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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  Still a very good ride - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By John - October 7 - 10:51 pm

  The Honda pilot may have been around for a while but still is very reliable and offers plenty of space and safety comparable to the new CUV .and it is the only CUV that has a true 4x4 ability . It also has great resale value and the look is still appealing like a 4x4 should look not curvy, intruding on the interior headroom . I can fit 8 people in a pinch. Gas mileage isnt bad compared to other CUVs.

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  First Car - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Power - October 7 - 9:59 pm

  A perfect first car, or even a car to just get from point A to point B. My Prelude has 185,000mi on it, and has always started up without a problem. This car is about 16 years old, and still many people tell me how much they like it.

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  Never stranded for 10 years - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Pete - October 7 - 5:11 pm

  Bought as certified Honda with 35k miles. This Accord wagon has never left me stranded. It always started with the exception of one time in the driveway due to an old battery that was defective. I perform regular maintenance, 7.5k mi synthetic oil, 90k timing belts/Water pump, 30k transmission service Honda Z1 ATF, regular brake and other fluid changes. Car runs like new. In the past 3 years have replaced both CV axles (Boots cracked), exterior drive belts (were original), ABS reservoir (leaking seal) and HVAC Evaporator. Also over 10 years replaced two sets of tires and two sets of brake pads and two batteries. Have CD changer and put 4 new 4-way Pioneer TS-A1682R stereo speakers.

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  Fun Little Car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JJJJwill - October 7 - 2:46 pm

  I have had this car a couple week now and i love driving it everyday. This is the second SI Ive own and really like Honda vehicles. The 4door sedan has enough room for my family of 4 with 2 car seats in back. I have been getting on average about 27 MPG and that is with some hard driving every now and then. The beauty about the car is that you can have a fuel economy car and then rev the engine a little higher and get a quick ride. The engine sounds great when your get above 5000 rpm. The 2 tier dash takes a little getting used to but definitely stands out from the crowd. The premium stereo sounds pretty darn good and the interior has a nice fit and finish. Very happy with my SI.

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  Honda CRV 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By sdc - October 6 - 9:51 am

  After owning an 01 Accord EX, 03 Pilot EX/L and 05 Pilot EX-L w/Nav we decided to give the 2007 CRV-L w/Nav a try. I would not have considered it if the wheel was attached to the to the rear, what an improvement, the styling is great. We took it on a trip( round trip, 1800 miles) the CRV performed as we expected-great! The Nav is system is right on the money, what an improvement on the nav system in the pilot.

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  Nice, but Somewhat Over-rated - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rick - October 6 - 5:23 am

  Fun to drive, great mileage on the highway, but in town, it is overrated. I get about 24 in town. Nav feature is great and with the exception of a few new subdivisions, it has exceeded expectations. Mine just got recalled for electric motor battery problems.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michelle - October 5 - 9:13 pm

  I am SO happy with my purchase. I debated between the Sienna and the Odyssey for some time and I am very glad I chose the Odyssey. Feature for feature, the Odyssey is a much better value. The ride is very smooth, steering is tight, seating is comfortable, and the brakes are very responsive. Having never owned a foreign car before, I feel I have been missing out. I am sold on Honda.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By lvchick - October 5 - 3:42 pm

  I didnt fully appreciate my CR-V until I got stuck with a Trailblazer for a rental car. The car is beautiful this is a vehicle that is comfortable enough for long road trips. The standard features (sunroof, 6 disc CD changer, mp3 jack, multiple storage compartments, etc) are endless. I have the AWD model and get 23mpg in the city. Safety features are top rated. And its a Honda--you know itll last! For my lifestyle, (camping, off-roading to get to hiking trails, the dog, the kids, etc.) this is the perfect vehicle. Not only would I recommend the CR-V, I would buy another one.

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  Super Vehicle with One Major Issue - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Peripatetic Nomad - October 5 - 6:16 am

  I took delivery of my new 07 Fit Sport, 5 spd. on September 22, 2007. I have driven about 1800 miles already. I bought this as my commuter car and I will be driving over 40,000 miles a year. Overall, I think its a super vehicle. I could live with little issues such as no lock on the gas cap or the glove box, small fuel tank, etc. The only real issue I have with the car is the tire drumming/thumping over washboard surfaces and sharp bumps (5% of my drive). The ride does not bother me. Its the drumming of the tires that is killing me. Ive lowered my tire pressure to just over 30 psi but it does not make a big difference.

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  I had forgotten driving could be fun! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lisa B - October 5 - 3:16 am

  I have wanted to purchase a Honda for a long time & always ended up buying something else because you could get more "amenities" for the money. Then I bought a Volkswagon Jetta VR6 & got a LEMON! Forget about amenities! This car is awesome. I was worried about driving a car with a manual transmission after driving automatics for 10+ years. No problem, this car makes it fun.