely frustrating and aggravating but otherwise I only brag about all its other good features.

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  Element of Surprise - 2003 Honda Element
  By elementoffun - November 15 - 2:00 am

  It took me a while to warm up to the unique styling of the Element, but I must say I am very impressed! It is extremely roomy and comfortable; I would say moreso than many luxury full size sedans. I am so blown away with this Honda that I am replacing my other vehicle with an Accord. If you spill something , it cleans up easily. I strongly suggest getting the EX versus the DX. You get a lot more options for not much more money (awesome sound system, alloys, AC, waterproof seats).

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  In Honda Heaven - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smokehouse - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I intentionally waited awhile after purchasing before giving my review, so the novelty of owning such a vehicle wore off. However after about 6 months I am very pleased. Its a pleasure to drive. Spend the money and youll be glad come trade in time. The extra I paid for the DVD player more than paid for itself when I was cohersed into taking the in-laws on a trip. Popped in a John Wayne Flick and never heard a peep from Mommy and Daddy Dearest. Oh ya the kids dont fight half as much either.

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  Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Musikar - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car just needs a few improvements. 1. Gear Shifter gets in the way of radio making in hard to reach programmed radio buttons. 2. Road Noise. Sometimes sounds like a window is open. Try opening the moonroof feel the air come thrrough the electric window openers on the drivers side door. 3. Radio could sound better. 4. small glove box.

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  Just want to keep driving - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Love This HONDA - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, this is the second Honda Accord I have owned, and this is byfar the best. Owned a Nissan Altima (new) for 8 months and hated it, had to trade for this car, would do it again in a heartbeat.

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  5 months on - 2006 Honda Civic
  By extra__o - November 15 - 12:50 am

  Weve had our 2006 EX sedan (manual trans) for 5 months now. Gas mileage in town runs 35-38 mpg, and on trips where I can use the cruise control weve gotten over 43 honest to God mpg with the A/C on all the time. --On regular gas mind you, and no pokin along, either. Im talkin 75-80 miles per hour cruise (here in Mexico thats pretty standard highway speed). I also cant believe the NYT reviewer actually drove the car and complained about the acceleration - the car does 0-60 in about 8 & 1/2 seconds. That wont intimidate any Maserati owners, but itstill quicker than 90% of everything else on the road.